Sparkle & Shine: 108 M.A.N.T.R.A.s to Brighten Your Day and Lighten Your Way

Prologue

Don’t Forget that to Sparkle & Shine, Schedule Time to Chase Butterflies!

"Real change, enduring change happens one step at a time." Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, 1933-2020.

Navigating this world seems to be a bit overwhelming these days.

It seems like this is a moment in history where emotions from the right and the left are running at an all-time high. Feeling called to do something to make this world a better place, I know that it is non-action that will one day fill each of us with regret if we don't try.

Inspiration comes from many places. I am reminded to be present and aware even when my mind races. Knowing full well that we will all at one point be held to stand the trial of time, I can’t let expectations unfulfilled stop me without reason or rhyme.

As I make decisions as to which direction to climb, I engage in a mindful practice to embrace those choices of mine. And yes, now more than ever, schedule some time, to chase those butterflies to bring to life a beautiful vision and paradigm. And, I know this is one of the ways that we all can sparkle & shine.

For my friends, look up to the sky, there they are, those butterflies. And truth be told, they need no permission to fly so high. They have no limits, so why should I? So let yourself go, the time is nigh. Embrace your own mantra, use your imagination, surrender to love, and close your eyes.

See clearly that each life that surrounds you is a part of the collective consciousness, the whole, and is ready to shine. Elevate your spirit and hope, allow your imagination and insights to get into line. Mantra after mantra, new energy infiltrates as you transform and get ready to magnify. Chase happiness and embrace joy - take off - your sparkly wings are strong, it is time to fly!

Introduction

What is a mantra?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a mantra as a sound, word, or phrase that is repeated by someone who is praying or meditating expressing a basic belief. The origin and etymology of mantra come from Sanskrit, sacred counsel, formula, from manyate he thinks; akin to Latin mens mind. A mantra can be used as an affirmation to catapult your life in an incredibly positive direction. By repeating one out loud or internally that resonates with you, you are recalibrating the neural pathways in your brain to habituate around something that can be incredibly powerful. A mantra practice can be one of your tools that brightens your day and lightens your way if you incorporate it with consistency into your daily living. I know that it is safe to say, we need positive, uplifting habits now more than ever.

What is magical?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines magical as an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source. The origin and etymology of magical comes from Middle English magique, from Latin magice, from Greek magikē, feminine of magikos Magian, magical, from magos magus. When we adhere to that which is magical, mystical, or spiritual in our lives, something inside of us changes on a deep and profound level. Our souls wake up, our minds are enlightened, and our hearts are capable of experiencing love from a place of incredible stirring beauty. Like the Three “Magi” (Wise ones) mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew in the Bible, we can tap into the magic that pulls us forward to follow our proverbial North Star that could lead to something or someone amazing. For many, seeing the world through magical eyes can lead to a life full of miracles. And to quote one of the greatest magical minds, Roald Dahl, British novelist and author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in the magic will never find it.” When we start to ask and believe, we can see a different world before us getting ready to receive all that is has to offer.

What is a Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.?

A magical mantra can be just the thing that shifts and uplifts your life to experience more joy and bliss. Think about the word mantra as an acronym: M.A.N.T.R.A. For the purpose of this book, it stands for Magical Affirmations Now Transform our Reality into an Adventure. When we embrace a daily practice of magical affirmations, we can reinforce positive thinking now so that our experience on this life journey can become something that engages all of our senses at higher vibrations. From that magical place, there is no telling what wonderful things can happen. When we raise our positive vibes today by engaging a simple practice that turns into a positive habit, our lives can be embraced as an amazing adventure. Like a caterpillar surrenders to its journey of change into the darkness of the cocoon, with a magical mantra practice, at the end of the cycle, we can all emerge renewed into spiritual freedom that marks a new beginning embracing our own beauty reaching new heights, just like the butterfly.

How to Use this Book:

This book sets out to inspire the reader to embrace their magic within through the practice of M.A.N.T.R.A.s, or reinforced positive affirmations and thinking. This book offers a supplement to the wisdom in my guide, the award-winning The Magical Guide to Bliss, Daily Key to Unlock Your Dreams, Spirit & Inner Bliss; it is a handbook that keeps the reader moving forward on their hero’s journey with daily tools to help with their amazing transformation.

This book is divided into three main parts (Ask, Believe and Receive) and a final section (Get Ready-What are You Waiting For?) Each part has a section (inspired by Mary Oliver’s poem, Instructions for Living a Life: Pay Attention, Be Astonished, Tell All About It) made up of 33 M.A.N.T.R.A.s. Notably, the significance of the number 33 is meant to embody this master teacher’s number with deep spiritual and religious meaning. The last section (Time to Sparkle & Shine) sets out 9 M.A.N.T.R.A.s that prepare the reader to get ready to take a leap of faith to fully sparkle & shine.

There are 108 M.A.N.T.R.A.s in total that will help you to adopt, guide, or start your own magical affirmation practice. In eastern philosophy, the significance of the number 108 is considered to be a sacred number of the wholeness of existence - when you come to the end of the circle, like a string of Hindu prayer beads called malas, can also look to rosary beads in Christianity, you complete the M.A.N.T.R.A.s and catapult to another level of peace.

Like the insights in my first book The Magical Guide to Bliss, the M.A.N.T.R.A.s in Sparkle & Shine are written in a modular format. You choose how you would like to read it. If you prefer, you can read it straight through from beginning to end. However, you can read the entries in any order. I chose this modular format to provide a condensed, easily accessible format for the busiest person. As a bonus, there are 11 inspirational letters in text boxes throughout from me to you.

The Content pages present a list of the M.A.N.T.R.A.s in each part and section as a reference to look through to address what affirmation you may be seeking on a particular day. Or, you can just set an intention and open up this book and let synchronicity pave the way. You just might pick the perfect M.A.N.T.R.A to brighten your day and lighten your way.

So, let’s continue the journey with this Sparkle & Shine handbook and develop a new uplifting affirmation practice, one M.A.N.T.R.A. at a time. We got this!

Ask

I. Pay Attention

“Assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled and observe the route that your attention follows.” Neville Goddard, American author of The Power of Awareness, 1905-1972.

Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.: I ask to be a charming gardener who plants seeds of love.

I stand from a place of love. There is pain and I feel it. There is hurt and I want to help heal it. There are those who divide and I reach out my hand to anyone who needs to take it. I do my part, where I can to teach ways to love more. To see different colors, genders and otherwise, I get to know the beauty of our differences and unite from a desire to peacefully coexist. I see so many souls collectively interacting on this journey. Meeting each one from a place of love sends a ripple effect that is palpable. Hate is extinguished and open wounds begin to heal. Now more than ever I need to be a charming gardener who plants beautiful seeds of love. I ask to see the beauty on a rainy day. I ask that an abundance of love drives the hate away. I choose to lift others up so we rise together instead of fall. I ask to bring the light of love for it conquers hate after all.

Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.: I am decisive as I speak my dreams into existence.

Don’t let a lengthy discussion of “What Ifs” get in your way. You can wake up and empower yourself each and every day. Nothing is certain, so set your intentions well and dream big. Deciding that progress incrementally moving you forward is a wonderful way to live. Speak confidently and set out your dreams, the universe’s creative genius is just a whisper away. Know that if you don’t ask, you lose a chance of what could be today. Are you willing to let fear stop you from choosing a path to set your dreams free? If the answer is no, time to set your goals and decide what you want to see. Magic unfolds when you take a leap; it is an exhilarating experience that you get. Get decisive with your life, speak your dreams into existence and you will most likely have no regret.

Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.: I am worthy of love.

I am worthy of love, it is my birthright. This is what I am repeating today. Now let me begin to say. First, I must choose to love myself. Second, I step away from co-dependency. Third, I must really start to embrace fully my lovely “corps & esprit” (body & spirit.) I remember this today as I navigate the waters of my inner storm. I will replace judgment with kindness for love to truly take form. I ask to focus on my soul as I breathe life into me. I know that healthy respect for my journey will protect me from the disease to please. I am less likely to give away my power when I show up with authenticity. I place thoughts in my mind that welcome love and I start to pay attention to what I see. I am worthy of love, and welcome a life living with an open heart. To seek to understand then be understood is clearly a worthy start.

To my Butterflies:

If you find yourself in spiritual darkness, please hold onto your beautiful light. Your light is what will keep you on the path of enlightenment to continue this worthy fight. You matter - right now - at this moment. Please hold on, be steadfast and true – if you turn on your light, together we will stand strong - that is me and you.

Do you believe in synchronicity? You know, those incidents of spiritual significance that ask us to consider the possibility of the divine. Experiences that seem serendipitous engage our attention to the seemingly sublime. I do and was wondering if this may be just one of those times. As you read this letter asking you to beam brightly from a place of bliss and just shine.

The world needs a chance to liberate from the darkness, my beautiful friend. Your gifts are needed to show up with enthusiasm so that suffering can end. So much pain, Mother Earth is calling for an outpouring of love and kindness if we decide. It takes great faith and determination, but together we will reach that goal so that all of us can enjoy the ride.

I Love You,

Meg

Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.: If I stay focused, everything will be just fine.

Moment to Moment. Engage, enjoy, embrace each present moment. Be all there, be all in. Look the other in the eye. Live, laugh, love. Be ready to forgive. The here and now demands your full focus. Moment to moment. Look back and reminisce over each past moment. Remember from whence you came, each experience that has made you who you are today. Cherish each precious gift. Moment to Moment. Visualize, dream big, and act as if it all will come true in each future moment. Get enthusiastic and excited for what is to come. Be grateful for the unfolding of everything under the sun. Moment to Moment. If you stay focused, everything will be just fine. Do your best, nothing labeled bad or good is permanent over time. Moment to moment. Be proud of your life - no regrets, perhaps this affirmation is a sign.

Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.: I am enthusiastic about life.

Enthusiasm is contagious. Even when you look at the meaning of the word enthusiasm, one can experience an intense and eager enjoyment as defined in the dictionary. The etymology or derivation of the word enthusiasm can be traced to the Greek root entheos which means "in God"- inhabited and guided by the life force itself. What a word and feeling to spread around. When one gives in to it, enthusiasm wraps around you with excitement that bubbles over onto others. Start to engage your life from a place of enthusiasm and no doubt more positives will show up. Apply enthusiasm to your purpose and you will tackle any challenge with definite resolve. The enthusiastic ones always bring joy back to life. When I am enthusiastic, I come alive again with a passion that bursts from within. Shake things up with enthusiasm and it will literally spice up your life.

Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.: Stay present, no day but today.

The morning sun greets you and welcomes a new day. You ask only this. When you make your daily wish, stay present. Time passes, to be still is a challenge to behold. What story is written, what experiences unfold. Look for things to celebrate. Bask in the becoming, blossoming, and beautifying. Distractions no more. Living out your dreams, no time to live from a place of fear. In this present moment, you don’t have to imagine - this is your reality right here. No better day to start anew. There is no other path, just start walking through. Pay attention or you’ll miss it. This is all created for you. No day like today.

Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.: I am enough, today I seek ways to tap into my source.

I am enough. I say it out loud. I hold a picture in my mind of all my achievements as a result of showing up each day. I am so proud. As the vast beauty of heavenly bodies floats effortlessly around the sun, the universe does not need my permission to do its thing. We are one. Each one of us is a part of this miraculous and beautiful world, we get to choose how to tap into our source. Although we are all just small specks in the grand show, we still can be a mighty force. I am enough where I stand - let that positive energy expand. Through meditation, visualization and gratitude, I align with the universe and shift my attitude. For when I declare I am enough, it is time for me to see. I am here to manifest in this life the most amazing me.

Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.: I am happy, magical, and magnificent me.

"Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny." Lao Tzu, is the founder of Taoism and the author of Tao Te Ching.

Seeing possibilities and embracing today, I declare I am happy. I am ready for positive change. Worrying robs me of the gift of the present and all of its gains. I declare I am magnificent me, my words catapult action to guide me through the rain. The mere fact that I am a creation of the divine is a sweet refrain. I stand in this truth as that is all that remains. Each habit is ingrained in my character, I am here for great purpose and that I entertain. Boldness and unfettered optimism and a chance to walk down memory lane. Positive attributes flood my senses, for that I’ll never complain. Not knowing what the future holds, I am happy to discover it again and again. Nothing is set in stone. Yet, my hope is renewed – that I will proclaim. If I let it, I will always have a chance to reawaken my happy heart unchained.

Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.: I am at peace, then balance will follow.

If it is balance I seek, I must intend to be at peace. To find a place of stillness and calm, I am encouraged to engage the child within. I play in my surroundings creatively looking to find colors that soothe my mind. Splashes of yellow bring on happiness. Shades of indigo and purple heal. And, soft blue brings a sense of calm to the fears. Then, I allow gentle music to caress my ears. If I set out 21 days to make this a healthy habit, just 10 minutes of peace a day can offer more stability throughout the year. Let's see how this goes with balance as my worthy goal. If my center is calm, I will feel better with more equilibrium from head to toe. Slowing down my breath and focusing on comforting colors to behold, I slowly become an instrument of peace- let that truth be told.

Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.: I am a co-creator with the universe.

That's right, I am looking to create and I know I don’t have to go it alone. I ask that collaborators appear, with big ideas that match my own. There are many of you out there just waiting to take flight. Not for fame or fortune, just for pure delight. My intention has always been about following the dream. I know to go far, I really would prefer to get there together and pick up more steam. Whether I co-create with an artist whose one desire is to bring more color to a gray world or a writer who yearns to leave a better story for humanity; or a lawyer who uses her craft for justice or a doctor who digs deep to find enlightenment for a cure. I feel the tremendous tug at my creative strings. When I work with others, the universe allows us all to start to sing. Explode with the beauty of your calling and join me on this magical ride. Why not? It's more fun with others by your side.

Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.: I believe in my unlimited potential.

Are you ready to make a huge shift? Well, today is the day. Yes, it’s true. Repeat after me, you are unlimited potential and no one can take that truth from you. Here is the missing link that will get you unstuck, introducing the unequivocal belief in your incredible luck. This moment holds a great opportunity to wake you up from your sleep. Grab the promise of a beautiful life that is waiting for you to keep. To recognize that you are made of God-stuff, good stuff, a spirit whose potential shines through. There is no better time than the present to gift this knowing to you. Create a life that suits you and your talent will pull you through. If negativity has reared its ugly head and threatens to overwhelm you. HALT, re-examine your “why” and then continue to just do what you do. Belief is so powerful, with a determined faith something wonderful is about to happen. Believe in your unlimited potential and the universe will conspire in your favor. What are waiting for? Stop slackin.

Magical M.A.N.T.R.A.: I will make the day better for another.

I will make the day better for another. This statement will not fall on deaf ears. Why? Because it is the kind of statement that embodies joy, kindness and care. Generosity of spirit can actually save you - about this did you know? When you are busy beating yourself up, here is a place you can go. Focus on helping another and you will be amazed at what it can do. You get to actually offer love to a family member, friend, colleague or even a stranger too. From a place of service, the result of your actions can literally change you. By shifting focus off of yourself, your problems and your sadness, you can reach out to another and do something to bolster gladness. Then, asking how you can make another's day better, this might just be the shift needed to transform. If you need a suggestion, sit down and write a gratitude letter that’s warm. Give service to the beautiful souls on Earth to help their dreams come true, bolsters your soul to awareness and allows your SHINE to come on through.

To my Butterflies:

Now is as good a time as any to wake up and begin anew. Time to clarify how you want to live. Look around - you are surrounded by diverse people whose gifts and talents are the seeds that will ensure a peace-filled future for all of us. As long as that is your focus, then the future will remain bright. As long as you find your voice amidst the noise, you will be alright. Celebrate today, from this point on, let go to peace and it turns into another kind of fight.

A fight for love, you won’t allow the sacrifices to be forgotten through the anger and tears. Be clear about this though, there is great power and opportunity with "We the People" as you sign up to form a more perfect union. All people must be represented at the table. You and I are the unfolding of the intentions of our forefathers, it is our journey. This letter asks for you to level up, embrace equality; we cannot go silently into the night. We must empower each other to use our voices and talents towards a new day. We must empower each other to wake up for there is much work to be done. Ready to move forward, we transform into something even better along the way. And, we hold each other accountable. Wake up my friends, do your part - for tomorrow we march - it is a new day.

I Love You,

Meg