How are you feeling? The Manomayakosha (3/5)

Today is all about the Manomayakosha, the mental body. The sheath that’s all about thoughts, feeling and emotions.

Haven’t got a clue what I am talking about? Go back to the 1st post introducing the Koshas here.

It’s interesting that I am I sharing this one today because this is one layer of my being that I’ve been struggling with the last few days. This weekend I have felt really sad. Honestly, it’s an emotion that I struggle with sharing. When I am angry, I easily vent to someone, when I am happy I can share that joy….but sadness…. sadness is something I rarely let anyone know about, especially when I don’t even know the reason or can’t put it into words.

I’ve caught myself in thoughts of everything I am lacking and missing in my life. My first instinct was to turn to gratitude, to focus on all I do have. Earlier I was walking in the sunshine, iced coffee in hand from my amazing coffee machine, the kids happily scooting and cycling up ahead and a morning where I was free to slow down. While this is a good practice, I wondered if I was distracting myself from the sadness and rushing to ‘fix’ things.

What if I could just be with the sadness without attachment, without having to name the reason or come up with a solution? What if I could just take a moment to really notice?

So today I’ve been inviting in some stillness, space for reflection and space to be truthful with myself. Today I am working on welcoming thoughts, feelings and emotions without getting carried away by stories I am telling myself about what it all means or what is to come. I am working on bringing some calm back to my nervous system and my mind while allowing myself to be with whatever arises.

This is how we work with the Manomayakosha.

As parents, understanding and supporting the Manomayakosha, or the mental body, is crucial for both our own well-being and that of our children. Just like me, you may find yourself overwhelmed or struggling with different emotions that come up. It’s a common struggle, yet one that holds immense potential for growth and self-awareness.

Practices for the Manomayakosha

Pom Pom for your thoughts

One practice that has been particularly illuminating for me is what I call “pom pom for your thoughts.” In this practice, we sit in meditation and observe our thoughts as they arise, without judgment or the need to change them. Instead of trying to silence the mind, we gently guide our attention by moving a pom pom from one side to the other, symbolizing the flow of our thoughts. With each movement, we simply acknowledge the presence of thoughts and allow them to pass, like clouds drifting across the sky.

The beauty of this practice lies in its simplicity and its invitation to be fully present with whatever arises in our mind. By embracing our thoughts and emotions with compassionate awareness, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience that helps us with the fluctuations of the mind. As parents, we can introduce this practice to our children as a playful way to explore their inner world and develop emotional intelligence.

For this practice you’ll each need a pile of pom poms. You could also use cotton wool or Lego blocks. They start on one side and with each thought, one gets picked up and placed on the other side. I like to set a timer for 2 minutes (this can increase with practice). If all pieces have been moved, simply bring them back one by one to the side they began on. If it feels okay, close the eyes during this practice and focus your attention inwards. Use any props such as a block, blanket or a bolster to sit upon to make your seat more comfortable as you practice.

Mantra

I am currently on day 9 of my morning mantra practice. Each morning I have been chanting Sat Nam 108 times.

“Sat” represents truth, while “Nam” signifies identity or the essence of being. By chanting “Sat Nam,” we align ourselves with the eternal truth that resides within us, going beyond the limitations of the ego and connecting us to our divine nature.

The repetition of this mantra, known as a mantra japa, serves as a powerful tool for calming the fluctuations of the mind and nurturing mental well-being. Each repetition creates a rhythmic pattern of sound that resonates within our being, guiding us into a state of deep inner peace. As I chant “Sat Nam” with intention, I feel my mind calming.

I spend 15 minutes each morning with this practice, for children I recommend just repeating it 9 times. If Sat Nam does not feel like the right practice, choose another mantra or a word that feels good for you to focus your attention on.

Journaling

Journaling is a beautiful practice to start at any age, whether it’s expressing yourself through words, pictures or even cut outs from magazines. Getting your thoughts out on paper can be such a good way to observe them and let them go. Sometimes that simple act of being honest with myself about how I am feeling is so healing.

Getting Help

Seeking therapeutic help or psychiatric support is very helpful for our mental body and while these holistic practices and self-care practices can be amazing for us, sometimes it’s necessary to get an expert onboard to support us too.

Next week

If you enjoyed this post, come back next week to dive into the Vijnanamayakosha – the wisdom body.

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