Abundance Challenge Day 19 and 20, The Power of Mantra

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(Edited)

I have been successful in putting my inner critic aside, despite the fact that the underlying optimism in Chopra's guided meditation is very different from my personal philosophy. When I began this journey, I recognized that I needed some deprogramming from our cut-throat society, so I deemed it appropriate to indulge in pure positive thought.

I am really nearing the end of this wonderful challenge organized by @plantstoplanks and influenced by a phenomenon created by Deepak Chopra. Although the challenge ended a while ago, I have received terrific support from the #naturalmedicine tribe, allowing me to take my time.

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For this self-help piece of art, me and my mother who has joined me along this journey, wrote the words digitally on a traditional composition as to preserve the wash.

The exercise for day 19 consists of finding things we like about ourselves.

  • We love Abundance
  • Our sense of humour
  • Our resilience
  • Our gentle kindness
  • Our voice
  • Our friendship
  • Our cooking skills
  • I see my uniqueness in the eyes of my friends and family

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It has been amazing to work spiritually and see how beneficial it is find validation for myself when I am so used to expecting it to come from others.

I tend to lucid dream in my natural state but the narrative escapes me like sand between my fingers. As much as I like to encourage everyone to start a dream journal, I have yet to take the time to properly do it, but they do live on my blog.
I clenched on to this memory waking up this morning.

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I remember being a gay preacher at a bar in his CK underwear but wearing a top. Jay Lo was waiting for me at the door for some reason. Not sure what makes one preacher more gay than another but I wasn't aware that I was in my underwear at first, so I guess my character was really Fringesque if you know what I mean.

I recently went to a Kirtan, a multi-faith mantra singing session accompanied with musicians.

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It reminded me of my childhood when my parents brought me to an ashram of the Siddha yoga, the same spiritual movement that inspired the book Eat Pray Love. There too, I sang mantras with my little brother to my heart's content. I remember there being a show with clever dogs doing tricks, a night of 1000 lanterns for Gurumayi's birthday (her 40th maybe), and the Ramayana, a reenactment of the legends of Rama and Sita where the actors were all painted in blue.

It was a very powerful experience but also one of ordinary living, full of people who made mistakes, despite their quest for enlightenment. I was fascinated by the Fallsburg locale 130 kilometres northwest of New York City but the mosquitoes made it mighty hard to meditate outside. The woods and the lake made for a serene experience while the Hindu statues and the luminous meditation hall added mystery. I remember a mantra chant where it was raining over one part of the hall while the other bathed in sunlight, it was truly magical.

I am both grateful for the early spiritual headway and that this chapter of my life was short and sweet. This later helped me fit into mainstream society whereas a longer stay might have gotten in the way of the social integration ahead.

On the other hand, I had just gone to school in a rural environment so my horizons were essentially broadened.

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The Kirtan last night felt like a deep scrub of the soul. After having sung in a choir just before, my voice seemed to fly away in the larger soundscape. There was a level of improvisation backed by a fantastic array of musical instruments and amplified vocal leaders. It sounded amazing although sometimes a little cheesy.

These are the mantras that we sang:

  • Om Mani Padme Om, Buddhist (I learned it is pronounced pamé)
  • Hine ma tov uma na - yim Shevet achim gam ya-chad, Hebrew
  • Madana Mohana Murari, Haribol Haribol Haribol
  • Be Still and Know That I Am God
    I Am That I Am, and God is I (not my cup of tea)
  • Alaha Amin, Aramean
  • Om Namah Shivaya, Hindu
  • Om Tare Tuttare Ture Swaha, Buddhist

My favourite thing about holistic medicine is that it is preventative. In my experience, it will immediately boost self-regulation; after all, chakras are linked to major endocrine glands for a reason. In that sense, mindfulness and holistic medicine go hand in hand because increased attention to self will help notice the positive effect of rituals, concoctions, etc.

If you are looking for a quick fix, you may fail to notice the positive impact on your health.

Chopra's meditations, the hallmark of the challenge, also included mantras. I believe the hidden power of the Sanskrit phrases has given me courage and a feeling of being in charge of my destiny. Having not studied Sanskrit, I must admit to a level of blind faith but @bewithbreath has educated me quite a bit on the subject with their guided meditations which were truly hidden gems.

A love that is synonym with compassion is one that transcends the barriers between living beings. I hope that this series has helped you nurture that kind of love. You can look forward to the final entry very soon!

Thank you for being there with me!

Day 1 and 2

https://steempeak.com/naturalmedicine/@edouard/abundance-challenge-day-1-and-2

Day 3

https://steempeak.com/naturalmedicine/@edouard/abundance-challenge-day-3-with-vegan-lentil-soup-recipe

Day 4

https://steempeak.com/naturalmedicine/@edouard/abundance-challenge-day-4-family-first

Day 5 and 6

https://steempeak.com/naturalmedicine/@edouard/abundance-challenge-day-5-and-6-less-is-more

Day 7 and 8

https://steempeak.com/naturalmedicine/@edouard/abundance-challenge-day-7-and-8-pranayamahahaha

Day 9 and 10

https://steempeak.com/naturalmedicine/@edouard/abundance-challenge-day-9-and-10-i-wanted-happiness

Day 11

https://steempeak.com/naturalmedicine/@edouard/abundance-challenge-day-11-mum-n-son

Day 12 and 13

https://steempeak.com/naturalmedicine/@edouard/abundance-challenge-day-12-and-13-lucid-dreaming

Day 14

https://steempeak.com/naturalmedicine/@edouard/abundance-challenge-day-14-how-can-i-help-how-can-i-serve

Day 15 and 16

https://steempeak.com/naturalmedicine/@edouard/abundance-challenge-day-15-and-16-loosing-interest-in-politics-fr

Day 17 and 18

https://steempeak.com/@edouard/abundance-challenge-day-17-and-18-grateful-for-what-is-invisible

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According to the Bible, Are you one of the apostles of Jesus? Why do you preach?

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I took part in this challenge in December, away from the platform and I found it so beneficial, firstly taking that time for myself and then expressing my gratitude for myself and others. That is so important. I love how you are sharing your journey and sharing your wonderful insights along the way. What a wonderful experience you had as a child attending the ashram of the Siddha yoga. Thanks also fro sharing those mantra's, I really enjoyed the ones in the abundance challenge. Best wishes @trucklife-family.

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It really was a wonderful experience at the Siddha yoga and one that has helped set me apart from the sleeping masses in that I can use many spiritual tools to deal with any challenge I encounter.

Thank you @trucklife-family, your encouragements are much appreciated. I feel like I am in intelligent company with you and that is a wonderful feeling! It is exquisite to learn the ropes of this ever evolving platform with you day by day. I am grateful to you and your family in light of this experience.

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I am actually kind of pleased you didn't finish at the same time as others because I love this extended reminder of what a wonderful journey the Abundance Challenge is! I adore the little look into your life and relationship with your mother and still am so enamored with her spirit. I did giggle a bit with the specific reference of the CK underwear. Love it!

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