As a young girl, I was truly blessed to have grandparents who were absolute pillars of wisdom and strength. My grandfather, Dadoo, as I fondly called him, would often share his thoughts on the power of the mind to overcome life’s challenges. “It’s all about mind over matter, my dear,” he’d say, his eyes gleaming with a lifetime of hard-earned insight.

Back then, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of his words. But as I grew older and faced my own struggles, his teachings began to resonate with me in ways I hadn’t imagined. Now, I feel honoured to share the wisdom my grandparents passed on. Here, I’ll explore three powerful practices that can help you harness the incredible potential of your mind and create the life you truly desire.

Harnessing the Power of Presence

One of the most profound lessons my grandparents taught me was the importance of living in the present. It’s so easy to get swept up in our thoughts, whether we’re dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. But Dadoo would often remind me, “The only moment that truly matters is the one you’re in right now.”

When we’re caught up in regrets or anxiety, we miss the richness of the present. That’s why I recommend cultivating the art of presence as a foundational step in practising mind over matter.

The 5-Senses Exercise

1. Find a quiet moment in your day, even if it’s just a few minutes. Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
2. Begin to tune in to your senses, one by one. What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel against your skin?
3. Challenge yourself to identify five distinct sensations, taking your time with each one. As you do, feel your mind becoming more grounded and centred in the present.
4. Once you’ve identified five sensations, open your eyes and take a moment to observe your surroundings with fresh eyes.

This simple exercise is a powerful way to calm the mind and bring your awareness back to the present. Over time, practising presence can have a profound impact on how you navigate life’s challenges, allowing you to respond with clarity, creativity, and resilience.

The Transformative Power of Affirmations

Another key aspect of my grandparents’ teachings was the power of affirmations. They believed that the language we use, both internally and externally, profoundly shapes our reality.

Crafting Empowering Affirmations

1. Identify an area of your life you’d like to transform – be it your health, relationships, or career.
2. Craft a simple, present-tense affirmation that reflects your desired outcome. For example, “I am healthy and vibrant,” or “I am confident and successful in my work.”
3. Repeat your affirmation regularly, either out loud or silently to yourself, infusing it with emotion and conviction as though it’s already true.
4. Consider creating a visual reminder, like a note or image, to reinforce your affirmation throughout the day.

Affirmations aren’t a quick fix, but with consistent effort, they can truly rewire our beliefs and expectations. By actively affirming the reality we wish to create, we start to shift our mindset and align our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours with that desired outcome.

The Healing Power of Mantras and Music

Alongside presence and affirmations, my grandparents also emphasised the transformative potential of mantras and music. She encouraged me to find a mantra or song to anchor myself in moments of stress or uncertainty.

Discovering Your Personal Mantra or Song

1. Reflect on words, phrases, or lyrics that resonate deeply with you. What messages bring you calm or inspiration?
2. Experiment with different mantras or songs, and pay attention to how they make you feel. Notice any shifts in your mood, energy, or perspective.
3. Choose a mantra or song you can easily remember and repeat throughout the day, using it whenever you need grounding or a dose of inspiration.
4. Consider creating a playlist or setting up a calming space at home to engage with your chosen mantra or song regularly.

Whether it’s a simple affirmation like “I am relaxed and at peace,” or a song that fills your heart with joy, these tools can be powerful allies in your pursuit of mind over matter. By tapping into the healing power of sound and rhythm, you can cultivate a deep sense of inner calm and resilience, even amidst life’s challenges.

Embracing the Journey of Mind Over Matter

Reflecting on my grandparents’ wisdom reminds me of the profound truth at the heart of mind over matter: our thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions shape our reality. In a world that can feel overwhelming at times, presence, affirmations, and mantras offer us a pathway to resilience and inner peace. When we take control of our minds, we unlock our innate adaptability, allowing us to create the life we truly desire.

I encourage you to embrace this journey with an open heart and a curious spirit. Try out these practices, and be patient as you navigate the ups and downs. Remember, the true power lies not in perfection but in the willingness to show up, day after day, and do the work.

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