About Affirmations and Denials

By definition, affirmations are words or phrases which emphasize and magnify the presence of the true positive (ex. I love and approve of myself). Denials on the contrary, denounce negativity (ex. I don’t deserve to die right now). When it comes down to it, both are really two sides of the one coin. It simply depends on the state of the mind at the time. For example, for someone who is clinically depressed, denials might be better whereas for someone who really wants to focus on the positive and improving their thinking patterns for the better, affirmations might be better. Both are very powerful for training the mind into positive thinking. I was clinically depressed for almost six years. It was towards the very end that I began to study metaphysics and coming into who I truly am. When you’re clinically depressed, you basically feel as if you’re existing in a zombie state of mind the majority of the time and at times, at least, it feels as if you could just keel over and transition just as you are and no one would really care. As a result, I think it’s safe to say that “I don’t deserve to die right now” is the most powerful denial I have ever used. Now, almost three years later, I am so far into the positive state that I no longer even feel comfortable with denials and try to use affirmations only. Though let me emphasize that you don’t have to study metaphysics or the principles of the Unity Church to use denials and affirmations. Both can easily be used as a first step towards a change in attitude and thought patterns for the better. When it comes down to it, there is really no point in dwelling on negativity. All it does is cause unnecessary suffering, guilt and shame. It is unfortunate that religion was formed in the first place to help people to come together in a positive way and in a positive environment. Yet, unfortunately, many who claim to have the intention of doing just this often believe that the answer to converting outsiders is to impose unnecessary suffering, guilt and shame because they are so filled with fear themselves. What’s more unfortunate is that they truly believe that this is what “love thy neighbor” means. They are wrong. Jesus and other ascended masters (such as Siddartha Gautama a.k.a. Buddha) dared to give up everything, including their own humanness, to spread a message of peace, love and understanding. And yet still too much of the human race still has the wrong idea of what that message truly was. Physically, we appear in all shapes and sizes but on the inside, we’re the same. Of that same “little light” within. And if we don’t allow it to shine, no one can. Affirmations and denials are a first step to brightening this spark within all of us. And with time and consistency, it will glow brighter and brighter until it becomes extremely difficult to be influenced by the negativity in the world (at least in the long run). Affirmations are especially good to say (or mentally chant) when your mind does start to slip into negativity and when you’ve just been around a negative influence. This may sound a little intimidating but you’d be amazed at just how fast the negative influences dissipate once you start saying your affirmations, especially when you do it with an attitude of strength. It is truly your choice. It has even been shown that dwelling on negativity delays physical healing. According to Dr. Dawson Church (The Genie in Your Genes, 2007, p. 38), Ronald Glaser of the Ohio Start University College of Medicine along with psychologist Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, conducted a study to investigate the effects of stress associated with marital conflict on the healing of wounds and found that the wound healing was delayed by 40% in those who had severe disagreements with the put-downs, etc. It was even delayed in those who had simple disagreements. Therefore, those who are constantly in conflicts with others (and themselves) are more likely to have less-than-vital health in the long run. And therefore, affirmations and denials also serve as a first step to prevention of poor health. In closing, I would like to emphasize that denials and affirmations are only a first step. Just saying or thinking something doesn’t make it the truth. It is also about stopping blame of others, choosing to no longer be a victim of circumstances and taking responsibility and power for your life. Only you truly have the reign of your life.