By Frances Armstrong 

Writer/Reporter 

Mantra, Meditation, and Affirmations! 

“For Hope, for destination, in this institution I pray every single day for revolution!” 

“Trying to get up that big hill of Hope!” quote from song by Four Non- Blondes.  

I love these quotes by Four Non-Blondes to help us all relate to what’s going on! Don’t we all feel this way lately? I know I do! Let us do something positive about it. It is all about adding some daily meditation, mantras, and affirmations.  

As we all have been facing these challenging times of frustration, pain, grief, democracy, trust, and freedom, we all need to find a way to escape within our own selves, a way to find peace and enlightenment. Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anger, frustration? Do you need time for yourself to separate chaos from your everyday life struggles? These morning routine tips can help reset, focus on better days, and add to a great start to your day, which can better your self-esteem and lower your stress levels which equals a better you and better relationships. The simplest changes to one’s routine can bring much more simplicity and happiness to your days. 

We need to remember the importance of taking care of our bodies, minds, and spirit. Make more time for yourself; less stress means you should focus on moments that bring laughter and happiness to your day. Let us talk about ways to start your day that can bring the most ‘choose me’ moments to yourself and others. We’re going to call it the “What’s Up” morning routine. 

To start your day, you can repeat a positive mantra during or after meditation. For instance, you can try saying, “Today I begin gently, honestly. I Begin calmly. I Begin again.” Start with breathing practices daily at the beginning of your day or at the end of your day. Breathe in for four seconds and breathe out for six seconds. When your day seems overwhelmed, simply take a moment of silence and repeat the mantra. This helps you to regain focus and destress in the mind.  These three positive affirmations added to your day can keep the day balanced. These guided words can be used to correspond to your day. 

Keep it Simple: 

Fulfill the day with something simple, focusing on what you need to do for today or right now in the moment. For instance, on Mondays you could do laundry, and while you have a load going, you can do an activity like writing, reading your favorite book, or anything that brings you joy. Like my cousin Larry used to say, “ Keep it simple.“ 

Nourishment: 

Always remember to hydrate as drinking enough water can help with brain fog, promote better skin health, and reduce cravings. Build your plate with healthy foods, proteins, fruits, and veggies. Daily exercise can help with stress. Dance it off. Walk it off. Write it out. Shout it out! Nourish today the mind, body, and soul for a healthier and well-balanced tomorrow.  

Take the time for grace, peace, love, and laughter.