Special guest post by Amanda Peyton
Breathing, it’s such a simple thing to do and so therapeutic, yet most people don’t realize the power of breathing and meditation to help with all those special things life throws at us like stress, fatigue, and one of my worst fears: stage fright.
No matter what I did or how prepared I was, as soon as I’d step out on a stage to perform, my heart would start pumping wildly, my palms would sweat profusely, and a sense of panic would erupt—not optimal conditions for a drum player. And can I just add that it’s nearly impossible to play drums with sweaty palms? I needed a go-to meditation mantra to help me through these bouts of stage fright.
How to Overcome Stage Fright with Yoga Meditation
I’ve been practicing yoga for four years now, and after trying out several solutions, I would like to share my stage fright cure through a mantra that has helped me tremendously: “Har Har Mukunday.”
Let me break that down for you. The har is the creative aspect of infinity, and mukunday is the liberator. Together it means “The infinite creator liberates me.” It is believed that chanting this mantra will remove fear and turn your challenges into opportunities.
I really like this mantra because it is easy to remember and something I can do right before I go out onstage. Plus, it is a natural way to prevent stage fright versus taking medication.
Just find a quiet place, sit in a comfortable pose, and start breathing in and out as you repeat these words. Clear your mind and try to focus on the mantra for at least three to five minutes.
I can tell you that it has brought me a sense of calm and the courage I need to make it out on that stage for an awesome performance. I hope this mantra will help you as well in dealing with stage fright.
Amanda Peyton is a yoga instructor, vegan, and a hard-rocking drummer in the alternative rock band Code Cherry. A long-time sufferer of stage fright, she has employed the practice of yoga and meditation to turn her into the superstar that she is today. The Daily Downward Dog is thrilled to have her as a contributing author. You can read more about Amanda’s rock star yogi lifestyle in the web-series No Songs for Men.
Photo: Fabian Nick
Break down how to say that second word mukunday please. Also do you say your mantra outloud or in your inside voice(inside your head I mean)? I was recently reading some where were it said to repeat a mantra silently I always thought it was the vibration certain sounds created in your chest that was supposed to be the key. I’ve never been able to meditate my brain will not slow down enough to get anywhere near peace. I’ll keep trying though.
Erin :
Good questions. Mukunday is pronounced – Moo kun day. This manta can be chanted out loud or quietly inside your head. Have fun and experiment with both ways to determine which way is better for you. Some days I feel rambunctious and rowdy and chant out loud and other days I am more mellow and quietly chant inside my head. I think most people struggle with turning off their minds during meditation – so don’t beat yourself up – just keep practicing.