Laura Coburn, Inns of Aurora Director of Serenity and certified Ayurveda Health Counselor, provided three mantras to help planners conquer the day—from the morning to the evening. “Our minds are built to think, it’s what they do. Our thoughts create our words, and our words become our actions. The mantra we chose will steer our thoughts in a purposeful direction,” Coburn says.
1. Morning Mantra While Getting Ready for Work:
In the morning, I like to choose a mantra that will inform how I move through my day. One of my favorites is, “Walk slowly; tread lightly; be kind.” When we slow our pace, we are more effective and make wiser choices than when we are rushing about. Treading lightly can apply to the impact we leave in our wake. It reminds us to be mindful of the energy we are giving off and expending. We can apply this to the environment as well as interpersonal relationships. Being kind is always a good idea—one never knows what someone else may be struggling with. It also boosts our self-esteem.
2. Afternoon Mantra to Promote Focus and Productivity:
In the afternoon, I stay productive and focused by using the mantra, “Just this, just now.” I like this because I tend to get overwhelmed when I have too much on my plate. It’s hard for me to see the forest for the trees. Saying to myself, “just this,” helps me clear away the clutter and focus on the task at hand. “Just now” helps me hunker down and lean in, even if I only have 10 minutes to make a dent in a deadline.
3. Evening Mantra to Wind Down from the Day:
At the end of the day, I know I need to let go to allow for optimal sleep. If my mind is particularly busy I track back through my day, recall each event and “put it to bed.” Once I finish this ritual, I say to myself over and over, “Now I rest. Now I digest. Now I heal.”
For more from Inns of Aurora, check out our article on eight hotels that are pulling out all the stops to give planners better sleep.
