A Big Confession
Once again I’ve come with promises, and once again I’ve left you high and dry. Months have passed since my last post and my voice on this page remains silent.
The truth is, I’ve been struggling.
I’ve been struggling with some personal issues going on in my life.
I’ve been struggling to wrap my head around… well, everything.
I’ve been struggling to admit that even the Happy Chanter suffers not-so-happy times.
I’ve been struggling to accept that I’m only human and that it’s okay to struggle sometimes.
I’ve been struggling to share the struggle, to bare my soul, to open up and truly connect, with you, with mySelf, with the Universe.
Worst of all, I’ve been struggling to chant.
That’s the hardest thing to own up to, especially here.
To admit that I’ve fallen away from the basis of this blog and the focus of my life.
To admit that I don’t even follow my own advice and dedicate time every day to sit with mySelf and Connect.
To admit that I don’t practice what I preach.
We’re Only Human
I guess we’ve all been there from time to time, right? Spiritual exercise can be just as challenging to maintain as physical exercise or other healthy habits, despite the benefits. Isn’t it baffling how something that is so Good, and good for you, is sometimes the hardest thing in the world to actually do? Have you ever felt like this? I see in some of your messages that some of you are on and off with your practice, so I hope you can relate.
You know what, though? I think it’s okay to falter every once in a while. This just means we’re human. We’re normal. The reason we are here is to experience human life, ups and downs and all. And the struggles and suffering that are sometimes inherent in Life can always be harnessed for greater growth.
No matter how much your practice has lapsed, or how long it’s been since you chanted or meditated or prayed, it is never too late to start again and re-build. To take action to re-fortify your Soul. To take time to focus on yourSelf and your well-being. To learn from the past and flourish in the future.
Despite the struggle I’ve had with the practice itself, my faith and beliefs have not wavered.
My understanding of the practice of chanting nam myoho renge kyo, of the Law of Attraction, of the energetic mechanisms at play in the game of Life, are still crystal clear.
Chanting nam myoho renge kyo is the one thing that brought me peace and happiness during a dark time, and truly changed my life.
So, it’s time to start again 🙂
A Big Commitment
I clearly need a bit of a kick up the arse to get back into my regular practice, something that I KNOW makes me feel lighter and brighter and brings clarity to a murky mind. I also need accountability to make sure I actually do it.
So I’ve made a bit of a snap decision to make my effort as public as possible!
I know it’s all a bit last minute, but a new month is just around the corner so I’d like to make the most of the timing (and the alliteration potential), and introduce you to (insert fanfare here)…
Mantra March!
Starting tomorrow, a full month (and beyond) of committed daily practice and re-connection with Self and Soul. I will be dedicating time every single day to chanting nam myoho renge kyo, and will be posting daily updates and reflections on Facebook and Instagram.
Are any of you struggling at the moment, like me, with daily wellness practice?
Would you like to take the opportunity to re-commit, and connect with like-minded souls along the way?
Why don’t you jump in on the Mantra March movement??
I would love to make this a collective effort, for you guys to join in, for us to be able to encourage each other, to discuss ideas and insights, to share experiences, to help each other out. Let’s do this together.
There’s nothing formal to sign up for (as I said, it’s all a bit last minute!) – all you have to do is commit to a daily wellness practice, and then follow along on Facebook and/or Instagram and join the discussion there. I will be posting daily developments and prompts to ponder, so feel free to jump with a comment or a question anytime.
As for the practice itself, if you want to chant nam myoho renge kyo, great!
If you want to chant another mantra, no problem!
Even if you want to challenge yourself to do something else, like silent meditation, yoga, or creative expression – anything goes!
Take the rest of today to really think about and plan how you’re going to commit to a daily habit, wake up tomorrow morning – and do it!
I have been struggling… but right now, I’m feeling energised and excited. I know that a regular chanting practice enhances everything, within and without, and I’m eager to re-Connect, with you, me, and everything in between.
I’m years late on the scene for this post and for the comments. But I love coming back from time to time to re-read the Happy Chanter blogs and chime in every now and then – maybe it’s my desire to keep a good thing going. As it appears that the last post was 4 years ago, I thought it might be nice to post my appreciation and gratitude for this site and the lives it’s touched over the years, and for all of us who have shared our struggles and provided encouragement to one another. I know that life changes as it moves forward, circumstances change, trajectories change, plans change, purposes change and people just move on. Regardless, I just want to say thank you to the author and creator of this blog. I also want to share a thought about not being perfect, or ‘falling behind’ in one’s practice. It’s okay to go through hard times. It’s life sometimes. And It’s alright. Remember, If you say NMRK with sincerity even once a day, once a month or once per year – there are benefits waiting for you! If you think of the Lotus Sutra with appreciation, just know that’s HUGE! Remember, even cleaning your altar yields benefits and is a great cause. So let’s continue to be kind to ourselves, and cut ourselves and others A LOT of slack. Things are going to get in the way. Life can be challenging, that’s okay. Sure, regular ‘assiduous’ practice is ideal, but even Nichiren says that there are immeasurable blessings in reciting the name of the Lotus Sutra even once! I’m paraphrasing here. But perhaps those benefits are just waiting to manifest! I have faith in anyone that sees this, and even for those that don’t see this. Right now, I chant and pray for all of us from across the years. I hope others drop in and refresh this blog with positivity and gratitude from time to time. It’s certainly worthy of it. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and Blessed be! Much Love.
Hi Jessica,
Thank you so much for your blog and these encouraging posts! I too have struggled to chant. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Best,
Heather
Hi Heather, thank you so much for your lovely comment! I think many of us struggle to maintain a consistent practice, but I guess we’re all only human, eh? Every day is a new opportunity to start again 🙂 I’m so glad you find encouragement in my writing, do keep following and stay in touch! Lots of love to you xx
I like to chant fairly fast, there are plenty of Apps out there to chant along to. It can be useful before chanting to consider an intention or determination you may have, this may have been written down previously ( I keep a small book of postive determinations) However, once I begin to chant, I just chant, after some time ( this can vary) I often have the sensation that I as a distinct self is no longer “doing” chanting, there is just chanting!
With this comes clarity and and ease and sometimes a feeling of an inner smile ( thats the only way I can describe it) Often after chanting I will feel energised and hve a broader less narrow perspective on things. Chanting allows the habitual Karmic thinking patterns to fall away for a period of time, allowing inate Buddha wisdom to shine through like the sunshine behind the clouds ! Great site ! Hope this helps!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Wayne! I totally know what you mean about the “inner smile”, that sense of contentment as you fall deep into your practice. I read something years ago in response to a “how long should I chant for?” question where the author just said to chant until you smile 🙂 Great advice, I think!
Hi Jessca, thanks for your sharing too! Your site is really interesting and I am looking forward to reading your book when it’s done. It sounds like you have experienced a intense time from what I have read on your site. I wish you well with all you do !
Wayne
Thanks so much Wayne, I really appreciate that! All the best of everything to you too 🙂
Hi Jessica, how are things going for you at the moment ?
Hi Wayne, I am doing well, thank you! It’s been a busy year with various work and volunteer commitments but I’m still chanting and still chipping away here on the blog. Much more plans in the works for 2020 🙂 I hope you’re keeping well and happy yourself!
I am struggling too. This is what lead me to your blog. I had all these blocks keeping me from chanting although in my heart it felt like the path. Your words and ideas inspired me to let go of the blocks and embrace the chanting. I feel better than I have in a year. Thank you. Your grace and compassion that led you to share your experience changed my direction. We never know how or when our actions will impact others. I wish for you peace and strength. Take care and thank you.
Thank you so much for your lovely message, Teresa. I’m so honoured and pleased to have helped in any way. I hope you’re still chanting and enjoying a happy life! Lots of love to you xx
Hi Jessica,
Hope you’re doing well.
I have a query regarding the pronounciation of the chant. In the youtube videos, it sounds like namyoho ring ge kyo when chanted rhythmically. Is it the correct pronounciation? Should I say the words the same way as in the videos?
Thanks
Hi Saipriya, thanks for the question! I get asked a lot about pronunciation and speed, and the answer is that there is no “correct” or “incorrect” way to pronounce the words. Some people do pronounce it more like “ringe” than “renge”, and I know some people who chant so fast that you can’t really hear the words at all!! It really doesn’t make much difference. When I started, I used to chant along with the recording on this page: http://happychanter.com/index.php/about-nmrk/chanting-nmrk/, if you’d like to try that until you get used to it. But really, if you are chanting the words with the intention of connecting with the universe / your inner self, you are doing it right 🙂
I do plan to write a blog post about this too, so watch this space!
Hi Jessica
I have been chanting nmrk since months but haven’t felt the connection with my higher self yet. Where am I going wrong in my practice? Any pointers are greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Hi Saipriya! Thanks for your comment, and I’m sorry to hear that you haven’t experienced this connection yet. Different people can have different experiences with the practice, especially in terms of how long it can take to see any discernible difference. For Mantra March, I will be posting daily prompts on Facebook and Instagram, which will help you to reflect on a particular concept and get into a certain frame of mind before completing your practice. Do follow along there during this month if you can, I hope it might help. In the meantime, one of the most effective ways to increase your connection and enhance the benefits of practice is through gratitude. I would suggest taking a few moments every day to think about what you are grateful for in your life. Really feel it, maybe even write it down. And then start your practice for the day. I hope this will help. Sending best wishes to you, do keep in touch and let me know how you get along! xx
Thanks for replying, Jessica.
I have been chanting for over 30 minutes each time since over 9 months and am yet to feel any difference in my life condition. I don’t understand where I am going wrong. I say nmrk once in one breath and then repeat the same. Is that correct? I don’t understand what is the correct rhythm of chanting. It would be helpful if you could upload an audio of how you chant. Just a suggestion though.
I will follow your posts on facebook and instagram. I hope I find what’s missing in my practice. I am going through a difficult phase and need my practice to atleast bring a ray of hope in my life.
Thank You.
Hi Saipriya,
I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through a difficult time. I’m afraid it’s not easy for me to say why you’re not feeling a difference, spiritual practice is very personal and requires a certain amount of self-reflection to see why certain things are happening or not happening for you. Remember that, with the Law of Attraction, everything in your life is a reflection, somehow, of the energy that you’re putting out, so maybe that can be something you could examine in yourself? Certainly the daily prompts I am providing for #MantraMarch should help with that, to get yourself into a positive frame of mind which will enhance the positive effects of your practice. You could also check out this post about different ways to focus your mind, which might help too.
As for the chanting itself, I honestly don’t think it makes any difference exactly how you say the words. I am planning to put together an audio of myself chanting, although there is a recording already of group chanting right here, if you want to try using that. I chanted along with this when I first started, and the speed of this audio usually allows for 2 or 3 repetitions of the mantra in one breath. But lately, I’ve also been experimenting myself with what you describe, chanting slowly in one out-breath and then repeat. I actually really like that format too, it feels a lot calmer and more focused. Either way is totally fine though, as long as you’re saying the words out loud, don’t worry too much about the speed.
Sending you lots of love and warm wishes. I have faith that your continued practice will bring you peace and joy in your life, so please don’t give up xx
Hi Jessica,
Thank You so much for responding to my queries. Very helpful.☺
While chanting I make sure that I am not feeling any negative emotions and chant with the intention of connecting to my buddha nature. But even after chanting for an hour I don’t feel any difference nor did I ever received any insights while or after chanting. So it makes me feel bad as chanting is the only hope to resurrect my life and come out stronger.
I love your blog and have read every post several times as I find them very informative. I could relate to your post about how you got started chanting. I too have reached a stage where I have become so depressed that I have to drag myself out of bed every day.
I have been chanting since 9 months and will continue doing so. Its just that I don’t understand why I don’t feel better despite practicing for so long. I focus on the sound but never received any insights. Don’t understand what to do.
Lots of love to you too and keep writing. Your blog is my favourite one about chanting nmrk.