Affirmation (declaration of truth)

For other uses, see Affirmation (declaration of truth) (disambiguation).

An affirmation (from Latin affirmare, to assert) is the declaration that something is true or a positive value judgement.

New Thought affirmations

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.

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 !"

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.

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.

New Age

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".

Christian

Further information: [[:Affirmative prayer]]

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.

Everyday use

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.

Here are a few tips for effective use of affirmations:

• Commitment - 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.
• Repetition - 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.
• How much/how often - 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.
• How to use first person affirmations - “own” the first-person version. Speak or listen as if you are speaking passionately to yourself.
• How to use second person affirmations - ”actively accept” the second person version. Speak or listen as if someone you respect is confirming your affirmation back to you.
• How to know you’re getting results - there are several criteria for recognizing an affirmation’s success.
• The old thought, behavior, or performance disappears or lessens.
• Your mood, thinking, behavior, or performance change in a positive direction.
• 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.”

There are dozens of books and CD programs featuring affirmation. One recent innovation has been the advent of downloads affirmations on the internet that can be used on any mp3-capable device.

Criticisms

Criticism has been leveled at affirmations by scientists 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."

It is true that limited scientific research 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.

See also

• Negation
• Nietzschean affirmation

External link

• Optimist Creed, Powerful Affirmations by Christian Larson. (Include PDF)

References

• This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)