Affirmations, in simpler terms, are sentences that have a powerful effect on our minds. They are often used in practices like positive thinking and self-empowerment, which believe that having a positive mindset and using affirmations can lead to success in self-development, career, relationships, and many other fields. To make affirmations effective, they should be written down and repeated regularly. It is essential that affirmations are in the present tense, positive, personal, and specific.
From my perspective, affirmations are sentences that can create a strong impact. For example, if someone is constantly told negative things like “you are stupid” or “you are not good enough,” their mind starts to believe it, affecting their behavior and personality. This is because our minds store information in a certain way, and repeating specific words in sentences can affect the pathways in our brains, which in turn influences our behavior.
In simple words, a positive affirmation is a sentence that makes us feel good about ourselves. It gives us hope and helps us change our perspective. When we repeatedly say this sentence to ourselves, it becomes part of our belief system and affects how we behave.
Linguistics through affirmations
Kadambari* holds a special place in my journey as a psychotherapist. She was one of my earliest clients during my internship in 2004. Back then, I had just learned about the concept of Affirmations and the fascinating science behind them. When she stumbled upon the notice board advertising free sessions at the college, she mustered the courage to approach me as I was packing up for the day. Recognizing her determination, I scheduled her for the following week.
At 17, Kadambari possessed intelligence, a pleasant demeanor, and a calmness that radiated from within. However, beneath her seemingly composed exterior, she grappled with severe feelings of inferiority and low self-esteem. During our initial consultation, she bravely disclosed her main issue: her struggle to communicate in English. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her hands trembled, and in a voice barely audible, she whispered, “Ma’am, my classmates laugh at me.” Silence enveloped us for the next 15 minutes, marking the end of our first session together.
As a budding student of Psychotherapy, I understood the profound potential for change inherent in this learning process. The power of Affirmations filled me with excitement as I prepared to introduce Kadambari to this transformative tool. In our subsequent session, I carefully explained the concept of affirmations and offered her a simple yet impactful sentence: “I can speak English easily, effortlessly, and confidently.” She stared at me, her expression blank. Doubt lingered in her eyes, but deep within, I held firm in the belief that if she followed my guidance, she would rediscover her true self.
Fifteen days later, I met Kadambari again, and to my delight, she appeared visibly happier. With a newfound glow, she revealed, “I’ve started standing up in class and asking questions comfortably. I know I’m not fully there yet, but I’ve begun feeling good about myself.” Our subsequent sessions delved into addressing her other concerns, but it was this experience with Kadambari that truly exemplified the profound impact of affirmations on the human mind.
Kadambari’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power we possess within ourselves. Through the gentle repetition of positive affirmations, we can reshape our self-perception, break free from self-imposed limitations, and embrace newfound confidence. Witnessing Kadambari’s growth filled me with immense joy and reaffirmed my commitment to guiding others towards self-empowerment through the remarkable potential of affirmations.
*Names changed for privacy reasons.