Many of you may be familiar with the work of Louise Hay, founder of Hay House. As it states on her website she “dedicated her life to teaching people how to live a positive and empowered life, often with the aid of positive statements and beliefs, which she called affirmations.” Louise Hay passed away in 2017 however her work continues to inspire and transform the lives of individuals. I have come to know her work recently and can attest to the powerful way it can transform your life.
What are affirmations? They are simply thoughts. We have the power to choose our thoughts, even negative thoughts. Through the work of Ms. Hay, you can begin to understand how you can choose new ways of thinking for yourself. The method is called affirmations. These affirmations are repeated daily and can be written down, so you see them. For instance, you can place them on the inside of your medicine cabinet, so you read them when you brush your teeth. Or you can have them in your personal journal. When you journal at night, you can review your statements. When you are working with these positive thoughts, the statements should be:
• Highly personal, tailored to you and the life you are creating for yourself
• Positive, that is, your statement is written in the affirmative. (Example: I am happy vs. I am not sad.)
• In the present tense. (Example: I am an active listener vs. I am working on becoming a good listener.)
The goal of the practice is to change what I have heard called our “stinking thinking.” Stinking thinking is the negative thoughts that constantly flood our minds. Thoughts like “I’m not enough.” Or “I should have done this better.” Through this practice, we look to turn our thoughts into a forward momentum that pushes us to transform the present and consequently, our future. Through the practice, I’ve come to see how I create my own reality through the thoughts I am having about the present.
Working on specific, tailored affirmations, or positive statements, has helped me examine my deeply held beliefs and negative self-talk. It has allowed me to step outside of my thought patterns; patterns that are often pervasive. The practice has also helped me examine my misgivings. It has also contributed to my ability to more thoroughly practice gratitude and forgiveness. The positive, tailored thoughts become my way of being through daily affirming them. A wonderful affirmation that I take from Louise Hay is “I trust the process of life.” This simple, yet powerful statement, has provided deep insights when I apply it to my present. And that is all we have, this moment. The present. Who doesn’t want a more positive, powerful present? I certainly do.
If this musings peeks your interest, I would recommend you visit louisehay.com to learn more. Or check out YouTube. There is a myriad of videos available. Happy affirming and cheers!
