mantra muse

A couple of months before the Covid-19 quarantine shut down, I had set out like many others to make the best of the year 2020. One of the few things I had set out to do was to get what I wanted (or thought I wanted) out of life and in order for that to happen, I had to get my mind right. That led me back to connecting with my spirit: my beliefs and what I draw strength & inspiration from. Feeling the need to shift perspectives and depart from “survival mode”, I drew from the practices I’ve used sporadically in the past (that I’d put aside for years due to the good old “hustle & bustle” and getting caught up) such as mindfulness, transcendental & kundalini meditation, astrology, drinking more kombucha (lol), Zen Buddhism, Metaphysics, & other faith-based and new-age philosophies to get back in touch and closer to the core of my soul - I just wanted to elevate! I really didn’t know how much work or dedication it would take but 2020 was definitely a soulful/soul-filled year for me to say the least…and like with all movements, elevation takes work & dedication. As I had set out on this spiritual journey, it started right away with working through some hurdles and shifting dynamics around my family, my health, and my livelihood. For what I had set out to be a year of just pure goodness, stopped me and everyone else in our tracks - or so it seemed. I was now forced to deal with the tough & uneasy and on top of that, me...I had to get back in touch with me again. 

This time, my aim was to understand why I do the things I do (patterning & behavior), how that affects myself & other beings/the ethos, & how I can bring the better or best of myself to the world each & every day (without feeling depleted). I was confined to a space that fortunately I had of my own - my living room. Since I couldn’t seek out or participate in public spaces at the time due to the quarantine, I designated the living room in my apartment as my own personal wellness studio. In the past I wasn’t able to afford to take part in yoga or other wellness studio/center/ gym memberships. Now I was able to every day and it took less than 10 seconds to get to. Of course I was tremendously grateful to have what I realized as this newfound luxury I finally made time for, because truthfully in the past there were times where I didn’t even have a space to designate as my “own” or feel at home. 

So this is where the “mantra muses” comes in…Out of this space I routinely set aside time for me to move, sing, dance, connect, engage, as freely as I wanted to be. Of course the only member was me but I brought in all the things I was either unable to afford or too “busy” or exhausted to get to/show up or mindfully attend. I practiced trusting my intuition more & brought in divine guidance and other alternative forms/tools of healing & connecting. Though of course there were times when I felt lonely, there were also times I was my greatest company.  Then there were also times I had to show up for others and in order to do that and still have enough of a well-filled well for myself, I had to find ways to recharge & replenish on-the-go, away from my self-made sacred space. Sometimes what came to me is my natural coping & soothing method of singing; I would often make up short, little melodies or repetitive tunes (something I’ve also done often pre-covid). I also became more acquainted with my loop machine…These little numbers would come from expressions of how I was feeling or where I wanted to get to or just to let out how grateful I was to be even in the moment. They would often stay with me and I would sing them or use them when needed - wherever I was especially when I was anxious, tired, lost, stressed, annoyed, disappointed, stretched, pulled, angry, or screen-fatigued, but also when I was experiencing joy because all of those moments come and go & back again. And I hope you too can use them too along your journey.

No matter what size, the decor, vibe, mood, quantity, or quality of your space I hope you can bring these songs as moments of inspiration into your life/space - your mind, body, & soul - to recharge, refuel, & replenish your heart. 

One of the many things I’d like to work on this year (and we all have been working on for a long time) is accessibility. Overall wellness for all who seek it, is where I’d like to start. 

As we’re still in quarantine, the work on myself along my spiritual journey and towards a more fulfilling life continues. I think it’s something that’ll never stop. No lie - there are many colorful-dynamic ranges of varying emotions but the one I enjoy most is the love I feel in creating, connecting, and sharing with you. 

Happy listening & repeat as often or needed.

Until next time…all the best.

With love, gratitude, compassion & care,

ND

*The repetitiveness of these songs are meditative mantras to inspire, uplift and serve as a reminder that sometimes amazing things happen if we can just get out of our own way.* #letyourEgo