Affirmations are positive or negative statements that you use frequently. The problem here is that we are used to repeating negative affirmations, even if we are not conscious of it or simply because we think that those think are true. You see, the way we think and the way we behave is something that is formed from our beliefs, experiences, and things we say to ourselves. Some of these things we learned them a long time ago.
When we are children, we especially are susceptible to ideas, thoughts, and phrases that are said around or to us, especially from our authoritative figures. So, imagine a child that is continually hearing he is stubborn, or not good enough, or simply that life is difficult, and we came here to suffer. All those ideas and thoughts are stored in our subconscious mind, making us see life and situations through these negative ways of thinking.
Our subconscious mind
Our belief system is basically formed when we were children, due to the way our mind works while we are growing up children are especially susceptible to ideas, thoughts, and phrases that are said around to them, especially from their authoritative figures. So, imagine a child that is continually hearing he is stubborn, or not good enough, or simply that life is difficult.
All these ideas and thoughts are stored in our subconscious mind, making us see life and situations through these negative ways of thinking.
Our beliefs and behaviours are the results of those ideas and thoughts that are continuously showing up on our minds. Some of these beliefs and practices have helped us to achieve what we have so far, but some of them are limiting and are keeping us from moving forward and enjoying life.
Be mindful
It is crucial to be careful of our thoughts; it is possible that we are not even aware of some of those limiting patterns because they are stored in our subconscious mind, and they come up automatically. When we tend to live the same kinds of situations or responses of people, then we evidently have behaviours that are causing this to happen.
Every thought you have, every word you say are affirmations. Ask yourself what kinds of conversations you have with yourself, what kinds of words you tend to use, what phrases or attitudes in life you are more prone to have.
Every time you complain, every time you get angry or exasperated, every time you feel a victim, every time you feel like life is unfair, and that everyone else has a better life than you, then you are affirming to yourself the very things that you would like to get away from. These negative affirmations are only keeping these things in your life, and you’re convincing yourself that it is true so this is the only thing you see and acknowledge.
How to practice positive affirmations?
Now that you’ve learned what are affirmations and how do they work is time for you to know how to practice them and get them to make a difference in your life.
Probably not all the things you think are negative, but if most of the time you are using negative affirmations, now is the time to change it. It is time to modify the way you talk to yourself, the way you look at things and everything around you.
There are multiple ways to practice affirmations, the most common ones are:
- Practice for a given period of time – for example, 5 minutes of repeating the same affirmation (or affirmations)
- Repeat for a specific amount of time – for instance, repeat each affirmation 20 times
You have to practice repeating affirmations at least twice a day, let’s say in the morning (as soon as you wake up) and in the evening (before going to sleep).
Tips and tricks to make them work for you
Repeating words without being aware
Let me tell you the first secret if you are only repeating words and phrases without actually believing affirmations work or without paying attention to the words you say you won’t get any result out of your practice.
Visualization
Now, I understand that it’s hard for you to start believing in the future results, but the secret is to make your subconscious believe that what you are affirming is true or that is happening. And how do we do this? Well, by visualizing yourself being or having what you want to be or have, and at the same time repeat the affirmation.
This way you will trick your subconscious mind into believing that this is actually happening.
Stayed relaxed
Another good way to make affirmations work for you is to be in a relaxed state of mind. If you are stressed or thinking about problems or work, you are not engaging your mind in the task at hand, and you won’t trick your subconscious into believing the positive result, mostly you are reaffirming the bad situation that you are thinking about.
If you are already repeating your affirmations, and you start to feel stressed or worried is better if you stop and then try to relax by meditating or doing something else entirely, then when you are in a more receptive state of mind try practicing your affirmations one more time.
Be positive
If you want to make a real change in your life, is better to improve your habits and the way you behave. It doesn´t actually work if you are practicing your affirmations twice a day, but the rest of the time you spend it in a negative attitude. The primary goal of practicing affirmations is to build a better state of mind, a more positive one. So start being conscious about the way you think and behave, and try to change the negative patterns you have identified.
What do you think? Do they work for you? Would you like to try them?
Interesting articles about affirmations:
5 steps to make affirmations work for you
Photo by Jonatan Pie on Unsplash