Do Affirmations Really Work? The Hidden Truth©
I would be surprised if most readers of this newsletter didn’t assume that every spiritual teacher advises the use of affirmations. Why not? After all, they are quick, easy, and almost automatic. And if they “don’t work,” it’s easy to dismiss them with the thought that you “tried,” but they simply aren’t effective.
However, not all spiritual teachers agree—at least not on the surface. For example, Neville Goddard, one of Wayne Dyer’s most esteemed teachers, wrote:
• “You do not command things to appear by your words or loud affirmations. Such vain repetition [meaningless repetition, empty phrases] is more often than not confirmation of the opposite.” ~ Neville Goddard
That doesn’t sound very promising, does it? But compare this to the teachings of a very different figure:
• “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” ~ Jesus (Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:7, King James Version)
I can already hear the response from some readers: “But affirmations and prayer are not the same thing!” I’ll leave that for your further consideration after you have read a bit further. I believe there is a common thread here that invites deeper examination.
To affirm something means to “state, assert, or confirm positively that it is true, valid, or firm. It expresses strong belief in or commitment to an idea, supporting it with conviction” (Cambridge Dictionary). An affirmation is a “positive statement or phrase that you repeat to yourself to encourage, motivate, or build confidence. It is a firm declaration of truth, often used to reframe negative thoughts into positive, empowering beliefs, such as ‘I am capable’ or ‘I can handle this’” (Cambridge Dictionary). Essentially, it is the act of confirming your truth while offering yourself emotional support and encouragement.
There is an old 1939 jazz song by Melvin “Sy” Oliver and James “Trummy” Young that fits perfectly: “It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it . . . It ain’t what you say it’s the way that you say it, that’s what gets results!” When it comes to avoiding “vain repetition,” it’s the quality of the Energy that matters. That’s what gets results!
Could this be the missing link? Let’s dig a little deeper. Here is the rest of Goddard’s quote:
• “Decreeing [declaring or affirming] is ever done in consciousness [aka Conscious Living]. That is; every man is conscious of being that which he has decreed himself to be.” ~ Neville Goddard
Core Principles for Effective Affirmations
The following is a summary of the principles shared by five of my most influential teachers (in alphabetical order): Abraham-Hicks, Wayne Dyer, Neville Goddard, Maitreya, and Paramhansa Yogananda (their quotes are great, but there just isn’t room for them in this newsletter).
• Common Intention: Use affirmations to manifest positive change in character, health, and circumstances. The most important goal is Raising Your Vibration or Aligning with your Higher Self. First, get into a receptive mode, a state of appreciation or joy. An excellent way to do this is to enter the “Alpha State” (calm, alert focus, almost drowsy; the “state akin to sleep”).
• Emotional Momentum: Emotional resonance (vibration) is far more important than the actual words spoken. Affirm what you want to feel internally rather than focusing on external events or outcomes. Feel it Real is assuming (adopting) the state of the wish fulfilled; shift your thinking from desire to possession. Visualize outcomes that demonstrate or imply an accomplished fact; words only matter if they help you capture the feeling of the wish fulfilled; include a short phrase or sentence that implies your aim is already a fact. Believe it will happen (or better yet), believe that it already has happened.
• Reprogram the Subconscious Mind: These teachers all say to change your old thinking (beliefs) and your old habits and behavior (aka “Unconscious Living”) as well as your life circumstances (environment). Use your conscious mind to reprogram your subconscious mind (Conscious Living). Repeat phrases that imply the end result until they become your dominant consciousness. Have a conversation with yourself or an imaginary partner; such inner speech mirrors the imagined reality. Repeat with concentration, sincerity, and conviction to deepen focus and belief. If you already firmly believe it, state your affirmational request once and then “Give it No Energy”; leave it alone to avoid inadvertently focusing on lack or absence. Visualize your affirmation as an accomplished fact in your life by Feeling it Real.
• Verbalize Your Affirmation: While you can write or think your affirmations, the Spoken Word is often more convincing to the subconscious mind. After all, Spirit already knows what you want even if you don’t yet believe it yourself! Start aloud and move toward whispers and silent repetition to penetrate the subconscious mind. This is especially effective during meditation (a state akin to sleep). You can also have an inner conversation with yourself that implies or matches the version of you that already possesses your desire. Persist in the new inner conversation until it feels natural (not a forced lie but an accomplished fact).
• Focus Only on the Positive, What You Want: Do NOT focus on what you don’t want, especially the “Lack” or absence of anything you are currently missing. That reinforces a vibration of scarcity rather than of abundance. If an affirmation feels forced or creates any resistance; it will not work. Worry, fear, doubt (vs. faith), conscious and subconscious beliefs—pessimism of any kind or degree—is Resistance. Learn to detach from conditioning, limited beliefs, “What IS,” or anything you don’t want (negativity), and allow your life energies to flow with positive concentration. Focusing on the negative is very effective in manifesting what you don’t want because EVERY thought you think and EVERY word you express is an affirmation. Consequently, it is very important only to think and to speak positively.
• Raising Your Vibration Isn’t Complete Without Follow-Through: Celebrate the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment more than the manifestation itself. After all, the feeling of it is why you wanted it in the first place! Be persistent in your affirmations before the manifestation and after it, especially feelings of gratitude and appreciation. Persistence is enacted through Patience and Faith, both before and after the results appear.
So, Do Affirmations Really Work? According to our panel of esteemed 20th and 21st century spiritual teachers, affirmations can be an invaluable tool when they are used correctly and for the appropriate purpose. So, should you use them? The Hidden Truth is simply this: If you follow the guidelines and refuse to cut corners, absolutely yes. If you can’t honestly do that, don’t waste your time and energy on affirmations; they won’t work.
Affirmations are a key component of Conscious Living, the step-by step establishment of more functional habits leading to Conscious Being—“who you have become,” Who You Are NOW. As I wrote in Five Simple Words – Part II, “When you start to think it until you believe it, then you start to do it; you start to become it. And somewhere along the way a miracle happens. That is when the world [your world] begins to change.”
Affirmations are not about the words; they are about your vibrational energy at the time you utter the words. You can choose to stack the manifesting odds in your favor … or not; it is your choice. Oh yes, one last item. Is there really a difference between affirmations and prayer? Remember, EVERY thought you think and EVERY word you speak is an affirmation whether it is your truth or a lie! It’s the quality of the Energy that matters. “That’s what gets results!” Choose your thoughts and words wisely.
In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more or receive some assistance, please visit my website and email me at Dennis@DennisDossett.com. Have a great month!
Dennis
www.DennisDossett.com
