Thrive Beyond Stress with a Mantra

How much stress can you take before a meltdown?

The science of Metallurgy can analyze a substance for stress resistance. In the Tensile test a piece of metal is pulled apart until it begins to deform, providing the Ultimate Tensile Strength. In the Compression test concrete is squeezed until it fractures or deforms. These readings are essential for building safe and functional structures or equipment. Most of us don’t want to drive across a bridge that will collapse under the load!

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                There is not a test for how much emotional stress a human can handle before we “deform or fracture.” Each of us brings a different level of resistance that has been shaped by our past experiences, personality, and culture.

                Claiming a Mantra that shapes our thoughts provides one way to build greater stress resistance. Let me offer some Mantra examples from the Bible that are not proof-texts but express the context and meaning for our needs.

When dealing with Regret: “Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past.” (Isaiah 43:18) You can’t change anything that happened yesterday. Bury it and leave it in the grave.

When feeling Worthless: “He who did not spare his own son…Will he not give us all things with him?” (Rm 8: 31-32) God has counted me worthwhile. Receive his blessing

When feeling Grief from a loss: “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5) Grief is a journey of accepting the loss and creating a new normal that returns the joy of life.

When feeling Powerless facing a challenge: “The Spirit helps me in my weakness.” (Romans 8:26). God knows I am weak and it’s OK to not perform masterfully every aspect of life. I need help.

When facing a Failure: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). I am a messed up, miss-the-mark, bad, imperfect person and will be that way all of my life. I’m not going to punish myself for imperfection or build a façade to hide it.

Mantras make a difference when we build them into everyday life. Work on memorizing the simple phrase. You could print it and posting it on your mirror or place it on your smart phone lock screen. Repetition is the key ingredient to lock the truth into your mind.

Like all Scripture, there is a divine energy within the words. The Spirit constantly works with us, drawing us forward and providing guidance. Our job is to listen! A mantra opens our ears to hear just when we need it most.