At this time of the annual cycle closing and a new one begining, we frequently resolve to change our behavior for the better, to make a new start. We make affirmations, causative intentions. Here are some interesting points about the limitations and potential power of affirmations:
Affirmations always work. Yes, whatever you positively think or visualise, you will attain and have or be or do. For example: 'I don't want to be poor.'
Assumption: 'I am poor.' Focus: 'Poverty'. Result: Thinking about poverty, and being in the identity of a poor person. So the affirmation worked, but not in the way you intended.
Maybe this should be re-phrased in the positive. For example: 'I want to be rich.'
Assumption: 'I am not rich.' Who wants what they already have? Want implies not having. Focus: Poverty. Result: Not being rich.
So we have learnt it is better to phrase in the present, not future. Don't use want and similar words. Perhaps this makes a better affirmation: 'I am rich.'
If you are rich, then this does not work because if you are rich then of course you've already attained being rich. If you aren't rich, it is a lie. Therefore, it doesn't work.
Hmmm. There's got to be a better way...
How about?: 'Suppose I am rich'. Suppose you have everything that being rich means to you. Imagine that this is happening. See yourself in that situation. Then slip into that image of yourself and see and hear and feel what it is experiencing and hear yourself thinking and saying, 'I am rich.'
It works now, doesn't it? It is true, it does not imply or state an undesirable state and it is in the present.
So now you are rich, aren't you? At least in your imagination, but you have learnt what it is like to be in that wealthy identity and that is a resource you can apply. When you have a positive vision that is real to you and genuinely something that you want and identify with, then creative energies naturally flow towards that vision. This is powerful stuff!
Hidden Affirmations
Everything in our lives is created newly every time we experience it. Even if it is something we barely notice. Yet we are not aware of making these creative affirmations. There are so many of them that we would be overwhelmed if we had to think of them all. If we wish to break down a wall with a sledge hammer, then we need to create the wall as well as the force to knock it down. We are creating a resistant wall and at the same time creating an opposing force. This may not be the wisest way to do things!
Using this as an analogy, when we are affirming something, even when we do so focussing on ability and being honest, we are making many other affirmations at the same time without being aware of them. Some of these affirmations might be like creating a resistant wall and at the same time a strong force to knock it down. We create a problem and try to create a strong enough force to overcome that problem! We make an affirmation and we make barriers to that affirmation. If we have never had or been the result of the affirmation, then we might have been creating the opposing force for a long time. This opposing force is probably something that we thought in the past was a means to keep us safe, or otherwise make our lives better. It might even be a simple negative thought that we decided at a time of stress and keep thinking unconsciously. Such counter-intentions could be ideas that our parents or our culture bombarded us with as a child and then these became habitual and out of our awareness.
Dealing with hidden affirmations
One way is to write down counter-intentions when you are affirming a positive intention. If some items strike you then you can use further questions to analyze what it is you are doing. Otherwise, screw up the list and throw it in the waste bin.
Regarding the following questions, it is important that you perceive the positive intention (affirmation) as an outflowing creation that meets barriers (hidden affirmations), rather than as something that is resisting an incoming opposing force.
Q1. What is connected with your affirmation that you are opposing?
For each answer from question 1:
Q2. Why do you oppose or fight against that?
Q3. What is it that you are trying to attain?
Q4. What undesirable does that replace?
Q5. Why do you oppose that undesirable?
Peter Shepherd is the founder and producer of the Trans4mind personal development website. A transformational psychologist by background, Peter supervises The Insight Project, and is author of 'Transforming the Mind' and 'Daring to be Yourself.' He edits and publishes the Trans4mind Newsletter. Get in touch with Peter Shepherd here.
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