Affirmation (declaration of truth): Difference between revisions
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An '''affirmation''' (from [[Latin]] ''affirmare'', to assert) is the declaration that something is true or a positive [[value judgement]]. |
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==Affirmation in logic== |
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In [[logic]], an '''affirmation''' is a positive judgment, the union of the subject and predicate of a proposition. |
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In [[law]], an '''affirmation''' is a solemn declaration allowed to those who conscientiously object to taking an [[oath]]. An affirmation has exactly the same legal effect as an oath, but is usually taken to avoid the religious implications of an oath. In some jurisdictions, it may only be given if such a reason is provided. |
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*Since 1695 the right to give an affirmation has existed in the United Kingdom<ref>[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=46841 Statutes of the Realm: Volume 7. 1820] British History Online, the Institute of Historical Research and the History of Parliament Trust. Retrieved [[august 4]] [[2007]]</ref> having its origins in the refusal of [[Quaker]]s (now also known as the [[Religious Society of Friends]]) to swear any oath, which would otherwise have barred them from many public positions. Quakers believe one must [[Testimony of Integrity|speak the truth at all times]], yet the act of swearing to it would imply this be not the case. Some Christians refuse to swear oaths, based on Jesus' prohibition in the [[Sermon on the Mount]].<ref>The relevant part of the Sermon on the Mount is {{bibleverse||Matthew|5:34-5:37}}. See also {{bibleverse||James|5:12}}.</ref> |
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*The final draft of the 1787 [[Constitution of the United States]] makes four references to an "oath or affirmation": In Article I, [[United States Senate|Senators]] must take a special oath or affirmation for the purpose of sitting as the tribunal for [[impeachment]]; in Article II, the president is required to take a specified oath or affirmation before entering office (see [[oath of office]]); in Article VI, all state and federal officials must take an oath or affirmation to support the U.S. Constitution; and in Amendment IV, all [[search warrant]]s must be supported by [[evidence (law)|evidence]] given under oath or affirmation. |
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== New Thought Affirmations == |
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In [[New Thought]] and [[personal development]], an '''affirmation''' is a form of [[autosuggestion]] in which a statement of a desirable intention or condition of the world or the mind is deliberately meditated on and/or repeated in order to implant it in the mind. Many believers recommend accompanying recitations with mental visualization of a desired outcome. |
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Affirmation can be viewed positively as a mobilization of one's inner resources. For example, believers would consider "I Am making more room in my life for success every day" a much wiser affirmation than "I am successful !" |
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Affirmations are always phrased in the first person and usually in a present tense ("I Am") rather than a future tense ("I will") in order to increase the ''realization'' of the statement for the affirmation. Affirmations are believed to be a very powerful means of reprogramming the subjective mind. They appear to be most effective when repeated in a quiet and restful state of mind and body, and when the desired outcome is vividly experienced in one's mind and resulting emotions are felt. |
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Some members of the New Thought Movement, especially those influenced by secular teachers, like [[Emile Coue]] and [[Frank Channing Haddock]], use affirmations as part of a [[metaphysical]] or [[philosophical]] approach to [[self-help]]. Others, especially those who are members of New Thought denominations, churches, or independent centers, frame the technique in a religious context, and call it [[affirmative prayer]]. |
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==New Age== |
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They are an intrinsic part of many [[New Age]] groups including [[I AM Activity]] and the [[Church Universal and Triumphant]] of [[Elizabeth Clare Prophet]]. However, in these groups affirmations are generally recited in flat, mechanical voices at top speed and volume, in order to elevate participants' "vibratory levels". |
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== Christian== |
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{{further|[[Affirmative prayer]]}} |
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Perhaps the most often used and well-known affirmation is the word "[[Amen]]," which can be translated simply as "so be it" or "and so it is," affirming the truth of whatever was written or said immediately prior. While often used to conclude [[prayer]], the word itself is neutral as to its context and exemplifies a logical affirmation more than a spiritual one. |
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==Everyday Use== |
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Affirmations have come of age as a legitimate self-improvement tool. Scientific research has now demonstrated their efficacy in positively impacting human thinking and productive results. An affirmation is simply a positive thought that is repeatedly stated, read, written, or listened to with the goal of enhancing skills, modifying thoughts or behavior, and improving life outlook. Athletes, sales people, and many other groups use them to increase confidence and performance. |
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Here are a few tips for effective use of affirmations. |
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<li><b>Commitment<b> - keep in mind that the key to using affirmations - audio, written, or spoken - is commitment to your goal. Without a commitment to making the change or reaching your goal, affirmations are just words.</li> |
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<li><b>Repetition</b> - repetition is the engine of affirmation success. For an affirmation to do its job in transforming your thoughts, it has to get at least equal time with the negative thoughts you want to replace.</li> |
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<li><b>How much/how often</b> - speak, write, or listen to the first person affirmation 5-10 times and then repeat the second person affirmation the same number of times. Do this at least twice each day. Stay with the affirmation(s) for at least 30 days. Use them again if the old thoughts return.</li> |
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<li><b>How to use first person affirmations</b> - “Own” the first-person version. Speak or listen as if you are speaking passionately to yourself.</li> |
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<li><b>How to use second person affirmations</b> - ”Actively accept” the second person version. Speak or listen as if someone you respect is confirming your affirmation back to you.</li> |
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<li><b>How to know you’re getting results</b> - there are several criteria for recognizing an affirmation’s success. |
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<ul><li>The old thought, behavior, or performance disappears or lessens.</li> |
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<li>Your mood, thinking, behavior, or performance change in a positive direction.</li> |
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<li>The old thought, behavior, or performance appears and your thinking immediately answers with the affirmation. This is really exciting. Your old thought is “I am stupid.” You think this thought and immediately it is answered by your affirmation, “I am highly intelligent.”</li></ul></ul> |
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There are dozens of books and CD programs featuring affirmation. One recent innovation has been the advent of downloadable affirmations on the Internet that can be used on any mp3-capable device. |
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==Criticisms== |
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Criticism has been leveled at affirmations by scientists {{fact|date=January 2008}} and others who believe they no more than wishful thinking. Many people hold an image in their mind of the Saturday Night Live character, Stuart Smalley, sitting in front of a mirror saying, "I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And, gosh darn it, people like me." |
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It is true that limited scientific research {{fact|date=January 2008}} has been done on the topic. There is, however, extensive anecdotal evidence supporting the benefits of positive thinking and affirmations. More research remains to be done to determine the extent to which this tool can benefit human beings. |
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== See also == |
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* [[Negation]] |
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* [[Nietzschean affirmation]] |
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== Notes == |
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<references/> |
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== References == |
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* {{1911}} |
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[[Category:New Thought movement]] |
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[[Category:Oaths]] |
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[[Category:Popular psychology]] |
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[[Category:Grammar]] |
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Latest revision as of 08:49, 12 June 2020
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