The Power Of Positive Affirmations

Over thirteen years ago, I came across the book You Can Heal Your Life, by Louise Hay. The book is about self-healing through the use of positive affirmations that correspond with different illnesses and ailments.

Ms. Hay claims that our thoughts and lack of self-love contribute to disease and that positive affirmations can help heal us. Although I understood how affirmations could support positive thinking, I wasn’t sold on the notion that they could alter cells or body chemistry and actually contribute to physical healing.  Fast forward several years, I now understand that there is substantial scientific evidence supporting the power of positive affirmations, when practiced intentionally and repeatedly.  I’ll spare you all the talk on genes and neurons and brain structure and I’ll share with you one of the fundamental reasons that I believe that optimists have a “healing edge” over the pessimists of the world.

Says Michael Scheier, Director of Psychology Carnegie Mellon University, “Optimists are not simply being Pollyannas; they're problem solvers who try to improve the situation. And if it can't be altered, they're also more likely than pessimists to accept that reality and move on. Physically, they're more likely to engage in behaviors that help protect against disease and promote recovery from illness. They're less likely to smoke, drink, and have poor diets, and more likely to exercise, sleep well, and adhere to rehab programs. Pessimists, on the other hand, tend to deny, avoid, and distort the problems they confront, and dwell on their negative feelings.” 

If you prefer a more “scientific” report, check out the book The Brain that Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, by Norman Doidge, MD, which supports that Neuroscience can change the structure of our brains. 

Whichever angle you like better, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the claim that flooding your brain with positivity is actually good for your overall health.  The key is repetition, deliberate focus, and present tense affirmations.  I find that writing it down, along with speaking it out loud helps solidify the affirmation and bring it into reality. 

My favorite (3-part) affirmation of all time (I actually carry this in my purse, have a copy by my bed, and a copy on my desk at work) that I use when I feel overly anxious/worried about something is as follows:

            It will go even better than what I expect.

            Whatever happens will be a good thing.

            I just need to trust that it will be good. 

I write my concern or problem at the top of a sheet of paper.  Then I write these three affirmations below the problem repeatedly, until I fill the page.  I find that by the time I’m at the end of the page, I feel a sense of release.  I’ve transferred the negative energy that the problem was causing into positive energy.  Try it.  I’m confident you’ll have similar results. 

Furthermore, here are some positive affirmations that you can practice to help rewire your brain, change your perspective, and as we just learned, improve your overall health.  These are taken from numerous Louise Hay affirmation books: 

Happiness 

1. I awaken in the morning feeling happy and enthusiastic about life.

2. By allowing myself to be happy, I inspire others to be happy as well.

3. I look at the world around me and can’t help but smile and feel joy.

4. I find joy and pleasure in the most simple things in life.

5. I rest in happiness when I go to sleep, knowing all is well in my world.

Love Relationship

1. I respect and admire my partner and see the best in him/her.

2. My partner and I communicate openly and resolve conflict peacefully and respectfully.