If you’ve stared at a blinking cursor, a blank canvas or an empty notebook and felt your shoulders creep towards your ears, this one’s for you. This week’s Monday Mantra invited us to call on Saraswati—the Goddess of learning, language and, most importantly for our purposes, creativity. Her energy is clear, bright and uncluttered, like fresh water moving over smooth stones. When we’re stuck, we don’t need force; we need flow.

Reach for this mantra whenever you feel blocked or unsure how to begin: drafting a proposal, composing a song, planning a class, writing vows, revising a CV, even choosing words for a difficult conversation. Saraswati helps untangle thoughts so ideas can move.

A simple 5-minute practice

1. Set your space. Sit comfortably. If you like, light a candle or place a favourite pen, notebook or instrument nearby.
2. Set your intention. One clear line is enough: “I call in clarity and creative flow.”
3. Breathe. Three long, gentle breaths—soften the jaw and the back of the neck.
4. Hand placement. One hand at the heart, one at the throat (voice).
5. Chant. Whisper one round to begin, then chant aloud 9 times:
   Om Eim Saraswatiyei Swaha.
   Use your fingers to count, or a mala if you have one.
6. Visualise. Imagine a stream of white-gold light flowing from crown to heart to hands, then into your page or project.
7. Act. Before you get up, write one messy sentence, draw one imperfect line, or speak one paragraph into your voice notes. Motion invites more motion.

If you have a little more time, go for 27 or 108 repetitions. Pairing the mantra with gentle droning from a bowl or tanpura-style app can be deliciously focusing.

Why it helps

Saraswati’s mantra carries the seed sound Eim (Aim), often associated with learning and expression. Repetition doesn’t just “wish” for inspiration—it entrains your breath, clears mental clutter and anchors your nervous system. From that steadier state, ideas surface naturally. Think of it as clearing a narrow channel so the river can do what rivers do.

Tips for stubborn blocks

• Change posture. Stand, sway, or walk while chanting.
• Switch tools. Pen and paper instead of a keyboard; crayons instead of fine liners.
• Time-box. Chant for two minutes, create for five. Repeat once.
• Ritual ending. Close with a simple thank you to Saraswati and a sip of water to seal the practice.

Whether you’re a writer, teacher, healer, musician or simply someone who wants to feel more “yourself” in your words, Om Eim Saraswatiyei Swaha is a beautifully practical way to soften resistance and invite inspiration in. If you’d like to experience mantra woven with sound healing, join us for our Monday sessions at Earthtones—where we blend voice, bowls and stillness to help your creativity find its riverbed.