A major key to transforming belief systems comes from emotional experiences, which we strive to provide at Klemmer seminars. But another way to change belief systems, as we discussed in our last newsletter, is accomplished through the persistent reading of books and listening to tapes. Affirmations, the daily repetition of a positive belief you want to become true for yourself, is another way to increase personal growth. Like reading books and listening to tapes, one downside is that affirmations don't carry much emotion. As a result, they take a tremendous amount of repetition – sometimes months and months. Unless a person is aware that this is part of the process, they may become discouraged, lose interest and give up. But affirmations do work, as I detail in the series The Pursuit & Practice of Personal Mastery.
Presently, I have several affirmations. One is that I weigh 171 pounds and have a 36-inch waist. When I'm not traveling, I work out on a bike almost every day. While doing so, for five minutes I repeat that I weigh 171 pounds and have a 36-inch waist. For the next five minutes I repeat that I eat healthy and exercise at least four times a week. Over time – and it does take a lot of time – these beliefs become part of my subconscious, and then I begin to see changes.
For instance, I have been able to stay on a powdered drink meal replacement for one of my meals. And then recently, Roma and I visited our neighbors across the street. We were going to watch a video together, but first the man offered me an alcoholic drink. In the past I would have accepted it. He then offered me a biscotti and I passed on that. What gave me the fortitude to stay on the meal replacement shake and not accept food and drinks that would have made me gain weight? I believe the above-mentioned affirmations helped to clarify and intensify my intent.
Affirmations can be a valuable tool to reshape your belief systems. As you make them a part of your life, just be aware that they require a long-term commitment. Knowing this helps you to have patience and persistence to stay on course until you see the results.
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