Vocal Meditation - A Twist on Affirmations

Many people know of and have tried using affirmations or positive statements designed to change a negative thought pattern. I myself, having been exposed to the wonderful teachings of Louise Hay and others have tried them. Sometimes, they work and sometimes, well...they don't do much.

I began a new practice with affirmations awhile back when I started to understand more of the 'secret' relationship between our words, our thoughts, and sound and the hidden power and interplay of each. The practice arose spontaneously during a meditation, and it has had a much greater impact than any affirmation practice I have had.

It's very easy but does take effort and a willingness to sound and feel ridiculous at first. Take any affirmation. Examples include, "I am centered and peaceful" or "My life is filled with abundance." The cool thing with this particular practice is that you really don't have to pretend to believe something you don't. You don't have to think yourself through it either. All you have to do is be willing to say it. The 'secret' aspects of word, thought, and sound will take care of the rest.

Now, sit yourself down in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. If you can be in front of a mirror to witness yourself, all the better. Now begin to say your chosen affirmation. If it sounds phony to you, then say it that way, with all the sarcasm you can muster. If you want to sing it, sing it. If nothing comes up but a gurgle, that's perfect too. The idea is to say it in as many ways as possible feeeling for the moments of resonance when parts or all of the statement ring true. Keep at it. It may not happen right away. Persist. Play. Get your body involved. Shake. Wiggle. Get up and stomp. Allow the practice to reveal to you just where your blocks are. It will happen. You may even have a release as you move through resistance and longing into the place where you can sense the truth of your statement that was really there all along.

You will come to the point where all the resistance drops away. And there, you will find yourself hearing the words of your affirmation as if for the first time. You will start to state the affirmation without the theatrics, drama, and playfulness. Go slowly here. You will begin to speak each word with its own weight and sincerity. Again, tears may flow. You will begin to feel the truth of the statement in different areas of your body. You will sense joy arising. And you will empower yourself.

Enjoy!