Mantras & Affirmations (Recovery Toolbox)

Science has repeatedly demonstrated that positive words and actions can have dramatic impact on one’s health and vitality. The human brain does not understand sarcasm. When we force ourselves to smile, the brain thinks we are smiling. The same goes for words. When we say positive things to ourselves, even if we don’t believe them, we can rewire our brains to believe what we are saying is true. And through the belief that we are already physically and mentally prospering, we can will a more prosperous life into existence.

Mantras & Affirmations

Although mantras and affirmations are often used interchangeably, they carry arrantly contrastful meanings. Much like steel tongue drums, mantras produce ultra-soothing sound vibrations that send our minds and bodies to a whole other plain of consciousness. With mantras, it’s not so much about what is being said as it is about the vibration that is made by the sounds the words produce. Mantras serve to vibrate at a frequency that brings us into harmony with the universe.

The power of affirmations is in the meaning of the words, and the way the words make us feel. Daily affirmations can help develop a more positive outlook on life. Habitual positivity can etch out new neuron pathways in the brain which lead to a whole new vibrant you. Affirmations work because they are written, based on science, in the language of the brain. The brain’s linguistic rules of positivity carry some basic guidelines:

1. They must not use past or future tenses.
2. Must only include positive words.
3. The speaker must say the affirmation confidently as though it were true.

Both affirmations and mantras need time and repetition to reap the fullest rewards. Adhering to a routine schedule that includes taking the time out to meditate on mantras and affirmations can help to reinforce a positive mentality and set a tone for an abundantly fruitful day.

Affirmations affect us at a subconscious level, and mantras affect us at an energetic level. Each device complements the other because mantras make us feel attuned with the universe and affirmations make us believe it to be true. For the two devices to work in harmony, you must be clear in what each of them does for you. Remain optimistic about what you want and need out of life, and rest assured that you will prosper.

Positive Affirmations

Reprogramming your brain to automatically reject negativity requires for you to reinforce a neuronet of positive connections. By doing so, you will increase the chemicals that your brain releases through positive thinking while decreasing the chemicals that are released through negative thinking.

Negative thinking is often subtle. Words such as, “don’t, can’t or won’t,” are not positive for obvious reasons. The brain also does not positively respond to uncertainty or past and future tenses. Saying things like, “I will, I am going to, should, would, could, might have, etc,” sends messages to the brain that things aren’t quite as they should be.

The following are examples of how you can turn negative thoughts into positive affirmations…

Adopting a habit of saying positive affirmations may seem silly and uncomfortable at first. You may find it helpful to listen to affirmations in the morning and before you go to bed. Once you get comfortable saying affirmations to yourself, mirror work is an excellent way to reinforce your affirmations. Just say affirmations to yourself with conviction while looking in the mirror. Force yourself to at least act like you believe what you are saying. You will be amazed by the results of unconditional self-love.

Your brain can either make or break the rest of your body. Why not remind your brain every day of all the positive things it is working to hold onto and achieve? It might just decide to do the impossible…

Affirmations for Meditation

Take some time to read the following affirmations and highlight the ones you think will help sustain a positive attitude. Choose the top five that you want to meditate on daily. You can also brainstorm original mantras. Set reminders on your phone and elsewhere to assist in developing a habit of taking time out in your day to reflect on your mentality and meditate on mental prosperity.

1. All is well in my life.
2. I am at peace with myself
3. I am free from sadness.
4. I am perfect exactly as I am.
5. I focus on what is truly essential.
6. I make positive healthy choices.
7. I am in control of my reactions.
8. I find all solutions within me.
9. Life is full of love and I find it everywhere I go.
10. I am healthy and I radiate happiness.
11. I have an abundance of positive energy.
12. I give myself permission to slow down.
13. I expect nothing and appreciate everything.
14. I am in love with every breath of my life.
15. My heart is kind, my mind is clear and my spirit is brave.
16. I surround myself with those who bring out the best in me.
17. I love myself, I believe in myself, I support myself.
18. I am capable of extraordinary achievements.
19. I express my gratitude to those I love and appreciate.
20. I let go of any negative feelings about myself or my life, and accept all that is good.
21. My partner is physically and spiritually attracted to me.
22. I am free from financial anxiety and fear.
23. I believe in myself. I am capable of whatever I set my mind to.
24. I let go of my past
25. I can and I will.
26. I am free from anger.
27. I write my destiny.
28. I forgive myself.
29. I am forgiven.
30. I am patient with myself.
31. I am eternally evolving.
32. I surrender to love
33. I invite bliss
34. I learn from my past
35. I am good at walking the talk
36. I enjoy being taken good care of by the universe
37. I create my reality on a continuous basis
38. My body is healthy
39. I see the beauty in everything.
40. I am the change I want to see.
41. Everything I need is within me.
42. I love everything about my body.
43. I crave healthy, nutritious foods.
44. I am present here and now within myself.
45. I am enthusiastic about every second of my life.
46. Everyone sees how much joy and love I have for life.
47. My life is full of magic and serendipity.
48. I can center myself with the ease of my breath.
49. I feel grounded, confident, worthy and whole
50. I do not stress myself out about things I cannot control or change
51. I always have everything I need to be happy
52. I live a positive life and only attract the best in my life
53. I am peacefully allowing my life to unfold
54. Today, and every day, I choose to be happy
55. I take care of my body and exercise every day.
56. My body is healthy and full of energy.
57. Every morning I wake up with thoughts and feelings that are nourishing.
58. I radiate love and others reflect love back to me.
59. Forgiveness and compassion are the foundations of my romantic relationship.
60. Deep at the center of my being is an infinite well of love.
61. My thoughts are filled with positivity and my life is plentiful with prosperity.
62. In me I trust.
63. I am happy.
64. I am amazing.
65. I am prepared to succeed.
66. I am outstanding.
67. I have value and I matter.
68. I find a success in all that I do.
69. I am fabulous, funny, and giving.
70. I further my career with every action I take.
71. I am enthusiastic and excited about my work.
72. My job brings me financial abundance.
73. My coworkers love being around me.
74. I am focused and productive at work.
75. I feel joy, love, and abundance.
76. I am one with my inner child.
77. I am my own guru
78. I take good care of myself
79. I am happy and motivated.
80. My mind and my heart are open.
81. I make my curses my blessings.
82. I let go of what I can’t control.
83. I am fulfilling my purpose in this world.
84. I achieve great things through small steps.
85. I have control over myself and my choices.
86. I have a positive impact on other people’s lives.
87. I have enough, I do enough, and I am enough.
88. I am thankful for what I have. I am where I need to be.
89. I feel wonderful and alive.
90. I feel the joy of abundance.
91. I plan my work and work my plan.
92. I believe in my ultimate potential.
93. I am fierce. I am unafraid. I am bold.
94.  I am making progress towards my goals.
95. I am capable of what I am willing to work for.
96. I am unique and I am uniquely successful.
97. I trust myself and my instincts above anything else.
98. I claim my power and move beyond all limitations.
99. I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents.
100. I am conquering my illness; I am defeating it steadily each day.
101. Today, I am brimming with energy and overflowing with joy.
102. I am comfortable looking in the mirror, saying, “I love you, I really love you.”
103. I possess the qualities needed to be extremely successful.
104. My thoughts do not control me; I control my thoughts.
105. I see the world with excitement and beauty.
106. I deserve whatever good comes my way today.
107. I already have everything I need.
108. Creative energy surges through me and leads me to new and brilliant ideas.
109. I make the most of new opportunities
110. Good flows to me, good flows from me      
111. I speak with confidence and calm assurance
112. The universe provides for my every want and need
113. Everything is getting better every day
114. My mind is calm
115. I am always on the path of success and victory
116. I take the time to show my friends that I care about them
117. I am thankful I get to live another day
118. I believe in myself
119. I radiate confidence, certainty and optimism
120. I courageously open and move through every door of opportunity
121. I am in charge of my life
122. I am blessed with an incredible family and wonderful friends
123. I enjoy the variety of life
124. Everything I experience is a gift.
125. I follow my inner guidance
126. I appreciate my physical body
127. I treat my body well
128. I take it easy
129. I have the power to love my dreams
130. My mind has unlimited power
131. I stand up for what I believe in
132. I act with courage and confidence
133. I love myself more everyday
134. I make room for fun and playfulness
135. I appreciate intimacy
136. I am very good at letting go
137. I am grateful for my life
138. I love being myself
139. Time is on my side
140. I am superior to negative thoughts and low actions
141. I forgive those who have harmed me in my past and peacefully detach from them
142. I possess the qualities needed to be extremely successful
143. My business is growing, expanding, and thriving
144. My ability to conquer my challenges is limitless
145. My potential to succeed is infinite
146. I am courageous and I stand up for myself
147. My thoughts are filled with positivity and my life is plentiful with prosperity
148. I am blessed with an incredible family and wonderful friends
149. I am a powerhouse
150. My future is an ideal projection of what I envision now
151. I radiate beauty, charm, and grace
152. I am conquering my illness
153. I wake up today with strength in my heart and clarity in my mind
154. My fears of tomorrow are simply melting away
155. My life is just beginning
156. I am fun energetic and people love me for it
157. My life overflows with happiness and love
158. Today is rich with opportunities that I open my heart to receive
159. I am powerful creator. I create the life I want and enjoy it
160. I always attract the best of circumstances and I have positive people in my life.
161. I am courageous. I am willing to act and face my fears.
162. I acknowledge my own self-worth my confidence is rising.
163. I have everything I need to face any obstacles that come.
164. I am open-minded and always eager to explore new avenues to success.

Sources:

1. Mendoza, M. (2020). Difference between mantras and affirmations. Yoga Signs. https://yogasigns.com/difference-between-mantras-and-affirmations/
2. The science between positive affirmations. (2016). Psychic Source. https://www.psychicsource.com/article/life-destiny-meaning/the-science-behind-positive-affirmations/12283
3. Trottier, A. (2020). Positive Affirmations. Mindbliss. https://mindbliss.com/positive-affirmations/
4. Uo0Gj. (2020). 120 morning affirmations to kickstart your day. Manifestation IQ. https://www.manifestationiq.com/morning-affirmations/
5. White, A. (2021, February 24). 20 Powerful Daily Affirmations That Could Change Your Life. Mindvalley Blog. https://blog.mindvalley.com/positive-affirmations/