Affirmation An affirmation 1s a stronq, positive verbal statement that somethin'? 1s already so. It Is a way of “making firm" that which you want In your life. Some examples are: - I am relaxed and centered - I love and appreciate myself Just as I am - I connunlcate clear and effectively - I am sugar free nosi or us are aware or tne ract tnat we nave a nearly continuous “inner dialoque" qoinq on in our minds. What we are “telUnq ourselves" in fluences and colors our feelinqs and perceptions ahout what's qoinq on in our lives, and it is these thought forms that ultimately attract and create everything that happens to us. The prac tice of doing affirmations allows us to begin replacing some of our stale, worn out, or negative mind chatter with some positive ideas. It is a powerful technique, one which can help transform our attitudes and expectations about life, and thereby change what we create for ourselves. Here are so.se Important thinqs to remember about affirmations: 1. Always phrase affirmations in the present tense. It's important to create it as if It already exists. ?. Always phrase affirmations 1n the most positive way you can. Affirm what you do want, not what you don't want. 3. In qeneral, the shorter and simpler the affirmation the more effective. A. Always choose affirmations that feel riqht for you. What works for one person may not work for another. 5. Write, print or type affirmations on a piece of paper, and read them each evening before you go to bed, and the next morning when you get up. 6. Paste the affirmation on your mirror, car dashboard, telephone, billfold, and any where that you might see it during the day. A POSITIVE VISUALIZATION Select a five-minute period 1n the course of you*’ day when you will be free of distractions and interruptions. Find a quiet spot where you can either sit comfortably In an upright position or lie on your hack. Close your eyes and take a deep full Inhalation. Mold your breath for a count of three, then let It out with a long sigh. Mow sim ply allow your breath to come and go effortlessly on Its own. With the next three breaths, release any tension remaining 1n your body. Mow picture, 1n your mind’s eye, your favo rite nature spot. It can be a beach, meadow, a mountalntop, a stream, or any place which has mean ing for you and which you feel very peaceful. Imagine, 1n detail, all the special things about your favorite place—the colors, smells, textures, sights and sounds. Take a look at yourself. Note the ease and con fort In this special spot. Now think of a time earlier In life when you were at the apex of well-being. Recall a period 1n either recent or distant time when you felt fully alive. Joyous, and hlqh on your natural powers and Innate fifts. Envision the little things about yourself - the bounce In your step, the sparkle In your eyes, the comfort and ease that permeated your thouqhts and actions. Re experience for a few moments the sense of pow»r freedom you owned during these splendid inter ludes of enhanced functioning. Enjoy a minute or so of pleasure recalling the real you, the person you are at your best. Why hold back, why settle for less? Be the best you can be. If 1t feels so good 1n memory. Imaqlne the rewards of reaching these hlghts 1n the present. You can do 1t.