Affirmation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article or section has multiple issues:
Please help improve the article or discuss these issues on the talk page. |
An affirmation (from Latin affirmare, to assert) is the declaration that something is true or a positive value judgement.
Contents |
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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".
[edit] 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.
