Here….I am.

I found myself introducing a new mantra recently. In my yoga class, we move intermittently between intense poses and savasana (a period of recovery where we rest in stillness for 20 seconds). It was in this “cycle” where I first learned the power of letting go.

Let go of the posture you just left, release any consternation that may be present of the posture that is upcoming and just BE. (And, in the case of bikram yoga, do it pretty quickly because the savasana is only 20 seconds long!)

Now years later, in each bikram yoga class, I still practice intentionally over the 20+ savasanas we have each class - to let go of what was, connect with my breath and just be.

It was here, in one of my savasanas, that I found myself gently repeating in cycle with my breath….HERE (on the inhale), I AM (on the exhale). “Here” was a reminder to let go and just be here. “I am” was a reminder that I had nothing to do. I could, and should, just relax and receive.

We learn in mindfulness meditation that the breath is a powerful anchor for settling our attention. Sometimes, a mantra or a gentle mental whisper helps a very busy brain let go and just settle into the breath. Today, that mantra helped me connect more intentionally to my breath, when my body was aching and wanted to whine and complain and worry.

The cool thing was, I just tried that mantra again on a walk with my dog.

“Here” as I inhale. Breathing in all that life has to offer. Feeling the invigorating air fill my lungs. I’m here. I’m alive. I’m grateful.

“I am” as I exhale. Releasing any worry that has crept in. Any thought that is knocking at my mental door. Settling with that breath into the simpleness of a body that is walking. Dropping back into my body to fully enjoy the sensation of walking.

So, my musing today, is that mantras can be exceptionally helpful. Both in formal meditation when your mind keeps disconnecting from the experience of presence, of breathing. As well as informally when you want to reconnect with the joy and aliveness that is right in front of you.

Play around with it and see what might work for you.