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“At their core, affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself to reprogram your subconscious mind.” – Rev James Trapp, Sr. Minister, Spiritual Life Center, Sacramento, CA 5/4/23
The following message has been adapted from an article by Rev. Trapp
Affirmations are an often undervalued yet powerful spiritual tool that can enhance and transform our lives. H. Emily Cady, author of one of Unity’s oldies but goodies spiritual books, Lessons in Truth, noted, “Our spoken word first hammers a thing desired into shape. Our continued spoken word brings this shaped substance forth and clothes it with a visible body.”
Many people struggle with a lack of self-worth or self-esteem in one or more areas of their life. Although not a panacea or cure-all, affirmations can help transform a belief in the absence of self-worth into brimming confidence.
So, how do affirmations work? At their core, affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself to reprogram your subconscious mind. The idea is that by repeating positive messages, you can change your thoughts and feelings about yourself, ultimately leading to more positive behavior and outcomes.
Research has shown that affirmations can effectively improve self-esteem, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase happiness. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who practiced self-affirmation techniques had higher levels of self-esteem and were less defensive when faced with negative feedback.
So, how can we all apply affirmations in our lives to enhance our self-esteem and well-being? Here are some steps we can take:
Identify areas of self-doubt: Where in our lives do we struggle with self-esteem? E.g., our appearance? Our abilities at work? Our relationships? Once you have recognized your troublesome areas, you can create affirmations that address them directly.
Use present tense and positive language: Instead of saying, "I will be confident someday," say, "I am confident and capable."
Repeat, repeat, repeat: Make a habit of repeating your affirmations to yourself daily. You can say them out loud, write them down, or even record them and listen to them while driving or getting ready in the morning.
Believe in the power of your words: It may feel awkward at first to repeat positive statements to yourself, but it's essential to believe in the power of your words. The more you repeat your affirmations, the more they will become a part of your subconscious thinking.
Celebrate your progress: As you start to see improvements in your self-esteem and well-being, take the time to celebrate! Recognize the positive changes you've made and continue to use affirmations to build on your successes.
Affirmations can be a powerful tool for improving our self-esteem and overall well-being. By identifying areas of self-doubt, using positive language, and repeating our affirmations daily, we can change how you think and feel about ourselves, ultimately leading to more positive behavior and outcomes.
Give it a try and see its positive impact on your life.
Namasté…Rev. Vicky
