You Can't Build a Castle on a Pile of Manure!

Recently I've been working with affirmations again.  Affirmations, that age old belief that what we think and "put-out-there" we help create.  On a side note, it's often suggested that you need feeling and clarity behind your affirmations.


Try taking a few moments to be quiet, to go inside and first observe any other thoughts, sensations and feelings without judgment, by giving them some room, before embarking on your own journey.  This will allow you to start with a clearer slate.  (More has been said about this topic in previous blogs, and will be discussed in "Letting Go".  If you are needing further help seek a qualified Counselor, Psychologist, or Social Worker to help you work through old issues and outmoded beliefs.  You may also enjoy looking through authors such as Byron Katie.)

People often say, "Well, I tried that, but it didn't work", or "It won't work for me".  And it won't work if you also are having thoughts and feelings that conflict with your original prayer.  The Universe/God, doesn't discriminate.

If my intent/affirmation/prayer is "I am abundant", but at the same time I have other thoughts that come up for me such as, "Who am I to be successful", or "This doesn't work", or better yet, "This won't work for me", along with feelings of anger, judgment and fear, then that is exactly what I am creating.

I have always been someone that is afraid other won't accept me, and so I often fought hard for acceptance.  Many of my thinking errors or thoughts started with "I have to/I should...I shouldn't...", etc.  Working with new beliefs and ideas such as "I am free to be myself", or, "I am a powerful spiritual being", only started really feeling right after I began to work through and let go of old limiting thoughts and feelings.

You can be successful in achieving your dreams.  You are a powerful spiritual being.  You are supported, always.

How Do Thoughts Keep Us Stuck?

 “Thoughts thunk often become beliefs.” Byron Katie, the author of Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life.

She came up with a simple exercise to question your thoughts and to better understand how your thoughts create the feelings and behaviors you experience.

If I have the thought, “I shouldn’t be myself”, that leads to “I should be perfect so that others accept me.” When I ask myself how do I feel when I have these thoughts, the answer is, scared and vulnerable. I may have other sensations that arise as well, such as tension in my shoulders and neck, as well as tightness in my stomach. The important thing is that I acknowledge these feelings and sensations, which gives me permission to feel them.

She then has us ask the question, who would you be without these thoughts or stories?  Imagine your own life for a moment, and the stories you have come to believe about yourself, others, and the world.  Finally she has us make a statement that is closer to reality, such as, "I'm OK just as I am.  I have a lot of good qualities, and others I am able to change."

To learn more check out her book…=)

Thoughts and more importantly old beliefs are coping mechanisms we created years ago in many cases. We did so because it was the only way we knew how to deal with a difficult situation. We all do this whether the issues were trivial or traumatic.

Only we have the power to step off this old worn path and say “NO”. No I will not do this to myself anymore. First we need to acknowledge where we are at, and take full responsibility. We take responsibility not for what happened in the past, but for our thoughts.

Only then can the process of healing begin. There are many things we can do for ourselves; Meditation, Yoga, exercise, eating well, but sometimes we need guidance, encouragement, and support from an Instructor, Counselor, Nutritionist, Coach, Minister, Chiropractor, Massage Therapist, friend, etc.

Be well.