The grace and power of the Universe flow through two impeccable, precisely exquisite words - I am. Each day is shaped by I am. I can experience limitations, lack, or vistas of joy; quivering fear or rollicking laughter; hushed still or lightning flash. Even though I am not always willing to recognize the choices I make, there are times when I elect to consciously create a new parameter - another experience. I can gently process an effortless change in comfortable steps using affirmation and, as soul author, affirmation becomes an unparalleled act of empowerment.
An affirmation is a statement of being. It can be written as an action or as a description. For example: I, William, enjoy vibrant, toe-tapping health. or I, Sunita, am a caring and compentent woman. Essentially, an affirmation always includes a self reference (such as my, I am, or one's given name) and is written only in the present tense. An affirmation is a matter of fact and is sufficient unto itself. (It never depends on something else happening first.) The more articulate, to-the-point, focused and clear an affirmation, the greater its effect on lasting change.
In practice, an affirmation is an outer expression of an inner commitment and, in a way, is a lovely metaphor for how experience comes to pass. In the beginning there is the word. Once I sanction my intimate desire for change, I declare my intention to the world. I can raise my voice in song or whisper. I can write my hand across blank page. I repeat my affirmation often and with conviction. I engage all of my senses until each and every cell of my body pulses with anticipation. And, in the process, I give thanks and set my desires free.
In creating an affirmation, choose words that shine for you alone - words that energize and sparkle your inner delight.
- Be authentic to your own experience. Heartfelt desire is fertile ground for change - even the smallest whim has great possibility. I am genuinely open to accepting that which I desire.
- Embrace circumstance. I recognize where I am and I accept all the colours of my life. I welcome the influence of universal good in all aspects of circumstance including those far beyond my understanding.
- Remain in the now. I acknowledge my desire now. My mind is clear. My heart is true. My experience is now. I am free of future expectation.
- Include your name where ever possible. I own my desire for change. I increase my potentiality for change.
- Focus your intent on self change only. I recognize and respect another's ability to choose. I am free to wander my heart's path.
- Accentuate the positive. I lift my sights to the realm of possibility. Each and every action I take is constructive and beneficial.
- Be willing to change. I drop judgement and relinquish control of outer events. I allow the spirit to move me.
- Enjoy simplicity.
Workbook Exercise: The 7 Cycle
The following exercise is an example of how a written affirmation can serve change. Each day, in preparation for this exercise, take a moment to yourself. Choose a quiet, comfortable place where you will not be disturbed. Engage your senses. Perhaps light a candle and play some music with a gentle beat, or perhaps, sit in a sunshine soft garden with whisper breezes barely blowing. You will need a writing surface, a workbook, a pen, and coloured pencils (or crayons or felt pens). The optimal time to write affirmations is either first thing in the morning or before you go to sleep at night. When ready, be still, clear your mind and, only then, begin the day's exercise.
Ancient wisdom suggests each affirmation be written 7x70 times for a total of 490 repetitions. Thus, each day for 7 consecutive days, you will write out the same affirmation 70 times on the day's sheets in the workbook. You will compose your affirmation statement the day before you begin the 7 day cycle. Remember: The same affirmation is used for 7 days.
The daily exercise can start with a free form drawing exercise, a Meditation in Colour, to be completed before writing your repetitions. This will tune your inner ear to better receive the affirmation. When writing your repetitions, feel the rhythm of the words. Silently repeat each word as you write it. Become the process. As the days go by, allow the affirmation to sing. You may find yourself walking down the street marching to the beat of your affirmation, or you may dream about it. Whatever shape, flow with it. Empower the affirmation beyond the written word.
The day you finish writing all 490 repetitions, review and reflect upon the past week's exercise. Look back over your workbook pages. See the story your drawings and handwriting tell. Acknowledge the change within yourself.
One affirmation cycle seeds a change. Two (three, four...) build momentum. Seven complete the process. If you choose to work through a full 7 cycles, compose a new affirmation statement for the next cycle during the review process. Your new statement will naturally grow out of the last statement. Allow one day of rest before you begin writing the next 490 repetitions. After 7 cycles and 3430 written statements, give thanks and set your desire free.
Sample Affirmations:
Remember, the following examples merely illustrate how an affirmation could be written. An affirmation is highly personal and must reflect the user's desire, language and personality.
I, Sam, wake up early each morning refreshed.
Each and every cell of my body zings with vital energy.
I, Maggie, am well rested, calm and relaxed.
I, Benjamin, bathe in the warmth of All is Well.
My heart shines peace and goodwill.
I, Michael, am a kind and generous man.
I, Corrine, am able to choose well for myself.
My memory is clear and accessible at all times.
I, Matthew, am confident and sure of myself in any circumstance.
I, Kelly, am a hug from the wind in the willows.
I, Sarah, move with grace and light ease.
Composing Affirmations:
For this exercise, you will need a workbook and a pen or pencil.
- Take a moment to yourself.
- Turn to a fresh workbook page and title it Change.
- Quietly ask yourself: What do I want to experience?
- Be still and Listen. Suspend judgement and any preconceived ideas.
- As thoughts take shape, freely write down any words, phrases or symbols that come to mind. Place them anywhere on the Change Page and in any order. When you feel finished, stop writing and put down your pen.
- Gaze quietly at the page. Reflect upon what you have written.
- Loosely identify an issue. Is there something you'd like to change in your life? Do you want to expand your horizons? Phrase some words to summarize what you want. Write them under a new title, Shaping the Issue.
- Focus your intent. Holding in mind the qualities of a well written affirmation statement (as previously outlined), write 5 separate affirmations under a new title, Affirmations. Keep each statement clear and precise and within the allotted space of one written line only.
- When finished, close the workbook. Do not choose which affirmation you will work with. Sleep on it and choose the next day when you are ready to start writing your repetitions.
Writing Repetitions:
For this exercise, you will need your workbook, a pen, and coloured pencils (or crayons, or felt pens).
- Take a moment to yourself.
- Turn to a fresh workbook page and title it day ONE (day TWO, etc.).
- Read your affirmation statement once out loud in a firm, clear voice.
- Begin Writing Repetitions: Write out your exact affirmation 70 times always using the same words. You can use different coloured pens and/or you can fill in the lines randomly if you choose. Be sure to complete all 70 in one sitting.
- When you finish your repetitions, read your affirmation out loud once more, ending this time with the words: And So It Is, Amen.
- Repeat this exercise for 7 consecutive days.
- On the seventh day, review the past week (as outlined above) and compose a new affirmation for the next 7 day cycle.
~ Gemma Grace
Threads: Spiritual Practice