Tattoos of Victory
If I ever get a tattoo it will be the word 'Victory' in old-type font, big and bold across an inner forearm. Though I’m not the biggest fan of needles, there is something about this word that I want to see and remember constantly throughout my day as I reach for things, as I teach, and write, and meditate, and move, and live in this world. It's my personal belief that this word is one of the most powerful english mantras in existence.
The teaching of rolling this word around the mind consistently, is not something I came up with. It’s a practice recommended by the great yogic master Yogi Bhajan to conquer moments of fear, inadequacy or uncertainty. Here's why:
"Whenever you face anything and you don’t have an answer, just call yourself inside and say, “Victory.” Lean on ‘Victory.’ Make it a guide word, make it a precious word. I don’t know what you are, who you are, why you are. Don’t ask questions. Don’t do your analysis. Don’t try to solve problems. Just utter the word ‘Victory.' With just the mental utterance of this word your whole life will change. Mentally utter the word ‘Victory.’ Try it. You’ll find the strength of a hundred angels behind you."
Oh, ok. Yeah. That sounds good. I want that. Who doesn't?
The words we use on a daily basis are powerful - especially the ones we direct towards ourself. Which is why I find using a mantra like this one so impactful. The word "mantra" can be translated as “direction of the mind." Thus, you have the power and the sovereignty to redirect the mind from a negative spin-out to something far more positive and helpful.
You see, I too have those days when I’m running around town, thinking of to-dos, or bills, or feeling tired, but lately, I've been making space to pause, witness, and gather the wherewithal to snap myself out of that and change that direction my mind. And let me tell you, it's actually quite fun.
Changing the mind is easy when you have a guide word to utilize and ground through. Sometimes these words are in other languages like Sanskrit or Gurumukti, but this idea of victory, spoken and felt in plain English is just so beautifully straightforward. It's like an arrow that can cut through our own personal BS and remind us of the gift of this life - just being alive - just being right here, right now can be a victory.
It’s essence is that of rising above something, rising above your past, your present, your future, and declaring to yourself, from yourself and to the universe that the direction you are pointing towards is positive and intentional.
Of course there are those days of huge let downs and exhaustion when victory is the farthest thing from our experience, but how wonderful to recognize you – yes YOU- have the sovereignty and the wherewithal to make a shift. It doesn’t have to be empty and misaligned, but it instead can serve as a gentle yet firm reminder that you are the captain of the ship, and the ship of you is going somewhere great.
The cultivation of victories is one of my favorite exercises to do with clients in one-on-one settings. Today, I'm sharing with you a few strategies to do just that:
A PERSONAL VICTORY PRACTICE
- Try this breath: Inhale, hold your breath and mentally say, “Victory! Victory! Victory!” as many times as you can before the urge to exhale. Exhale. Repeat 2 more times. I love this meditation because you are literally filling yourself up from the inside out with the energy of this word just saturating your being.
- Write your daily victories down. So often at the end of a day we copy down all the remaining to-dos. What if you rewired this a bit to live and breathe, and end your day from a place of accomplishment? Try to find 5-10 daily victories. These can be as small as drinking a lot of water, or smiling at a stranger on the street and really feeling a connection, to as large as acing that tough presentation, making a big sale, etc..
- Listen to mantras – especially in the evening and morning. Our subconscious is raging and racing and very hyperactive in the evenings and mornings. One way to re-direct the often negative spin-out is to literally raise your vibration – raise it to a higher one and have a victory over that through the powerful sound of mantra. I love anything by White Sun and there are many incredible mantra playlists on Spotify. I have a ton I can send you!
- Meditate first thing. There is nothing like an early morning meditation victory. Even if it's 3 minutes. Close your eyes and breathe. 3 minutes of reverie and victory to conquer your day. I promise you, you're worth it.
Should you wish to work on finding and celebrating your victories, I look forward to connecting over a session.
photography by willpowerphotos.