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We all know that we should think more positively. But, it’s not easy to change our thinking. Our thought processes quickly become habits that are challenging to change.
As is well known, we should all make an attempt to think more optimistically. However, changing our thinking processes may be difficult. Our mental processes progressively harden into difficult-to-break habits.
Affirmations are one way to take control of your thinking. Not only are you thinking something positive when you repeat an affirmation, but you’re also avoiding a negative thought at the same time. That’s progress!
You might think that you know all about affirmations, but many of the common assumptions are incorrect. There’s no point in wasting your time with affirmations that are doomed to fail. Educate yourself about affirmations before spending any time and energy on them.
Use these ideas to make the most of affirmations:
1. Understand the characteristics of an effective affirmation:
○ The affirmation must be in the present tense, such as, “I eat healthy food each day.” A poor affirmation is: “I will eat healthy food each day.” That statement is in the future tense.
○ An affirmation must be positive. “I don’t eat unhealthy food,” is an example of our same affirmation stated in the negative, which doesn’t work effectively either.
2. List your current weaknesses. The lower-rated areas of your life are dragging you down. It’s best to create affirmations that address your weaknesses. Make a list of what you consider to be your weaknesses as a first step.
○ Which weakness is causing you the greatest trouble? Which one would you choose to turn around if you could?
3. Create 3-5 affirmations that address your greatest weakness. There are thousands of affirmations you can find online, or feel free to invent your own. Make a list and then choose a couple that gives you the greatest emotional boost when you read them.
4. Avoid engaging in negative thought patterns. Negative thoughts undo your positive thoughts. It’s like bailing water from a leaking boat. You can’t make real progress until you stop the leaks. When you notice you’re having a negative thought, stop yourself and repeat your affirmations to yourself.
5. Use your affirmations in different forms. Avoid just thinking about your affirmations to yourself. There are many other options. Use them all. Cover all the bases and you’ll be more likely to experience success.
○ Read them.
○ Speak them aloud.
○ Record and listen to them.
○ Visualize yourself acting as if the affirmation were reality.
○ Repeat them to yourself silently.
Repeat the affirmations until they have reached your subconscious mind. This will serve two purposes: one, it will remind you that this is what you want right now, and second, it will signal to the universe that you are ready to receive it.
MeditationLifeSkillsPodcast.com strives to present meditation concepts that connect east and west, tradition and science in a non-sectarian way, from multiple traditions, without promoting any particular technique or method.
One important principle I try to accomplish is to take complex ideas about meditation and the not-so-well understood meditation principles and help you understand how they can fit into your life.
To your success in meditation!
Don Weyant/Founder
MeditationLifeSkillsPodcast.com
NOTE: Listen to these meditation episodes as much as you want in a comfortable position, whether sitting or lying down. For best results, we strongly suggest listening with headphones.
***This work is not meant to replace medical or counseling guidance from a qualified practitioner. Please get professional care if you suffer from a physical or mental disease.
