Live an empowered life
Embrace affirmations and reframe negative thinking. By Farah-Naz Khan
Take a moment to consider and reflect on these words: You have control of your thoughts and can choose how to react to them. For the major part, most people have an inner voice accompanying them throughout their lives, connected to their sense of self, outlook, perception of others and the world around them. At times, this inner voice becomes unbearably loud, deeply critical and fuels self-doubt. This can give rise to anxious thoughts and feelings, create self-defeating habits and often leaves the individual feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and unable to take meaningful action.
This begs the question: Is it possible to gain control and transform your inner voice into a nurturing, soothing, supportive friend? The resounding answer is ‘Yes’. Actively choosing to harness the power of one’s inner voice, inviting a positive energy and embracing a “I can do, I will do” attitude, it becomes possible to transform every aspect of one’s life.
Wow, this all sounds truly liberating, doesn’t it? Actually, it’s not as simple as replacing negative thinking and internal dialogue with positive words full of wisdom. This approach can and does have a significant impact. However, deeper transformative change requires a little more considered effort and commitment.
“You have control of your thoughts and can choose how to react to them.”
Affirmations are essentially positive statements repeated daily or at regular intervals to trigger the subconscious mind to accept the words as true and in doing so attract or help create corresponding situations, events or desired outcomes into your life. The reason affirmations work is because, ultimately, they create a mindset of abundance, unburdened by negative thinking and encourage us to take action helping to bring meaning and quality to our lives.
An important distinction to note is that the word affirmation is often used interchangeably with the word mantra. There is an important distinction. The latter are typically sacred words, sounds, or verses considered to have a deeper spiritual significance. Affirmations on the other hand hold no significant spiritual or religious meaning in any traditional sense and are usually self-generated and specific to the individual (for example, I believe in myself and trust my own wisdom).
If you have never used affirmations, here are some simple tips to get you started: They help set the foundation and determine how you want the rest of the day to unfold.
• Be wholly present and mindful when practicing affirmations you have created. Attune yourself to the ebb and flow of your breath which will, in time, create a natural feeling to your practice.
• Try writing down affirmations or create cards as handy reminders when you are out and about. If you prefer to use apps there are plenty on the market you can research.
• When creating an affirmation, try to incorporate “I am”. Be specific and brief, stick to the present tense, incorporate a feeling or dynamic emotion, and visualise your desired outcome.
• Set scepticism aside, take small steps, be patient and committed to the process.
Working with affirmations really is a powerful transformative process. When we intentionally, consistently use affirmations, the very words you speak to yourself implant beneficial thoughts and feelings into your subconscious. In doing so, you begin the process of creating a new reality for your life; the actions that follow align to your authentic self and truly serve to fulfil your life purpose.
Farah-Naz Khan is a yoga therapist, trainer and founder of Yoga My Life (yogamylife.co.uk)
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
