Spiritual Practices

Affirmation

Spiritual Practice: In Scientific Healing Affirmations: Theory and Practice of Concentration, Paramahansa Yogananda gives instructions on how to affirm, a condensation of which is presented here. Sit in a meditation posture, with the eyes lifted to the point between the eyebrows. Repeat the affirmation aloud, then more and more loudly, then more and more softly, until you're whispering the affirmation. Finally, repeat the affirmation mentally only. Repeat as long as you wish, with concentration, willpower, and joy.

Spiritual Practice: Whatever challenges you're facing, you can use affirmations to help you through them. Affirmations can become like good friends, always there ready to help you. Take an affirmation, or write your own, that is in the present tense, and focuses on what you want rather than what you don't want. “I remove all obstacles from my path" is worded in a positive way, but the focus is on obstacles rather than the other side of obstacles. Here's an example where the focus is positive: “I rouse the tremendous power within me and attain [whatever your goal is]." The focus of this affirmation is on reaching your goal, and on rousing the willpower and joy that help create a can-do consciousness.

Spiritual Practice: Repeat your affirmations with enthusiasm. It will give an emotional boost to your belief in the truth of the affirmation, and it will help to loosen the grip of any opposite, negative beliefs in your subconsciousness.

Spiritual Practice: If you're experiencing fear, nervousness, or stress, practice this soothing affirmation: “I relax and cast aside all mental burdens, allowing God to express through me His perfect love, peace, and wisdom" (Paramahansa Yogananda, Scientific Healing Affirmations: Theory and Practice of Concentration). Practice repeatedly, as the need arises, focusing primarily on the last part of the affirmation.

Spiritual Practice: When you're unwell or have a chronic physical problem, practice a healing affirmation that rouses joyous willpower and facilitates the flow of healing energy. Visualize that energy flowing from the universal source and entering your body through the medulla oblongata located at the base of the skull and top of the spine at the back of the head. Direct that energy to the areas that need healing. (This is not meant to replace medical treatment.)

Spiritual Practice: To spiritualize your consciousness or to feel God's presence, repeat an affirmation such as, “I live, move, and have my being in God." or “I am permeated with divine love, divine joy, divine peace."

Spiritual Practice: When you have immediate needs, practice an affirmation such as, “Universal abundance is eager to give me what I need, when I need it. I have it now."

Spiritual Practice: Think of how you want to be in the world, what you want to do, and what you want to have, spiritually and materially. List them and create corresponding affirmations to promote the ideal “you" and your ideal life, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Keep affirming and patiently allow them to manifest.

Spiritual Practice: Affirm for the benefit of someone else as an act of service. Take an affirmation that you have used or would use for your personal needs, and repeat it keeping another person in mind. Imagine that what you're affirming is manifesting in the other person's life. For example, affirm and visualize that the healing light of God is permeating a friend or relative who is sick. It's also important for the other person to want what you're affirming.