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Mahatma Ghandi
We all have an internal dialogue. Whether we like it or not. Sometimes it quietens (I'll get to this later) but most of the time it silently screams at us as we observe the world around us. The more we can guide this voice to support us, the better our quality of life will be. This is where positive affirmation comes into play as an invaluable tool.
So with Ghandi's wisdom in play, if you think or believe you are worthless, talentless, unable to achieve, unlovable, then these underlying beliefs will manifest in the world and unfortunately forge your path through life. With such negative self critical thoughts as your guiding principles, your compass you are making that road ahead more difficult than it should be.
The good news is that by using simple daily positive affirmations focused on what we want to achieve, how we want to be, or feel, will re program your mind to believe a new truth. This truth will become thoughts, actions, and our life.
Affirmations are powerful and can create immediately beneficial effects, however, to get the true benefits and not just a quick fix that can be just as easily forgotten, repeating an affirmation daily over a 30 day period, you will embed a new way. This is one of the techniques we advise at The Way of the Tortoise to remain focused and positive
Does this internal negative voice ever quieten?
Yes. There are ways, even without affirmations, to press the mute button on that pesky voice. One way is to focus the mind. This way we don't have to continually weed the garden, instead we plant beautiful flowers that allow no space for the weeds to grow.
Some people choose meditation, some paint, sculpt, write, hand glide, surf, really anything really that requires your full attention and allows you to be fully present in whatever task you choose. This has been described as "flow".
So how do we know when we are in a natural flow state? This can be identified by losing all sense of time. for example, resting your paintbrush and wondering why you're suddenly starving and realising its because you have been painting for 6 hours straight. We are all beautifully individual and must find our own flow, but there are simple mindfulness techniques that can help us to stay present and in the moment, not in the past or future. This in turn can reduce our stress levels, help us to relax, and make us happier. In the end, no matter who you are, and how you about it, all of us have this in common. We all want to be happy, and we have to find our way of uncovering it within.
Affirmations will help you get there. If you combine these with meditation, mindfulness exercises, physical exercise, gratitude, feeling connected, knowing your why and you'll increase your chances of finding your balance, your flow, your dare I say it... happiness.
Klaus White is a Trainer, Educator, proud Dad,
& co-founder of The Way of the Tortoise 