Recently at Ananda Village, we had the first cold, wet day of autumn. It reminded me to begin paying more attention to staying healthy. People often do that through flu shots and more-careful hygiene. Yoga offers many additional ways; affirmation and Paramhansa Yogananda’s Energization Exercises are two of my favorites.
I regularly use the following affirmation from Affirmations for Self-Healing, by Swami Kriyananda:
My body cells obey my will: They dance with divine vitality! I am well! I am strong! I am a flowing river of boundless power and energy!
Its upbeat rhythm and power always get my energy flowing right away.
Although we can practice affirmation anytime, anywhere, I most like to use it as a lead-in to (or lead-out from) meditation, when my mind is more focused, and therefore stronger. Paramhansa Yogananda recommended practicing in stages:
- Say the affirmation aloud several times, with high energy, to get the conscious mind’s attention.
- Say it more quietly several times, with more energy, to begin to absorb the meaning of the words.
- Whisper it repeatedly, with even more energy, to take the meaning of the words into your subconscious mind, where long-standing patterns reside—and can be changed.
- Repeat the affirmation silently, many times, still with high energy, and without moving your tongue or lips. Take it deep into the subconscious mind.
- Continue your silent repetition, affirming at the spiritual eye. Go beyond the words, and absorb yourself in the feeling of the boundless power and energy that are the truth of your own superconscious being. It’s through intuitive feeling, not mere words, that you manifest that truth in your life.
When “aloud” or even “whisper” isn’t appropriate—or simply doesn’t feel right, as is usually the case for me after meditation—you can affirm silently in similar stages.
Try to practice this several times each day. It will help you stay strong when you’re healthy. And if ever you feel an illness coming on, use the affirmation to help you summon your willpower, then with your entire being, say to the illness: “Get out!”
If you combine this approach with an erect posture and an upbeat, positive attitude, you’ll stay not only healthier, but also happier.
Enjoy a guided audio practice session of the above affirmation:
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