AFFIRMATIONS: Using Affirmations to Uncover and Transform Negative Beliefs and Attitudes

AFFIRMATIONS: Using Affirmations to Uncover
and Transform Negative Beliefs and Attitudes

Douglas Bloch
November, 1988

Part of reprogramming the mind involves uncovering those unconscious beliefs that are blocking expression of the desired state. Remember, your conscious mind is only the tip of your mental iceberg. The beliefs that create your inner and outer reality are located below the threshold of conscious awareness - known as the subconscious mind. It is here that your childhood memories, experiences and reality-creating beliefs are stored. The power of these subconscious attitudes is illustrated in the following example.

Suppose you wnat to work with Muhammad Ali's affirmation, "I am the grestest," in order to build your self-esteem. But perhaps your conditioning has led you to believe that you are incompetent. Thus, every time you tell yourself how great you are, your subconscious directly contradicts the statement with what it KNOWS to be true. A typical dialogue is depicted below:

Affirmation WHAT COMES UP

I am the greatest.

I'M AFRAID YOU'RE NOT.

I am the greatest.

IN FACT, YOU'RE A REAL LOSER.

I am the greatest.

YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING RIGHT!

The pattern is all too clear. Because your subconscious beliefs portray you as someone who can't get it together, your affirmations fall on deaf ears. Here is another example:

I deserve to be prosperous.

MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL.

I deserve to be prosperous.

MONEY WILL CORRUPT YOU.

I deserve to be prosperous.

YOU CAN'T HOLD ONTO ANY MONEY.

What makes this process so insidious is that you may not even be aware that your subconscious mind is sabotaging your efforts. Fortunately there is a way out - Make the subconscious conscious {in bold}. In other words, bring your most deeply held assumptions about life to the light of day where they can be transmuted into new beliefs.

Using affirmations, the process is amazingly simple. Divide a sheet of paper into two columns. Label the left-hand column "Affirmation" and the right-hand column "What comes up." Then after putting yourself in a relaxed and receptive state of mind, write your affirmation. Afterwards, be still and notice what bubbles up from the subconscious mind. Then write the material down, no matter how irrelevant it may appear. The process is similar to free association.

After you repeat this six or seven times, your column will contain a list of the major negative beliefs and assumptions you hold regarding your affirmation. Here is how it worked for Carol, whose goal was to open a fashion boutique specializing in used clothes.

Affirmation WHAT COMES UP

I am successfully running my own business.

I CAN'T DO IT.

I am successfully running my own business.

IT'S TOO MUCH WORK.

I am successfully running my own business.

YOU NEED TO BE WORKING AT A REGULAR 9-TO-5 JOB.

I am successfully running my own business.

THERE'S NOT ENOUGH MONEY IN IT.

I am successfully running my own business.

YOU NEED SOMETHING THAT PROVIDES MORE SECURITY.

I am successfully running my own business.

NO ONE IN YOUR FAMILY IS AN ENTREPRENEUR.

As you can see, Carol now has a clear knowledge of her core beliefs that tell her she "can't" own and run her own business. However, the process does not end here. If Carol continues to repeat the affirmation, the negatives will eventually exhaust themselves, to be replaced by positive thoughts and feelings that emanate from her Higher Self. For example:

I am successfully running my own business.

I HAVE EXCELLENT TASTE IN CLOTHING.

I am successfully running my own business.

I KNOW OTHER PEOPLE WHO OWN THEIR OWN BUSINESS.

I am successfully running my own business.

IF THEY CAN DO IT, SO CAN I.

I am successfully running my own business.

IF THEY CAN DO IT, SO CAN I.

I am successfully running my own business.

WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

I am successfully running my own business.

I KNOW I CAN SUCCEED.

Now we're getting somewhere. Just as dropping stones in a pail of water displaces the liquid, Carol's negative beliefs are being replaced by positive attitudes that will draw to her the good that she desires.

Dealing with Getting Stuck

As old habit patterns are particularly ingrained, this process may have to be repeated a number of times before the new beliefs can be firmly established. The amount of time required will depend on the strength of the old belief, your motivation to change, and how often you use your affirmation.

Sometimes, however, the negative responses refuse to go away. When this occurs, ask yourself the following questions: How did I obtain my self-defeating beliefs: (Most of our negative beliefs were learned in early childhood). Who communicated them to me? Is there any truth to them? Do I still want to hold onto them?

Once you realize that you have a choice in the matter, you can keep the beliefs which are supporting you, and release those which are causing you pain. If, however, you continue to stay stuck in old patterns, you may need to seek out a therapist, counselor, prist, minister, rabbi, friend -- anyone who can serve as a guide to assist you through the process of growth and change.

Ultimately, you will emerge victorious. Yoiur being is continually taking you in the direction of expansion and spiritual growth. Affirmations are a catalyst that will speed up the process and make it a smoother and more enjoyable one.

Douglas Bloch is an author, counselor, and teacher. He is the author of a recent book on affirmations, Words that Heal, the first in a series of books on spiritual healing.

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Related articles by the editor/web master:

"The Use of Questions in Affirmation Therapy -
Theory and Examples for Practical Application" © `94.
Theory section explains how this (PRQ) system compares to other affirmation techniques and therapies - how and why they work, advantages of PRQ's, etc. Includes Sample PRQ's (Positive Response Questions) for learning and affirming any desired knowledge. and Simple How-To's in developing Pragmatic use of "the right question" -- from a test situation and/or from regular affirmations. Works well for the intangibles (Personal Growth oriented) which many would say has to come before you can truly enjoy the rest anyway. Personal Growth oriented. © `94

"Questions for INNER-RESOURCING
The Use of Personally Applied Invocative Questions (Invoc-Q's) for Multi-Dimensional Facilitation of Information Sharing, Integration, & Access," ©`96. Includes "An Ericsonian Reading for Resource Manefestation," ©`96.

"Attainment And Achievement -- The Alignment Of Beliefs, Desires, And Needs"
Basic principles and definitions for functionally clarifying the differences between ones beliefs, desires, & needs and the implications for personal growth, preventative health maintenance, and self-healing

"Whole Being Integration In Manefesting Abundance and
Seven Steps To Initiation And Understanding" - Principles of magnetism in the process of conscious personal growth, spiritual integration, and self healing.
Includes special section: "Questions for Empowerment"
Positive Response Questions (PRQ's) designed specifically for Personal Empowerment.

"Questions for Boundaries
Effective Communications of position, intention, & message, Maintaining Clarity for appropriate Connection, Direction, & Protection" ©`96

"Questions for Invocation of 'The Blueprint'
An Empathic and Invocative Healing Exercise" © Nov `96 (at Seeker Magazine Website)

[Available in text form viachaliser@iinet.com (please type "permit2chris" in body of email)]:
"INTER-RESOURCING INVOC-Q's - The Use Invoc-Q's) for Multi-Dimensional Facilitation of Information Sharing, Integration, & Access Adapted for *GROUP* Prayer/ Meditation" ©`96; "Space Cadet's Priorities - for 'Grounding` & Earth-Plane Productivity" © Jan '94; "Facilitated Resource Agreement Invoc-Q" © May `95, "Self-Programming Body Invoc-Q's For Personal Growth Process and Healing," ©`96; "Positive Thinking Explained," by June Miller.

... and because habits are difficult to break... please consider The "Bleep Tool Kit"
- an Intro for application of principles from 'What The Bleep Do We Know - Down the Rabbit Hole' Remember *TM* (Transcendental Meditation)? Once the media made it all about the person (the guru), and not about the function and capability - for anyone who wanted to invest the time and energy ...well, at that point the potential was neutralized - until 'Bleep' resurrected the offer (with a much more grounded yet far-reaching platform). And I don't mean to imply that 'Bleep' is all about such serious things. It's as fun as it is intellectually stimulating, even as "wondrous," as it pulls together and makes understandable so many realms of knowledge in a practical way, including the quantum physics that backs it all up! And the DVD set is available at most video outlets.

Thumbnail of World Healing Prayer w Affirmative Questions, Integrated for Meditation for Prevention of War, and Manefestation of Healthfuly Sustainable Planet - click to go there

"Q's Prayer 4 World Peace"

World Healing Prayers with Sacred Geometry Graphics
One is more specific to World Economy related concerns, another to the Communications Media of the United States. And there's one for "The Great Invocation" (with many faithful users of this prayer since 1935). The web page includes an introduction, notes on the Sacred Geometry background and suggestions for use, and helpnotes for printing.

Broad Spectrum World Healing Prayer

Thumbnail World Economy and WTO related Healing Chart on Sacred Geometry - click to go there

"World Economy Prayer"

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Author / Artist / Editor Information

Body-Mind Integration
and Fascia Memory Research

Christopher Pringer
Reiki Master, Ordained Minister
Chalice Bridging Ministries
Body-Mind-Soul Integration for a Healthy Planet
Bridging Theology, Consciousness,
and Practical Emotional Intelligence
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Body Mind Integrative Awareness (Brochure)
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for High Performance, Awareness, and Integral Being

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Mind-Body Memory and the Future of Preventative Medicine

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COPYRIGHT REGULATIONS/POLICY & DISCLAIMER:
REPRODUCTION: I welcome my writing/artwork being reproduced, provided that it is in it's original and complete form (or an editing or excerpt by agreement with the author), and contact info are intact and readable ("Chris Pringer, Chris.pringer@chalicebridge.com, www.chalicebridge.com"), and so long as the following conditions are applied:

a) Hardcopy reproduction is ok so long as it is for personal or non-profit organizational use only; b) Distribution and posting on web pages, blogs, and forums with my permission (mostly because I want to know where it's been put, and I'd be most honored to be asked). c) Any distribution of my writings or artwork must be w/o charge unless with prior agreement in writing with the author. d) The only exception to that regards the World Healing Prayers, which I encourage people to make all the copies they think will be used effectively without obligation to get my permission or even contact me. By the way, I have yet to ever sell -or give permission for anyone else to sell- any of my artwork on E-Bay or anywhere else. [noted 12/27/07]

DISCLAIMER: None of my writing, chalice art, or PolyPsyArt is intended to be, to replace, or discourage the appropriate use of, medical attention and/or treatment, but as educationally informative for the purpose of overall health enhancement and preventative maintenance. So far as I know, I have not quoted any other person without saying so. I have emulated a number of writers and teachers, so I wouldn't be surprised if many of my statements have very similar words and meanings as they. In any case, I have always tried to say what I believed. If you find that I have plagiarized anyone to any degree, please let me know -- by noting the complete published reference, and including the full quote and a few sentences of text before and after). This given, I will duly correct the writing.

AUTHORSHIP: Unless otherwise noted under the titles, all essays, artwork, prayers, pages at this site and sub-directories (as at my previous site at AOL), and with exception of some of the solid color and cloudy-sky color backgrounds and logo/headers for others' sites as noted) has been composed, rendered, and/or web-authored (c) by myself, Christopher Pringer, a member of Veteran's for Peace, ch.92 and of the "Seattle 12," practitioner in Body-Mind-Energy Integration Therapies since 1984, since 1984, and ordained minister (Chalice-Bridging Ministries) since 1987. Most of the personal health-oriented essays at this site were written in the early 90's, as compared to the social/political health oriented pages since 1997.

ABOUT THE ART: The symbols for the "Chalice" - or Holy Grail - that I often use are drawn essentially from ancient archetypes. Here, the Chalice is essentially a "cauldron" for the balancing and integrating of Humanity with the Divine - individually and communally. And just to forestall any hasty categorization, I should say that these archetypes pre-date the Jewish faith by many centuries. They have their own rich meanings as related to the spiritual dilemma or paradox, balancing or synthesis of qualities (such as Yin & Yang), and healing transformation. The "Chalice-Star" over the three traveling magi is used in my Solstice or Christmas Card design to represent our quest - in this earthly dimension of body, mind, and spirit - for the inner-most Source of one's spirit and faith -- whether that would be the Inner Christ, Inner Buddha, Inner Mohammed, or the Divine Mother's Spirit connecting All Life, etc.

That disclaimer said, you may find out the actual origens of my relationship with these archetypes at Home Page for Body-Mind-Chalice Integration (and related artwork). (see description in above section.) If you feel well served by what you found here, I would certainly appreciate your support. Although there is virtually 3 large books (and probably over a thousand hours) worth of written material and artwork here, nothing has ever been sold at this site (although I do promote my therapy practice and desktop publishing skills). In any case, IF YOU FEEL SO INCLINED TO SUPPORT THIS WORK (there are also ways besides donating money), please check out the Chalice Bridging Ministries / PolyPsyArts Support System.

COMMENTARY/Feedback is MOST APPRECIATED via the Guest Book or directly via Chaliser@iinet.com. I Hope you have found this page useful. Please let me know if it (or any parts of it, or other pages here) do not make sense to you, or don't seem consistent, etc. Extra points given for being specific. <grin> It's nice to hear from visitors in any case. I will probably reply. Here is to your continuing to recieve the benefits of your drive to discover you. --Chris Click here to see the Organization Chart
and "How and Why this Site Is Different"
A study in Cross-Discipline Knowledge Sharing, Utilization, and a much needed integration of diverse talent.
And how that relates to *Chalice-Bridging* and to healing.
(And the full-size graphic!)

Professional Bio & Quotes

Chris, 1984

Chris, 2008 I began my studies in multi-level self-healing when in the service, in Thailand in the Winter of '73. The focus then was on self-help psychology, consciousness, and eastern and western mystical perspectives. This continued through my university studies in Norman, OK '74-'79. 1980 took me into naturopathic studies, primarily nutrition and herbology when I lived in Oklahoma City. Not seeing the naturopathic doctor route as affordable at the time, I found direction via a five-evening massage course, Fall '83. That led to a six month professional practice, followed up with the training in Sante Fe, NM, '84-'85 (described in the next paragraph).
Since then I have practiced massage and/or healing facilitation for others, initially in Santa Fe, NM (during/after my training), then San Louis Obispo, CA, and Seattle, WA. This includes exploring personal challenges and self-healing methodology. A session may include various energy work modalities, Body/Energy-Awareness based Preventative Health Maintenance Instruction, or only Reiki or relaxation work in total silence. A client chooses based on whatever stress, pain, or concerns are present at that session. A client may request a "Body Pattern Reading," as well as various massage/bodywork therapies, all of which techniques are listed & described in my brochure. Individual, program, and 3-6 week interval-based rates are available.

My interests have primarily centered in three areas:
1) Body-Centered Psycho-Spiritual Process (as in "Hakomi" style of) counseling and bodywork, including as assessing an individual for the most efficient means of addressing connective tissue injury, short and long term, and the most efficient application of the results of that assessment (on physical and/or emotional levels);
2) in The Basic How's And Why's Of Psycho-Emotional Storage In The Body-Mind, and in the related fascia memory storage dynamics - referring to the technical aspects of neuro-physical interface between connective tissue, emotion, and the brain);
3) "Chalice-Bridging" style chakra balancing - based in the perspective that the chalice, far more than just a cup in this interpretation, is about the human embodiment of Spirit into the three "lower bodies" (mental, emotional, and physical) which compose the "Body-Mind". Which is also a "cauldron" for the balancing and integrating of Humanity with the Divine - individually and communally.

My training includes over 1370 hours of classes and practicum, including with the New Mexico Academy of Massage and Advanced Healing Arts in Santa Fe, NM (1984-85), and with various accredited bodywork and therapy workshops (`86-present), as well as 100 hours training with the Alchemical Hypnotherapy Institute (1989), over 100+ hrs apprenticeship with healing practitioner Robert "Mitra" (`85-`86), and 150 hours apprenticeship with Silena Heron in Herbal Studies (`83-`84). For the detailed version my training, you may go to the latter half of my Reiki Therapy Practice Brochure. Which also includes (and relates context for) links to essays elaborating on aspects of imbalance and injury, assessment, and healing.

Personal Quotes on Body-Mind Awareness [ cp, 12'07 ]

BODY-MIND AWARENESS, at the core of preventive health awareness, is one of the most simple, efficacious, & cost-effective forms of HEALTH INSURANCE there can be. Hence, massage is far from just "a luxury item," and bodywork therapies can be indispensable for the healing of certain conditions.

MUSCLES RELATE TO ATTACHMENTS - to what we use to take our stance, to hold our place, to perceive and respond to our environment, and to extend who we are and/or want to be. Or used to be (in too many cases, perhaps).
That speaks not only to the body's condition and function, but to how it communicates awareness of where one is along one's path (of becoming who one truly is).

THE BODY IS . . . among other amazing things, a unique communications system -- intimately linked with one's TOTALITY.
Establishing rapport with one's body can be a PATH to self realization.

ONE OF MY DREAMS is a society where/in all children are taught how to feel/see/read their own body-mind communications such that preventive health maintenance eventually becomes second nature. And actually, for the most part, they would be encouraged to re-awaken and build upon what I believe to be a NATURAL INCLINATION - conscious self-healing and continuous expansion of awareness.

And the above goes FOR ALL OTHER ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES, to the degree that one utilizes them to improve such awareness and causative/pro-active connection with one's body-mind, and to employ the most effective tools for maintaining/improving one's health under any given condition or circumstance.

WHY DOES BODY AWARENESS = OPTIMUM HEALTH INSURANCE ?

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Since being at it's own domain (Chalicebridge.com, June'06) this site has come to average
Over 60 *Visits*, Over 112 *Pages*, and over 1000 *Hits* Per DAY. (Here, the 'Hits' stat includes all graphics on a page.)
Interesting that at AOL (Sep'97 to May'06), "LE FastCounter" listed an average of 75 *hits* per day during 2005. -- cp, 12'07

(c) 1997 to Present, Chris Pringer