It starts with a thought.

It continues with a decision.

Since decisions are intentional, you are training your body and mind.

This is Practice.

Recently, I’ve discovered that practice doesn’t always take the form I expect. I’m incorporating affirmations into my morning and evening routines. It’s not just about positive thinking. Guiding your thoughts intentionally with “I am” affirmations trains your brain to take or create different pathways.

For whatever reason, your brain may skip to negative harmful thoughts and feelings when you’ve been triggered. (I just went back and changed negative to harmful, which may not be the right word, but bear with me; I am also practicing.) These reactions could be your body and mind protecting itself. That’s so nice of your body to do, isn’t it? It doesn’t know that the words or situation that triggered you aren’t really a threat. We are so constantly in “fight-or-flight” mode that that is where our brain pathways go, and our bodies follow, leading to unhealthy stress and unwanted behavior.

This is why we need to practice believing in ourselves intentionally. This is why we need to train our bodies and minds to rest and digest. And we need to do this over and over.

A Practice.

Just like I say to students (and myself) if they say they aren’t doing the pose perfectly: “Good thing it’s a yoga practice, not a yoga perfect.” You have to train. Our minds will start to remember how to move. Our bodies will, too.

Zig Ziglar is credited with saying, "Inspiration is like a shower. You need it daily." Lather up your neural pathways and prepare for more spontaneous, supportive, happy, shiny thoughts!

Join me on the Insight Timer App for a Restorative Yoga Practice this Friday.

Disclaimer: While I have personal experience with the positive effects of affirmations, I am not a scientist or psychologist. The information I share about affirmations and their potential benefits is based on personal experience and anecdotal evidence. It's important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or mental health expert for personalized advice, especially if you're dealing with specific health conditions or mental health challenges. Affirmations aren’t a substitute for professional help, nor will they resonate with everyone or impact individuals similarly.