The power of a mantra

“Erase the false impressions from your mind by constantly saying to yourself, I have it in my soul to keep out any evil, desire of any kind of disturbance – instead, seeing the true nature of things, I will give them only their due.  Always remember this power that nature gave you.” 

– Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 8.29

I first head about mantras while I was learning about business and management.  I always viewed them as short missions statements or political one-liners and product tag lines like “1000 songs in your pocket”. Essentially, used as internal corporate marketing that allowed people to make decisions at any and every levels of the organization, while keeping the goals and objectives in line.

In essence, that is essentially correct – a word or phase intended to provide clarity  or spiritual guidance.  I have try and create a annual mantra, starting each year by sitting and clarifying some objectives and then defining a short phrase that allows me to stay focused on those objectives along the way.  This year, is “make it happen” – a year where I start putting aside my hesitations and push forward again some of my long time goals.

However, I think the discussion this week surrounds a more spiritual and deeper aspect direction for your life.  An everyday reminder to keep out distractions of life and focus on the things that are important and true.

“I have it in my soul to keep out any evil, desire, or any kind of disturbance – instead, seeing the true nature of things, I will give them only their due.”

What can you come up with?  I know I am going to dwell on this a little more.