Today I Affirm...
Affirmations
Do you want to be pitiful or powerful?
Whether you know it or not, you always have a choice. Even when circumstances cannot be changed, like the death of a loved one, you always have in how you perceive what has happened. During the grieving period following my father's death, my heart ached so deeply and I cried virtually every day for a year. He was my hero, my first love, my rock, and my friend. When I was a child, I felt save in his arms and when he tucked me in at night. My grief was unbearable at times, and then I realized that I had a choice in how I could view his passing. I could choose to see it as a tragedy, or I could choose to use the experience to help me grow spiritually and emotionally. I chose the later. Making the choice to embrace death has given me deep compassion for those who are experiencing loss. When someone tells me their loved one has passed away, or that they are going through a painful breakup, my heart wells with empathy and I understand their pain.
Although this is an example that just about anyone can understand, its also important to remember that we always have a choice in how we interpret, react, and experience life's challenges. It may be something benign, like the way someone chews their food. The irritating sound of the gums smacking may cause you to want to step outside of your skin. You can choose to be irritated and repulsed; you can choose to step away from the sound of their chewing; you can choose to make a request for them to chew with their mouth closed; or you can choose to accept them unconditionally, even their quirks, and know that they are enjoying their food immensely.
When going through painful and distressing things, we have a choice. We can choose to embrace "what is" or change the circumstances we have control over (usually our thoughts, reactions, and behavior). We have power to change. We can also choose to see the difficult times as a lesson, or gift where you are learning great wisdom and deeper compassion for humanity. We can choose to be happy, no matter what.
My favorite Christian minister, Joyce Meyer always challenges people to take responsibility for their choices. She says, "Do you want to be pitiful or powerful?" In other words, do you want to stay in your "pity party" and feel sorry for yourself, or do you want become powerful from the wisdom and strength you have gained?
Today I affirm: I am powerful. I am responsible for my choices.
Although this is an example that just about anyone can understand, its also important to remember that we always have a choice in how we interpret, react, and experience life's challenges. It may be something benign, like the way someone chews their food. The irritating sound of the gums smacking may cause you to want to step outside of your skin. You can choose to be irritated and repulsed; you can choose to step away from the sound of their chewing; you can choose to make a request for them to chew with their mouth closed; or you can choose to accept them unconditionally, even their quirks, and know that they are enjoying their food immensely.
When going through painful and distressing things, we have a choice. We can choose to embrace "what is" or change the circumstances we have control over (usually our thoughts, reactions, and behavior). We have power to change. We can also choose to see the difficult times as a lesson, or gift where you are learning great wisdom and deeper compassion for humanity. We can choose to be happy, no matter what.
My favorite Christian minister, Joyce Meyer always challenges people to take responsibility for their choices. She says, "Do you want to be pitiful or powerful?" In other words, do you want to stay in your "pity party" and feel sorry for yourself, or do you want become powerful from the wisdom and strength you have gained?
Today I affirm: I am powerful. I am responsible for my choices.
Just say "no"...
I was deeply moved today by a young woman who didn't know how to say no. She reminded me of me. Her heart was aching, and she felt depleted because she gave and gave until she had nothing left. She felt unappreciated, used, and abused by the people in her life. She was exhausted.
In the past, I was afraid to say no. Even though my body, mind and spirit were completely depleted, I still kept on giving until I became burnt out. I gave because I loved people, and wanted to help. But I also gave because I needed to be liked. I gave because I needed approval. I gave because I didn't think I was worthy of anyone's friendship unless I was giving to them. I gave my time to hear all their complaints; money I didn't have to spare, going shopping when I felt like staying home and conserving money; and eating foods I didn't care for because I didn't want to offend anyone. At the core of my giving was a deep sense of unworthiness. I just didn't feel I good enough as I am.
The cost of not saying no was brutal. I suffered mentally, physically, and emotionally,when I gave too much. I became resentful or hurt, when people didn't respond the way I wanted. I was trying to buy approval.
Through conscious acts of loving myself first, I have learned how to say no. I have steadily learned to honor my needs, and have taken my power back. I learned that saying no wasn't all that difficult, it just took practice. I also learned that my fear of being abandoned was erroneous, as most people didn't discard my friendship because I said "no." In fact, it was just the opposite. People started to respect me more as I set firmer boundaries, and I attracted more positive and kind people in to my life.
When you take a flight, the airplane attendant always explains the emergency procedures. Even though most of the passengers don't listen when the attendant is speaking, their advise is very wise: In case of an emergency, put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting other people. We need to heed the wisdom of flight attendants, and honor our own needs first. After all, we are a "person" too, and if we don't give to ourselves, then we are the ones who will suffer.
Today I affirm: I am worthy and deserving of love. I am confident, direct, and know my boundaries.
In the past, I was afraid to say no. Even though my body, mind and spirit were completely depleted, I still kept on giving until I became burnt out. I gave because I loved people, and wanted to help. But I also gave because I needed to be liked. I gave because I needed approval. I gave because I didn't think I was worthy of anyone's friendship unless I was giving to them. I gave my time to hear all their complaints; money I didn't have to spare, going shopping when I felt like staying home and conserving money; and eating foods I didn't care for because I didn't want to offend anyone. At the core of my giving was a deep sense of unworthiness. I just didn't feel I good enough as I am.
The cost of not saying no was brutal. I suffered mentally, physically, and emotionally,when I gave too much. I became resentful or hurt, when people didn't respond the way I wanted. I was trying to buy approval.
Through conscious acts of loving myself first, I have learned how to say no. I have steadily learned to honor my needs, and have taken my power back. I learned that saying no wasn't all that difficult, it just took practice. I also learned that my fear of being abandoned was erroneous, as most people didn't discard my friendship because I said "no." In fact, it was just the opposite. People started to respect me more as I set firmer boundaries, and I attracted more positive and kind people in to my life.
When you take a flight, the airplane attendant always explains the emergency procedures. Even though most of the passengers don't listen when the attendant is speaking, their advise is very wise: In case of an emergency, put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting other people. We need to heed the wisdom of flight attendants, and honor our own needs first. After all, we are a "person" too, and if we don't give to ourselves, then we are the ones who will suffer.
Today I affirm: I am worthy and deserving of love. I am confident, direct, and know my boundaries.
A mustard seed...
... if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20
Sometimes it seems that my faith is tinier than a mustard seed. These are the times that all of my efforts seem like they are in vain, and I am struggling to keep a positive outlook. These are also the times that I do not want to accept what is happening in my life, and want life to be different than it is. When I reach the end of the rope, I pray. Often the only prayer I can utter is, "God please help!" I am sometimes embarrassed to pray during these times, because my faith seems so shallow. Even though I know that I have gotten through tough times before, when I am feeling this tiny, I am also feeling hopeless. My simple prayer of "help!" works every time, and my faith is renewed.
Today I meditated on this prayer...
God is my help in every need,
God does my ever hunger feed.
God walks beside me, guides my way,
Through every moment of the day.
I now am wise, I now am true.
Patient, kind and loving too.
All things I am, can do, and be
Through Christ, the Truth that is in me.
God is my health, I can't be sick.
God is my strength, unfailing, quick
God is my all, I know no fear,
Since God and Love and Truth are here.
(Written by Hanna More Kohaus, Prayer of Faith - Unity Church)
Today I affirm: God is my help in every need. I trust and allow peace to dwell within.
Giving thanks...
Love and thanks
Dr. Masuru Emoto
Gratitude is a powerful tool for creating happiness and wellbeing in our lives. The law of attraction says whatever a person focuses upon expands. If you focus on all the things that are not going well in your life, then dark gloom will cover your day. When you focus on ANYTHING that you are grateful for, you will notice your mood improving significantly, and answers to your problems will appear.
I practice gratitude on a daily basis. I set an intention in the morning of each day to be grateful. There are some days this is easier to do. In fact, there are some days that I have to force myself to be grateful. On those days it seems like all the forces of darkness are against me. I sometimes have to search deep within to find something to be grateful for, but I always find something. On other days, gratitude flows effortlessly. Nothing may have changed in my life, except my attitude.
Creating a daily practice of gratitude will bring peace, harmony and joy in to your life. We have a choice each moment to be grateful or ungrateful; to be peaceful or frenzied; to love or to hate. We create our lives by our thoughts and choices. Choose today to practice gratitude and see your joy overflow.
Today I affirm: I am grateful.
A secret place...
I love the beauty of the ocean. I love the peace and silence within a forest. I love the sun glistening on my skin. I love the sound of rain and wind. I love to nestle by the fireplace. I love the sound of children laughing. I love to watch my dog scamper around the trees. All of these things bring me peace and joy, but they are external. There is a place within myself that I can go to without having to travel anywhere or have anyone else around to find peace and joy. I call this the secret place.
In this place there is pure peace, security, hope, and love. In this place I go beyond my intellect and ego. It is a sacred place. When life's busyness and challenges start to overwhelm me. When I feel that the world has gotten to chaotic, I go to this secret place. In this place I find the answers to my problems. In this place I find deep peace and security. In this place I am renewed.
I enter this secret place through meditation. Taking deep breaths, I go deeper and deeper within, until I tap this source of serenity. I can go as often as I need. In fact, when life gets really chaotic, I go there 2-3 times a day, or more. I shut my door for just a few minutes and find my way back to my secret place.
When there seem to be no answers to the challenges you are facing. When you feel tired, irritated, afraid or overwhelmed, take a moment to dwell in your secret place and be renewed. Your peace resides within and is only a moment away.
Today I affirm: My peace resides within. I am renewed and strengthened.
In this place there is pure peace, security, hope, and love. In this place I go beyond my intellect and ego. It is a sacred place. When life's busyness and challenges start to overwhelm me. When I feel that the world has gotten to chaotic, I go to this secret place. In this place I find the answers to my problems. In this place I find deep peace and security. In this place I am renewed.
I enter this secret place through meditation. Taking deep breaths, I go deeper and deeper within, until I tap this source of serenity. I can go as often as I need. In fact, when life gets really chaotic, I go there 2-3 times a day, or more. I shut my door for just a few minutes and find my way back to my secret place.
When there seem to be no answers to the challenges you are facing. When you feel tired, irritated, afraid or overwhelmed, take a moment to dwell in your secret place and be renewed. Your peace resides within and is only a moment away.
Today I affirm: My peace resides within. I am renewed and strengthened.
An awakened heart
The presidential election of Barack Obama has given me a renewed sense of hope, and even a dash of patriotism. In questioning why this election has stirred up so many emotions, one of the things I discovered is the feeling of shame I've harbored for being American. When I was a child, I recall feeling patriotic. In class, we would pledge allegiance, and even though I didn't really know what it meant, I knew it was something to be proud of. I was also told that being a citizen of the United States was a honor. But my patriotism waned as I learned more and more about US history and global politics.
My first conscious disdain of towards our country was when Ronald Reagan eliminated many social services for poor people. I was a young, adolescent mother at the time, living on welfare. I relied heavily on the services, and was truly grateful for how they enriched our lives while I was completing my education so that I could become self-sufficient. When the former president cut the programs, a deep wound was also cut in my heart, and I felt deep repulsion towards our leaders and country. When I entered college, and learned more about African American history, the sever between my heart and allegiance to this country widened. As an African American woman, I felt unloved by our country.
Healing the hurt caused by politics feels just as deep as healing a broken heart. But I know that embracing my country, even with its atrocities, is essential to my state of well-being. When I harbor hate towards world leaders, I am allowing hate to dwell in my consciousness.
Perhaps the best way for me to deal with injustices is through lojong practice. Pema Chodron, an American Buddhist nun says, "The basic notion of lojong is that we can make friends with what we reject, what we see as 'bad' in ourselves and in other people. " By doing this we awaken our heart. Loving our enemies is not an easy thing to do, but our greatest spiritual teachers have always attested that the path of love is always the highest path.
Today I affirm: My heart is awakened. I forgive, let go, and make friends with what I reject.
My first conscious disdain of towards our country was when Ronald Reagan eliminated many social services for poor people. I was a young, adolescent mother at the time, living on welfare. I relied heavily on the services, and was truly grateful for how they enriched our lives while I was completing my education so that I could become self-sufficient. When the former president cut the programs, a deep wound was also cut in my heart, and I felt deep repulsion towards our leaders and country. When I entered college, and learned more about African American history, the sever between my heart and allegiance to this country widened. As an African American woman, I felt unloved by our country.
Healing the hurt caused by politics feels just as deep as healing a broken heart. But I know that embracing my country, even with its atrocities, is essential to my state of well-being. When I harbor hate towards world leaders, I am allowing hate to dwell in my consciousness.
Perhaps the best way for me to deal with injustices is through lojong practice. Pema Chodron, an American Buddhist nun says, "The basic notion of lojong is that we can make friends with what we reject, what we see as 'bad' in ourselves and in other people. " By doing this we awaken our heart. Loving our enemies is not an easy thing to do, but our greatest spiritual teachers have always attested that the path of love is always the highest path.
Today I affirm: My heart is awakened. I forgive, let go, and make friends with what I reject.
Yes we can!
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1
Tonight is a historical! For the first time in US history, we've elected a black president! Our nation is forever changed. In my heart, I've dreamed for a world that did not see people's worth through the filter of external appearances, culture, class, sexual orientation, or gender. Tonight symbolizes hope that our nation is changing I know we have a long way to go, but for tonight, and for this term of presidency, I have a renewed sense of hope.
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. I have hope that our world will be a place where all people have food, shelter, quality education, and their medical needs are met. I have hope that animals will no longer be abused and neglected. I hope for equal rights in all areas of society. I have hope of a supportive government that provides assistance to those who are suffering through life's unbearable hardships - poverty, disability, and abuse. I have hope the future generations will learn to live in harmony, and accept others irregardless of the race, sexual orientation, disabilities, culture, religion, or economic status. I have hope for world peace and the end of hunger.
Today I affirm: I have faith in what I have hope for and certain of what I don't see. I trust in something greater than me and my peace is renewed.
Tonight is a historical! For the first time in US history, we've elected a black president! Our nation is forever changed. In my heart, I've dreamed for a world that did not see people's worth through the filter of external appearances, culture, class, sexual orientation, or gender. Tonight symbolizes hope that our nation is changing I know we have a long way to go, but for tonight, and for this term of presidency, I have a renewed sense of hope.
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. I have hope that our world will be a place where all people have food, shelter, quality education, and their medical needs are met. I have hope that animals will no longer be abused and neglected. I hope for equal rights in all areas of society. I have hope of a supportive government that provides assistance to those who are suffering through life's unbearable hardships - poverty, disability, and abuse. I have hope the future generations will learn to live in harmony, and accept others irregardless of the race, sexual orientation, disabilities, culture, religion, or economic status. I have hope for world peace and the end of hunger.
Today I affirm: I have faith in what I have hope for and certain of what I don't see. I trust in something greater than me and my peace is renewed.
Go Obama!
The law of acceptance
The Law of Acceptance is best illustrated by an old Sufi story about a farmer and his son. One day the farmer went out to feed his animals, only to find his only beloved horse lying on the ground, dead. Soon the whole village learned of the news, and came by his house to express their dismay. They said, "We've heard of the awful news! It is terrible that you lost your only horse!" The farmer replied, "Maybe." The next week, while the farmer was working the land, his son runs to tell him that he just captured a herd of wild horses. Again the villagers hear of the farmers news, and stop by saying, "You are so lucky! You have been blessed with an entire herd of horses!" Again, the farmer's only reply was "Maybe." A few days later, while trying to tame the horses, the farmer's son was thrown to the ground and his leg was broken. When one of the villagers heard of the accident, he stopped by to say, "What poor luck you are having, I am terribly sorry." The farmer's reply once again was, "Maybe." Weeks go by, and the farmer's son is still lame. The emperor sends out his messengers to round up all the able-bodied boys in the nearby villages to fight a local battle. When the messengers arrive at the farmer's house, they see that the farmer's son is injured so they pass him by. A few weeks later, the neighbors, who lost their sons in the battle, again come by the farmer's home and say, "You are so lucky to have your son home with you." Again the farmer replies, "Maybe."
The Law of Acceptance teaches us that our lives are always evolving. And what may appear to be a tragedy, may be the perfect conduit for our dreams to be fulfilled. The Chinese symbol of crisis, is also the same symbol used for opportunity. In the midst of difficult times, wonderful outcomes often (and usually) surface. The Law of Acceptance ultimately means trust. We must trust that our lives are evolving. Trusting can be difficult when we are in the throes of pain, but it is exactly the solution for our evolution - surrender.
Today I affirm: I surrender, trust and accept that all things are working together for my highest good.
The Law of Acceptance teaches us that our lives are always evolving. And what may appear to be a tragedy, may be the perfect conduit for our dreams to be fulfilled. The Chinese symbol of crisis, is also the same symbol used for opportunity. In the midst of difficult times, wonderful outcomes often (and usually) surface. The Law of Acceptance ultimately means trust. We must trust that our lives are evolving. Trusting can be difficult when we are in the throes of pain, but it is exactly the solution for our evolution - surrender.
Today I affirm: I surrender, trust and accept that all things are working together for my highest good.
Becoming willing to change...
Sometimes it feels that life has smacked me in the face. This often happens when I am resistant to change and have avoided something to the point of collision. My resistance to change isn't usually conscious. If anyone were to ask me what I wanted in life, I could easily give them a detailed plan. I know what I want, but what I am discovering is that I am not always aware of what I believe deep down inside subconsciously. My subconscious mind is the true driver of my life. In other words, what I believe deep within, has the greatest influence on my choices and what I attract in to my life. Whenever I say I want a particular thing, but am getting the exact opposite, I know it is time to go within through pray, meditation, writing in my journal, or merely talking to a caring soul - and get to the core of what I really believe.
One of the most powerful ways I have been able to make changes in my life, is first through awareness and then by being honest with myself. This is usually the most painful part of change - honesty. Being honest that I am over spending; being honest that I made a decision that sabotaged me; being honest that I am avoiding something because I am afraid - isn't comfortable, but its necessary.
The next step to truly change areas of my life that I am unhappy with is by becoming "willing." Although I would like to jump (and have jumped) immediately in to change, sometimes I need to repeat over and over to myself the mantra: " I am willing." By becoming willing, I am setting in to motion the laws of the universe that create divine right order. By becoming willing I am no longer blocking my progress towards reaching my desired goals. By becoming willing, I am saying that I am willing to trust in something greater than myself to make hopeless things shift. By becoming willing, my life ultimately shift in to change. Sometimes it may take time for my "willingness" to shift in to change, but it always does if I do not give up.
Today I affirm: I am willing to change. I am willing to face that what scares me. I am willing to trust and surrender to something greater than myself.
One of the most powerful ways I have been able to make changes in my life, is first through awareness and then by being honest with myself. This is usually the most painful part of change - honesty. Being honest that I am over spending; being honest that I made a decision that sabotaged me; being honest that I am avoiding something because I am afraid - isn't comfortable, but its necessary.
The next step to truly change areas of my life that I am unhappy with is by becoming "willing." Although I would like to jump (and have jumped) immediately in to change, sometimes I need to repeat over and over to myself the mantra: " I am willing." By becoming willing, I am setting in to motion the laws of the universe that create divine right order. By becoming willing I am no longer blocking my progress towards reaching my desired goals. By becoming willing, I am saying that I am willing to trust in something greater than myself to make hopeless things shift. By becoming willing, my life ultimately shift in to change. Sometimes it may take time for my "willingness" to shift in to change, but it always does if I do not give up.
Today I affirm: I am willing to change. I am willing to face that what scares me. I am willing to trust and surrender to something greater than myself.
An attitude of gratitude...
When life gets challenging, it is easy for me to focus on the challenges, instead of being grateful. When I catch myself grumbling, I have a decision to make. I can keep feeling irritated or switch to an attitude of gratitude. For example, I don't enjoy doing dishes or washing clothes. Housework and yard-work, are rather mundane, in my opinion. When I am tired and cranky, I get rather annoyed with the thought of doing work around the house. I would rather rest or play. But it is in this moment, that I have a choice to grumble or be grateful. Sometimes I allow myself to wallow in self-pity and complaining. But I have discovered that it is no fun having a pity party. So instead, I change the dial from FM GRUMBLE to FM GRATITUDE. I wanted a home, and got one - for that I am grateful. I love to eat, and have food in my pantry to cook - for that I am grateful. I enjoy the serenity, beauty and refuge of my garden - for that I am grateful. The list could go on - I have so much more to be grateful for than to complain about.
However, there are some things in life I cannot change. I cannot change the economy, the weather, or other peoples reactions and choices. But I can change my attitude. When faced with adversity, I can even be grateful for the lessons I am learning, and the inner-strength I am gaining through life's challenges. I can always find something to be grateful for, even if it is just being grateful for my breath. When I shift to an attitude of gratitude, my mood immediately begins to elevate to a higher frequency.
Today I affirm: I am grateful.
However, there are some things in life I cannot change. I cannot change the economy, the weather, or other peoples reactions and choices. But I can change my attitude. When faced with adversity, I can even be grateful for the lessons I am learning, and the inner-strength I am gaining through life's challenges. I can always find something to be grateful for, even if it is just being grateful for my breath. When I shift to an attitude of gratitude, my mood immediately begins to elevate to a higher frequency.
Today I affirm: I am grateful.