The Power Of Affirmations
Posted on November 26, 2013 by Juan Moscoso, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
Oft discarded as new-agey, affirmations, when used properly, can contribute to well-being and to the fulfillment of our goals and aspirations.
The Power of Affirmations
Affirmations are defined as an autosuggestion in which a desirable condition of the world, mind, or self is stated deliberately and repeatedly in order to implant it in the mind. A vast body of scientific work demonstrates the effects of affirmations on the neurochemistry of the brain, and the benefits of positive thinking on measurable outcomes, such as the grades of middle school students who used affirmations regularly.
Current studies suggest that the use of affirmations may not always be beneficial. The conclusions of these studies may be summarized as follows- the use of affirmations as a means of pushing away negative thoughts or beliefs may be counterproductive, particularly for individuals struggling with lo self-esteem.
When viewed in the context of a spiritual practice, however, affirmations, like prayers, need not be experienced nor utilized as a means of opposing negative thoughts. Instead, they become a means of connecting with spiritual truths about our selves. Affirmations become reminders of our innate worth, value and lovability- spiritual truths that refute any experience to the contrary.
So called, “Third Wave Psychologists” (and, I would add, coaches as well) are focusing less on how to manipulate the content of thoughts and more on how to change their context-to alter our experience of thoughts and feelings so that they do not control our behavior. I include affirmations as part of a practice based on mindfulness and detached observation of our thoughts, free from judgment of them or of ourselves for harboring them. By this means, we can learn to focus not on what we are thinking or feeling, but on what we value and desire more of in our lives.
A melding of spiritual experience, Third Wave ideology, and scientific fact, leads me to conclude that:
- Affirmations, when practiced regularly, reinforce neural pathways and connections. Through their routine use we may rewire our brain, and enjoy different experiences and outcomes as we replace ingrained critical thoughts or beliefs with others that promote wellness, peace, serenity, and worth.
- Of greater importance than what we say, is what we believe. We must resolutely live our affirmations through conscious choices and actions congruent with their inherent message. It is insufficient to robotically repeat or affirm that which we chose not to believe. Doing so, in fact, may accentuate the very thoughts and or beliefs we are struggling to move away from.
- Affirmations are not intended to negate the presence of limiting thoughts or beliefs. Their use is most beneficial as part of program inclusive of acceptance of negative thoughts, detached, non-judgmental observation, mindfulness, spiritual practices, and a commitment to a process of clarifying personal values coupled with interventions that promote congruency between our behaviors and our values.
- Affirmations are most useful when they are not exaggerated, overt expressions of positivity and are expressed in the present tense.
Consider working with a coach or other professional who can assist you in identifying negative or limiting beliefs and their manifestations in your life. Together with him/her, embark on a practice of engaging in contrary thinking AND contrary action. Affirmations, in this context, are integral to the changing of beliefs, even if at first they are a means by which we “act as if” until we become it.
How will you choose to live your affirmations today?
