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The Science Behind Affirmations
How They Rewire Our Brains
Amari Mae
May 14, 2024
Hey Radiant Beings!
Welcome back to “The Lift Up!" - your everything ‘affirmations for melanated Kings and Queens’ newsletter.
The Science Behind Affirmations: How They Rewire Our Brains
Today, we're diving deep into the magic behind the mantra, exploring the science behind affirmations, and how these powerful phrases do more than just uplift our spirits—they literally rewire our brains.
This isn't just about feeling good; it's about transforming our thought patterns, boosting our self-esteem, and propelling us towards our goals. But, honey, we're not stopping there.
We're also going to explore how this science is a beacon of light in the shadows of systemic racism, offering resilience and empowerment in a world that too often tries to dim our shine.
First things first, let’s break it down. Positive affirmations are those pep talks we give ourselves, but they're not just feel-good phrases; they're tools of transformation.
Research shows that regularly engaging in positive self-talk can activate areas in our brains associated with self-related processing and reward, signaling to our nervous system that what we're saying to ourselves matters, and it's positive.
When we affirm our worth, our capabilities, and our rights to success and happiness, we're doing more than just speaking words; we're creating new neural pathways. | These pathways strengthen with repetition, slowly changing the way we view ourselves and our potential. It's like building muscles, but for your brain, baby! |
Now, let’s talk about how this relates to navigating a society where systemic racism is a daily battle.
In a world that constantly tries to dictate our value based on the color of our skin, affirmations become our shield and our sword. They allow us to reclaim our narrative, affirming our worth, resilience, and excellence in the face of adversity.
This is crucial because the psychological toll of systemic racism can lead to a constant state of stress, known as racial battle fatigue, affecting our mental and physical health.
Positive affirmations serve as a countermeasure, a way to bolster our mental defenses and promote well-being, even as we continue to fight for justice and equality.
Studies have highlighted the role of affirmations in reducing stress, improving performance, and enhancing the overall quality of life, particularly for marginalized groups.
By consistently affirming our strengths and values, we reinforce our sense of self, empowering us to navigate and challenge systemic barriers with greater resilience.
Moreover, when we integrate affirmations into our daily lives, we foster a mindset of growth and abundance, counteracting the scarcity and limitations often imposed by systemic racism.
We begin to see opportunities where others see barriers, and we cultivate the inner strength to pursue our aspirations, undeterred by the challenges we face.
In essence, the science behind affirmations reveals their power not just in personal development, but as a tool for social and cultural empowerment. They enable us to envision a world where we are defined not by the limitations set upon us, but by our boundless potential, resilience, and unwavering belief in our worth.
So, as we move forward, let’s wield the power of affirmations with intention and purpose. Let's remind ourselves and each other of our brilliance, our strength, and our capacity to overcome. Because, darling, in a society that often tries to clip our wings, affirmations are how we learn to fly.
Affirmations - Learn to Fly
Stay empowered, stay resilient, and remember, your words have the power to reshape your world.
With all my love and encouragement,
Amari