Understanding the Role of Affirmations in Mindful Practice
There’s a common misconception about affirmations in mindful practice—they are not about replacing negative emotions or struggles with forced positivity. In fact, mindfulness invites us to welcome every emotion and experience, without labeling them as “good” or “bad.”
Mindfulness teaches us that all emotions are part of the human experience. Whether we're feeling joy, frustration, or sadness, each emotion has its place. The purpose of affirmations in this practice is twofold:
Honesty and Openness: Mindful affirmations encourage us to reflect on what we’re bringing to the present moment. They invite us to ask ourselves: What’s on my mind and heart today? Whether it's a day full of triumphs or one filled with challenges, every emotion is valid and plays a role in our practice.
Expanding Awareness: Affirmations also help us to expand our awareness. The positive, light feelings are just as important as the difficult, confusing ones. When we pause, take a breath, and assess the day, we may find that within struggles there are moments of celebration. Even when things aren’t going as planned, we can affirm our inherent worthiness and recognize the growth in each experience.
Mindful affirmations are simple phrases you repeat throughout the day to bring you back to the present moment. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to get caught up in distractions and fall into our brain's natural negativity bias. Mindful affirmations serve as gentle reminders to realign ourselves with the here and now, helping us reconnect our body, mind, and heart to the present.
Mindfully Yours,
Dr. Pamm
(Original source: mindfulness.org)