Path to Siva: A Catechism for Youth

42 How Do We Use Affirmations?§

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Two postures speak of the negative and positive potential we all have. On the left, a youth is depressed, silently repeating negative statements. On the right he discovers the power of positive thoughts.§

A. MANIVEL§

An affirmation is a positive declaration or assertion that we repeat regularly to bring about useful changes in our life. While repeating the words, we concentrate on the meaning and visualize and feel the desired result. Your words, visualizations and feelings have power. They impress your subconscious mind. When they are positive, useful and creative, they make you more secure and successful in everything you do. Affirmations must be carefully worded to gain the desired effect. The sadhana is to repeat it to yourself for a minute or two, ideally at the same time each day. Silently is good, but aloud is even better. For example, “I can. I will. I am able to accomplish what I plan.” Repeating this each day programs your mind with confidence and increases your willpower. But just saying the words is not enough. You must really feel “I can! I will! I am able!” Imagine what it will feel like when you accomplish your goal. It is helpful to remember the feeling of success you experienced when you achieved something in the past. Positive affirmations help you face life with optimism. Negative thinking does the opposite. Many people think, “I can’t. I won’t. I’m not able.” And, sure enough, they fail. Why? Because they have programmed their mind to fail. An affirmation creates the opposite effect. You see the goal clearly and feel yourself attaining it. Success follows naturally. Gurudeva’s other affirmations include “I’m all right, right now,” “All my needs will always be met,” and “I am equal to any challenge I meet.” Affirmation builds a positive self-concept. This means knowing that you are a worthy person deserving a wonderful life and fully capable of achieving it. Having such a positive concept allows us to identify with our inner, spiritual nature so that we truly feel we are a divine being on a perfect path.§

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GURUDEVA: Get into the rhythm of the affirmation. This causes strong feelings and impressions deep in the inner mind. Each word has a certain rate of vibration. Feeling is greater than visualization.§