An Introduction to Affirmations By David Rutland Affirmations are positive statements we make to ourselves. On the surface that seems very simple, almost too simple to really work. But affirmations are effective as a method of changing our way of thinking and feeling for one simple reason; we are programmable beings. We are programmed by our parents, our societies and cultures and our own internal dialogue. This programming takes place deep in our subconscious minds, below the surface of our conscious awareness. We become what we are told we are, for the better or for the worse. If we focus on negative traits, even as we try to overcome them, we still give them power over us. A statement such as "I don't think negative thoughts," still contains a negative statement, and the subconscious will only focus on the phrase "negative thoughts". This is why we always state an affirmation in a positive way. Another characteristic of affirmations is that they are always stated in the present tense, as if what we want to achieve is already ours. If we say, "I will be a positive person," then we set the goal in the future, which is precisely where the subconscious will place it as well, just beyond our reach. Rather than exerting some external effort to achieve our goal, we are simple telling our subconscious minds that we have already attained the goal, and as this message sinks down deep inside of us, the thoughts and feelings that rise back up later will reflect this new attitude. The third characteristic of affirmations is that they should be felt as much as they should be said. The feeling that corresponds to the saying is as important as the words themselves. As we say them, we should believe them. If they feel like a lie that is the way the subconscious will treat them. Remember, as we think so we become, and affirmations are our way of regaining control of our inner dialogue and creating ourselves from the inside out. My recommendation is that you find at least one good solid block of time to recite your daily affirmation out loud. It may be while sitting in your car during you lunch hour, or after morning or evening meditations. I say my affirmations and let them echo down deep within me. I pause between each statement and allow it to sink in. I feel the emotions attached to the words, and by the time I am finished, I am renewed and in wonderful spirits. It helps my whole day to be a positive and evolving experience.
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