People talk a lot about such things as daily affirmations, positive thinking, manifesting and the possibility that we all create our own reality.
Do I believe in such things?
If I were to put my faith in all the books and workshops and wise words that are out there I would say definitely "yes." But being the skeptic that I am. I always like to throw in a caveat... and take my usual "fence sitting" stance and say "It Depends!"
Where do these affirmations and positive Visualizations come from?
I always found that the biggest problem with such practices as standing in front of the mirror and saying positive things to yourself — as some allegedly wise people prescribe — is that you will very likely set up a dynamic of contradiction within yourself.
Although there are many who would disagree, if what you're saying to yourself and expressing as a result of your carefully scripted thoughts isn't an alignment with what you believe, deep in your soul... then no amount of "positive thinking" and mouthing affirmations to yourself is going to get you what you want!
In some ways, it reminds me of a certain dynamic from my childhood where my parents would insist something was true, even though my own direct experience told me the opposite. You end up pretty conflicted, even if you're not consciously aware of it.
In general, I have found that these "mind games" actually don't work unless you are fully convinced — in the core of your being — that what you're doing is not only right, but also possible.
Creative visualization and focus only work when you are fully convinced that what you are doing is essential to your being. Otherwise you're just mouthing meaningless words at yourself!
Been there, done that!
As I write these words, I'm reminded of a "work purpose" Workshop I attended many years ago... in which we were trying to identify our True Callings" in life.
As it turned out a lot of the people present were not actually visualizing the life they truly wanted. What they were doing was "holding a thought," and their authenticity was being derailed by their own beliefs: I am not worthy of happiness, I can't make money at that, people will judge me, etc.
After some discussion back and forth the person giving the workshop made it very simple by pointing out that in the course of finding your true calling in life you know it's there when you reach a certain point and it suddenly becomes evident to you that what you're doing doesn't actually feel like work and, moreover, you would still be doing it even if you didn't get paid for it.
In other words, it's an inner thing.
Using positive thinking and affirmations to change your life works in much the same way... and one of the primary reasons so many people fail is precisely that they don't have the power of their own conviction!
Thanks for reading, and have a great remainder of your week!
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Created at 2023-07-12 00:05 PDT
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