The fundamental tenet behind affirmations is that our thoughts create our reality. Thoughts with feelings are emotions. Repeated experiences of similar emotions over a period of time results in beliefs. Similar thought patterns reinforcing these beliefs leads to habits. And habits influence our behaviour and the way we perceive and react to situations in life thereby creating our reality.

Affirmations are short, positive and powerful statements which are used to reprogram the thought patterns of the conscious mind and more importantly, the subconscious mind. The underlying concept as mentioned above is that our thoughts create our reality. And that these thoughts are influenced by the deep conditioning of our subconscious mind that has been happening all through our lives. The book “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay introduced me to the world of affirmations.  I have been using affirmations for over fifteen years now and my personal experience has been that these are very effective as tools for self help, personal growth and manifestation.

An affirmation used correctly works at reprogramming limiting beliefs at a subconscious level and replaces it with powerful and empowering beliefs. This in turn has a positive impact on our thought patterns, behaviours and actions. Eg. If one has a constant thought that “Nobody loves me”, using an affirmation “I am always surrounded by love” or “I am grateful for all the love I receive” helps in changing the mindset from lack of love to being open to receiving and manifesting love.

I see a lot of discussions on the usage and effectiveness of affirmations on online platforms with not surprisingly, mixed responses. There are those who swear by affirmations and there are others – frustrated, disillusioned and almost convinced that affirmations are a waste of time. It is important to understand the proper methodology of affirmations before using it.

Proper structuring, consistent repetition and belief or trust in the Universe are very important factors for the affirmations to be effective. Most often than not, people do not have a clear idea of how to frame affirmations and using them in the right way. Added to that is the ambiguity regarding the number of repetitions required. Some studies have apparently discovered that it takes 40 days of repeated actions for a new neural pathway to be created in the brain. My point is that we are dealing with changing the thought patterns of the mind. This may take weeks, months or even longer depending on how deep rooted the issue is. Once that is established, the corresponding neural and biochemical changes in the brain will follow.

And trust the Universe. Yes, science and medical research has advanced and developed tremendously but we are still grappling with the mysteries of human consciousness and the Universe. Without our conscious knowledge and effort all the physiological functions of our body are managed from the time of conception till death of the physical body. Just imagine trying to consciously manage and orchestrate a single function, for example, digestion of what you had for breakfast or lunch today. Can you figure out the quantity and components of the food you have ingested and then give instructions to all corresponding organs to produce the precise amount of specific hormones, acids and enzymes and then synchronize and regulate all the related physiological functions? Overwhelming, right? We will be deluding ourselves if we believe that we are in control of everything within us and outside us. Trust the greater power. Whatever name you wish to give that power. Universe. Absolute. God. Whatever be the name, trust in it.

Let us quickly go through the dos and don’ts for using affirmations. Very important – clearly identify the issue you are wanting to work on and frame the affirmation accordingly. Remember – specific affirmations specific results. Random affirmations no results.

Do’s

• Your affirmations need to be POSITIVE sentences, preferably short and precise.
• Affirmations have to be in the PRESENT tense. Eg., I AM receiving, I AM grateful, I AM confident, I AM strong, I AM Loving.. “I AM” is probably the most powerful phrase to begin any affirmation.
• You need to BELIEVE and FEEL strongly about your affirmations. If you have doubts about what you are creating, you are setting up roadblocks. You do not need to know the “how”, but you have to be clear about what you want.
• You can repeat affirmations out aloud or write them down, the bare minimum being 7 times a day. Repeat the affirmations as often as possible. The more the repetitions, the better and faster the results. Make the affirmation your mantra.
• While repeating the affirmations, VISUALIZE what you are creating with feelings. The more intense your emotions while repeating the affirmations, the stronger the vibrations you are sending out to the Universe.
• Be patient and consistent with your efforts. Trust the Universe.
• Take the necessary ACTION from your end to move towards what you want. Just repeating affirmations is not going to always work; it is a joint effort with the Universe.

Don’ts

• Avoid beginning any affirmation with “I WILL..” Eg. “I WILL BE confident” is less likely to work compared to “I AM confident”. “I WILL” is future tense and not effective and is one of the most common mistakes made.
• Avoid negative words in your affirmations. “I am NOT angry” is incorrect. “I am always calm and peaceful” is an effective affirmation.
• Avoid long winded and complex affirmations. Short is powerful. Short and precise affirmations have more focussed energy.
• Do not set high expectations regarding timeframes. If you are expecting an affirmation to work within 21 days or 40 days you may end up disappointed. My personal experience is that at times affirmations have worked almost instantaneously and at times have taken years. It depends on how deeply our subconscious mind is programmed. The deeper and stronger the limiting belief, the longer it takes to be reframed.

I will be publishing a series of posts listing out affirmations for different categories including Happiness, Prosperity, Self Esteem, Love, Self Love, Health etc.. do check these out. Meanwhile, for any specific help with creating affirmations, drop me an email at connect@purplenirvana.in , I will be glad to assist.

I will end this post with my favourite lines from Louise Hay’s book:

“In the Infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole and complete. I am one with the power that created me. I no longer choose to believe in old limitations and lack. I now begin to see myself as the Universe sees me – perfect, whole and complete. All is well in my world.”

Much love and light to all of you