Negativity attracts negativity. Positivity attracts postivity.

“The power of the word is real, whether or not you are conscious of it. Your own words are the bricks and mortar of the dreams you want to realise. Behind every word flows energy.”
Sonia Choquette

Our thoughts and beliefs influence every aspect of our lives. Louise Hay is one of many people who promote the use of positive affirmations. An affirmation is anything we say or think. She suggests we have got stuck in the habit of saying negative affirmations to ourselves, and we can effectively re programme our minds to think positively by using positive affirmations. This article explores whether and how they work, and the reasons they may fail.

Bad habits are very hard to break and negative patterns of thinking are habits we have often been built up over a life time. Many of the beliefs we develop over time, may have actually have been passed onto us by significant adults during our childhood. We build up beliefs by being continually exposed to behaviour, or by being constantly told something. We then use the ways of thinking/behaviours we have learned, to react and respond to everyday events in our lives. Often our learnt thought patterns can be dysfunctional and sabotage our efforts to succeed later on in life. Being told as children that we are not very bright, for example, may lead to not believing we are capable and lead to us not undertaking an academic course, which may further our career.

Positive affirmations can be a powerful tool in challenging fears, and negative patterns of thought. A positive affirmation is essentially a strong statement reassuring us everything is ok despite our minds predicting the worse case scenario. By saying these affirmations we are attempting to change our learnt thought patterns, and replace negativity in our mind with positive thoughts.

There are many reasons why affirmations don’t work for people. Psychologists suggest the first step towards change is awareness that you need to change. The second step is acceptance; i.e. accepting that you do talk to yourself negatively, and the last step is action, and taking steps to make the changes. One reason may be that that people don’t actually want to change, or are not prepared to put the work in that may be needed. We may also be comfortable with the life thinking negatively has created. An example could be if a person has had bad experiences/trauma and they find by continuing in the role of the victim, they are cared for and looked after in their relationships. If they start changing their thought patterns and become more empowered it most certainly will change their relationship dynamics.

You can continue along as you have been, or you can choose and make an effort to think thoughts to make you feel good. By doing this you are effectively saying to your subconscious mind ‘I am taking responsibility, I am aware there is something I can do to change.’ This can be done by starting to pay attention to your thoughts, so you can then eliminate experiences you don’t want in your life.

While the idea of changing your thought processes sounds simple, it is not simple and it is not always easy. Our subconscious mind has been busy throughout out lives developing patterns of thought and behaviour, and is very likely to resist any attempts to change these patterns. While we consciously may recognise that our thought patterns may be sabotaging our success, attempting to change established thought patterns may lead to conflict between the subconscious and the conscious mind. However by not focusing on the difficulties of the task ahead, being patient, taking small steps and not expecting big results right away, and allowing positive affirmations to permeate your consciousness they will eventually become a part of you.

Self help guru; Susan Jeffers author of ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’ believes if you say affirmations enough you will really start to believe them, and this works due to acting ‘as if’ they are true. An affirmation is not just a sentence it represents a new way of life, and as we imagine ourselves as strong and powerful ultimately we will become more empowered. It is suggested we have the power within ourselves, and affirmations are part of a process which helps us recognise and act on this power.

Another reason why some people don’t find affirmations beneficial, is they have trouble believing what they are saying. We often really believe what we saying to ourselves, when we berate ourselves with negative self talk, and this makes these negative affirmations all the more powerful. Believing what you say to yourself is often to key to whether affirmations will work or not. Affirmations are statements set in the present tense. Saying to yourself ‘I am healthy and love and care for my body’ when you are overweight and don’t do any exercise, or ‘I have all the money I need to pay all my bills’ when you are in debt, is likely to register as a lie in your mind and therefore be ineffective.

The key to making affirmations work for you is not to pick affirmations you find completely unbelievable. Saying affirmations such as: ‘I am a loving person and my friends love me’ is more believable and more likely over time to re-programme negative ways of thinking about yourself, and help you feel more happy and confident. Another advantage of saying affirmations is that you don’t need to find extra time in a possibly already busy schedule to say them. Affirmations can be said while you are doing other things such as; the washing up, driving your car, or walking.

However it is important to keep saying them, as a lack of consistency is another reason why positive affirmations may not have the desired effect. An example of being inconsistent is if you say a certain affirmation to yourself for ten minutes every day while you are doing the washing up, and then spend the rest of the day saying to yourself ‘I am useless at this job’ ‘They won’t like me anyway’ ‘I am so stupid’ etc Well these are affirmations too, and as this negative self talk is so engrained, and often said with much feeling, it is likely to win over the positive self talk.

If you are consistent, you can use affirmations to chip away at negative thought patterns. By repeating the affirmations again and again throughout the day, you may find they start automatically popping into your mind, and eventually you start developing a new habit of thinking positively. Writing your affirmations on post it notes and sticking them around your house, so that you will notice them throughout the day, is one way to remind yourself to say them regularly. The more you choose to think thoughts to make you feel good, the quicker the affirmations will begin to work.

Louise Hay also makes a connection between dis-ease, ill health, and negative thinking. However claims that specific illnesses and diseases such as cancer, are caused by negativity and that you can cure yourself with positive thinking, may be why positive affirmations have had a bit of a bad press, and why they are often considered kooky or weird. However having said that there have been studies that suggest that a positive mental attitude, can boost our immune system and enable us to resist and fight illness more effectively.

What is clear is that that they way we think does affect our lives. A positive frame of mind does help us cope more effectively with the every day stresses and strains of life. Every thought we have counts, and starting now we can choose to not waste our thoughts.

You can make up your own affirmations. However you may find it easier to use affirmations other people have written until you got into the habit of doing them a bit more. There are many books and CDs available which you may find useful, or you can find many affirmations on the internet. I would recommend looking at these websites:

www.vitalaffirmations.com
www.susanjeffers.com
www.aplacefortheheart.co.uk

Here are a few to get you started:

I am willing to release negative thoughts. My new thoughts are positive and fulfilling.

My views and opinions are important and I choose to be heard.

Life is simple. What I give out comes back to me. Today I choose to give love.

I forgive myself for not being perfect, and love myself exactly as I am. Every mistake I make is yet another opportunity to learn.

As I think positive and beautiful thoughts, I attract positivity and beauty into my life.

The past is my history, the future is my unknown. I choose to live in the present.

Today, no person, place or thing can irritate me. I choose to be at peace.

I choose to feel good about myself. I am worthy of my own love.

I am in the process of positive change. I now express health, happiness and piece of mind.

I remember the past, learn from it, then release it. I love who I am.

I am unlimited in my own ability to create the good in my life.

My home is filled with joy, love, laughter, and understanding.

The only life I have control over is mine and only I control my life.

This is my time to be free to be me, and have the good things in life because I am worth it.

I choose to release myself from fears and doubt. I accept myself and create peace in my mind and heart. I am loved and I am safe.

The ABC of Super-foods

On Jax writer’s spot I have posted many articles on the health benefits of particular foods, mainly due to developing an interest and knowledge about nutrition, after my eldest daughter developed food intolerances almost 20 years ago. By scrolling down through the years you can find these articles, including in 2007: ‘Wonderful watercress’ (September), ‘Starve a fever feed a cold’ (November), ‘Aloe Vera Natures treasure chest’ and ‘Can a change in diet help reduce hyperactivity in children Part1&2 (both October), ‘Treating cystitis naturally’ (August) and ‘Fatigue; Eating for energy’ (May).

Scroll through articles in 2008 for: ‘Herbs for cooking and Health’ (August), ‘Feeling peckish Ditch the sugar and fat and pick a smart snack’ (June), ‘Super-nutrients out of the sea’ and ‘Super-nutrients out of the water’ (April), ‘Water water everywhere, but what water should we drink’ (March), and ‘Berry berry good for you’ (February).

Or look through articles this year: ‘A recipe for a clear complexion’ Part1&2 (both April), ‘Fast lives and fast foods Isn’t it about time we slowed down’ (March), and Ginger first aid on a plate (February).

This article is the first in a series, looking at an ABC of foods which have deemed super-foods. Eating a healthy balanced diet involves eating a variety of different foods including; fruit and vegetables, wholemeal and wholegrain foods, and protein such as fish, meat, eggs and lentils, and some milk and dairy foods.

Alfalfa sprouts
Contains: vitamins; E and K, calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and sodium.

Alfalfa has been dubbed ‘the father of all foods’ and is high in protein, vitamins and minerals. It has been suggested that alfalfa can support the liver, and also act as a general tonic; stimulating the digestive system, encouraging peristalsis and therefore reducing constipation.

Sprouting seeds increases their vitamin content. As alfalfa sprouts are newly germinated, they contain all the concentrated nutrition that plants need to become fully grown, and are therefore a powerhouse of nutrients and digestive enzymes. Alfalfa’s high mineral content is reported to be beneficial for bone health and alongside this has a high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll absorbs energy from the sun to facilitate photosynthesis in plants. It is claimed in humans it has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. It is also suggested chlorophyll is a powerful detoxifier and can help with the uptake and delivery of oxygen around our bodies.

Almonds
Contains: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, folic acid, vitamins; B2, B3, and E.

Almonds are said to have a particularly high content of fibre, vitamin E and magnesium and have a third more protein than eggs. They contain vital minerals, and should ideally be eaten the same time as foods high in vitamin C, as this will ensure the minerals are effectively absorbed. The oil in almonds is said to be very soothing. Almond milk has been recommended by herbalists for years for digestive upsets and respiratory problems. To make the milk; soak 2oz almonds in warm water, peel them, mash them, add 2pints of water and strain and add honey. This recipe can be combined with barley water for urinary tract ailments.

Almonds are reported to be very high in antioxidants. One study found that the flavonoids found in the skin of almonds, combined with the high levels on Vitamin E in the body of the almond, doubled the antioxidant effect. Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats (the same fat as found in olive oil), which have been associated with reducing the risk of developing heart disease.

Apples
Contains: calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, Vitamin C, beta-carotene and pectin.

‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is a saying most people are familiar with and there is much evidence to support it. Apples have a high antioxidant content including vitamin C. Antioxidants have been shown to help protect the body against cell damage, and can be therefore very useful in the fight against heart disease and cancer. Apples therefore are very useful in protecting the body against these diseases. It is suggested one apple can provide a quarter of the daily requirement of vitamin C.

Pectin, a soluble fibre found in apples can help keep cholesterol levels stable. In one study carried out in France eating two apples a day resulted in participant’s cholesterol levels dropping by 10%. Apples are also known to help with digestion, and are general detoxification. Studies have suggested that pectin binds to heavy metals such as mercury and carries them out of the body. The malic and tartaric acid contained in apples can help neutralise the acid by-products of indigestion.

Artichokes
Contains: calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, sodium, folic acid, vitamins; B3, C, and K, and beta-carotene.
Artichokes are well known in France for being a friend to the liver. Extracts of artichoke are actually added to bitter alcoholic beverages intended to stimulate the appetite and soothe the liver, after an evening of overindulgence. The active ingredients (concentrated mainly in the leaves) which seem to support the liver are the antioxidants ‘silymarin’ and ‘cynarin’ which act on the liver, promoting bile flow, and stimulating the regeneration of liver cells.

In European folk medicine artichokes are also used to treat high blood pressure and prevent heart attacks. Studies have provided evidence that they are indeed good for the heart, as they have been shown to be able to lower cholesterol. Artichokes are considered a useful cleansing and detoxifying plant particularly useful for anyone suffering from arthritis or gout.

Artichokes can also improve digestion; they contain ‘inulin’ which stimulates bacteria in the gut, and contain a good amount of fibre which helps regulate the digestive tract. Studies suggest that artichoke extract may help alleviate symptoms associated with irritable bowel conditions. Being a natural diuretic, low in calories but high in nutrients, artichokes are considered a good food for dieters.

Avocado Pears
Contains: iron, copper, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamins; A, K, B5, B3 and E.

Avocado pears are a nutrition rich complete food, supplying protein, starch, and monounsaturated fats. They are very easy to digest and make an excellent food for convalescents and people suffering from stress. Avocados are rich in potassium, a deficiency of which can cause depression, fatigue and poor digestion. Potassium is also an important mineral for regulating blood pressure, and an adequate intake of potassium can help prevent circulatory problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes. They are high in vitamin K which is important for healthy blood, and the iron and the B vitamin content can help with producing energy, while magnesium in avocados is essential for good muscle health.

Women who are dieting may have been warned off avocados due to their high fat and calorie content; however they can actually be a dieter’s friend, as due to containing protein and essential fats they can help manage blood sugar levels and control appetite. The essential fat content of avocados can also be beneficial for brain function, and keeping the skin well moisturised. Research suggests avocados promote the production of collagen which can help maintain the skins elasticity and suppleness.

Recent research undertaken suggests that avocados may reduce the rate of oral cancer cell growth, and therefore help prevent mouth cancer. Scientists at the Ohio University believe this may be due to high levels of phytochemicals. Avocados are also full of antioxidants, which have been shown to fight free radicals and protect the body from cell damage.