A blog by Angela Gallo
What Are Affirmations?
Affirmations, also known as positive affirmations, are simple phrases that aim to foster a positive mindset. They can be spoken aloud or silently to yourself, designed to shift your thinking from negative to positive. Common goals of affirmations include motivating action, reducing stress, boosting self-confidence, and promoting overall well-being.
The science behind affirmations lies in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change, adapt, and add new pathways. By regularly repeating affirmations, you encourage your brain to accept these positive statements as truths. When you genuinely believe in your capabilities, your actions are more likely to align with those beliefs, paving the way for personal growth and resilience.
Benefits of Affirmations
- Improved Self-Confidence: Regularly affirming your worth can help counteract negative self-talk and build a more positive self-image
- Stress Reduction: Affirmations can serve as a calming practice, reducing anxiety and promoting emotional regulation
- Motivation: Positive affirmations can inspire you to take action towards your goals, reinforcing your belief in your abilities
- Healing Inner Child Wounds: Engaging in affirmations can be a nurturing practice, offering self-compassion and empathy
When to Use Affirmations
Affirmations can be especially useful during challenging times. Whether you’re facing stress at work, dealing with personal challenges, or simply struggling with self-doubt, incorporating affirmations into your routine can provide comfort and encouragement. They can serve as a gentle reminder of your strengths and abilities, helping you persevere through difficulties.
Affirmations are also a vital part of healing processes, such as nurturing your inner child. This involves acknowledging past experiences and the impact they have on your current self. Self-reflective practices, including affirmations, can be instrumental in addressing and overcoming the effects of childhood traumas.
What If It Doesn’t Feel Like It’s Working?
You might encounter resistance when using affirmations. It’s not uncommon to hear an inner voice respond with skepticism. For instance, in response to affirmations, many of us will be familiar of thoughts such as “That’s not true” or “Yeah, right. You’re lying.” This resistance often stems from the different parts within yourself.
Richard Schwartz, the founder of Internal Family Systems psychotherapy, explains that within each person we have various parts of the Self, each with a role to play. For instance, your inner critic may aim to protect you from feelings of inadequacy or fear. However, this same protective mechanism can also block you from receiving the affirmations you need and deserve. When this happens, it’s essential to acknowledge these parts without judgment.
How to Provide Compassionate Affirmations
If traditional affirmations feel challenging, consider starting with statements rooted in empathy and understanding. Here are some compassionate alternatives:
- “Your feelings and needs matter.”
- “All feelings are welcome.”
- “It’s okay to cry.”
- “I am here for you.”
- “I’m sorry you didn’t feel safe and supported. You didn’t deserve to go through that.”
These statements can feel more accessible when you’re facing emotional resistance. If your body feels tense or unresponsive to affirmations, take a moment to sit with that discomfort. Ask yourself why you might be resistant, and approach these feelings with curiosity. If you listen carefully, your protective parts might communicate exactly what you need.
Seeking Support in Your Journey
Engaging in these internal conversations can be daunting, especially when parts of your Self seem to block your healing process. At Mindful Path Counselling, we provide a supportive environment to help you navigate this inner dialogue. Our approach encourages exploration and understanding of the various parts of your Self, allowing for deeper healing and growth.
Affirmations can be a transformative practice for enhancing your mental health. By using them effectively and compassionately, you can unlock their potential and foster a more positive mindset. Remember, it’s a journey – be patient and stay curious.
