Using Mantras to Stop Letting Your Thoughts Run Amok
Our minds can be chaotic, like a whirlwind of constant activity. Thoughts rush at us faster than we can process them, and often it feels like our brains are running on overdrive. This mental chatter can lead to anxiety and overthinking, generating unnecessary stress. Stress is a response designed for short-term emergencies, but chronic activation prevents the body from returning to its baseline. Much like our bodies, our brains naturally gravitate toward the path of least resistance. This usually means heading toward negativity, fear, and stress—survival mechanisms hardwired into us. But what if you could break free from this cycle? What if you didn’t have to listen to every thought or let your brain drag you down paths that don’t serve you?
Your Thoughts on Autopilot
Many of us weren’t taught how to manage our thoughts growing up. We were never shown that just because a thought enters our minds, it doesn’t mean we have to act on it or even believe it. Instead, we passively follow wherever our minds take us, as if we’re passengers in our own heads. More often than not, our mind’s default setting is set to worry, fear, and self-doubt.
Our thoughts are shaped by our past experiences and traumas, creating a lens through which we process the world. This lens doesn’t always reflect the present moment; instead, it’s based on conditioned responses from the past, making it inaccurate. Enter the anxious brain—constantly alert to potential dangers. But here’s the catch: our brains don’t always distinguish between a real physical threat (like a bear charging at us) and an emotional one (like feeling embarrassed after oversharing in a conversation).
As a result, we can become stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts, stress, and anxiety. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
You Can Choose Your Thoughts
“If you believe it will work, you’ll see opportunities. If you believe it won’t, you will see obstacles.” — Wayne Dyer
One of the most liberating realizations is that you don’t have to believe everything your brain tells you. You are not obligated to listen to every thought that enters your head, especially the ones that trigger negativity. The good news is that with practice, you can begin to separate yourself from your thoughts, intentionally choosing those that are helpful, grounding, and positive.
This is where mantras come in. By using mantras, you consciously decide how to respond to your thoughts, rather than simply reacting.
The Power of Mantras
A mantra is like a personal cue that brings you back to your center, reminding you of your strategies and helping you refocus. Whether it’s a phrase that encourages you to breathe, a positive affirmation to repeat during moments of anxiety, or a reminder of your strengths, mantras steer your thoughts in a productive direction. They break you free from autopilot mode, creating space between life’s stimulus and your response. Instead of mindlessly reacting, you can consciously choose how to respond, helping you stay grounded and focused.
Don’t Live on Autopilot: Choose Your Response
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” — Marcus Aurelius
Life often feels as if it’s happening to us, but in reality, we have the power to influence how we experience and respond to events. By using mantras, you can step out of the passenger seat and into the driver’s seat of your life. Instead of letting your thoughts run wild and dictate your reactions, you gain the freedom to pause, reflect, and choose your response.
You don’t have to live in a constant state of reactivity. By creating space for yourself and using mantras, you train your brain to slow down and think before reacting. Over time, this practice helps you regain control over your thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, your life.
Take Control of Your Thoughts
You have the power to shape your mindset. By using mantras, you can create the space you need to live more consciously and intentionally. Start today and take control of your thoughts, guiding your mind toward a more peaceful and focused place.
Mantras to Try:
I Am Not My Thoughts.
Just Because I Think It, Does Not Make It True!
What Thoughts Do I Want to Focus On Today?
Is That True?
