Content: Can I create my own phrase or affirmation for use in place of Mantra for the practicum?

For your final practicum, you will be required to use a Mantra in your yoga class sequence. We encourage you to try using a shorter, traditional Mantra from the chanting section of the 200hr program, as this will make it clear to the evaluating teacher that you have included the criteria.

Some students have asked if they can create their own phrase or affirmation for use in place of Mantra. We appreciate that not everyone feels comfortable speaking the Sanskrit language or using traditional Mantra. So, you may use an affirmation, word, or phrase of your own choosing. If you do this, please follow these guidelines:

1. Your phrase or affirmation should not have more than 3 or 4 words as it needs to be easily learned and remembered.
2. Teach your word or phrase as you would a Mantra, by telling the students about its meaning and significance within the context of the class, repeating it several times, and letting students know how and when to use the word/phrase (Mark demonstrated this in the video for this section)
3. Do not call your phrase a Mantra if it is not a traditional Mantra; this word has a specific meaning in the Yogic tradition and should not be appropriated for use elsewhere.