AFFIRMATIONS FOR ABUNDANCE

By John Maerz BA LMT

     In the current metaphysical atmosphere the method of choice used to acquire or become what we prefer has been dubbed “Positive Affirmation.” We are told, “Just say a positive affirmation and the universe will provide whatever it is that you want. There is no reason why you shouldn’t have what you want. There is plenty of abundance for everyone.” I believe that there are several “holes” in this type of thinking that must be addressed.     

     First, there is the issue of availability. One has only to look at the inequality in the distribution of physical resources (food, money, shelter, etc.) to recognize that everyone can’t “have it all.” Those who have much more than their share (billionaires) are not about to consent to redistributing the wealth more evenly. Even in knowing this, there are not enough physical resources to satisfy everyone.  

     Second, a Positive Affirmation is much more dramatic than a prayer which is, essentially, a request of our “creator” that circumstances be produced or changed to meet our comfort and enjoyment. It is more than a request. It is a demand for the opportunity to manipulate circumstances to meet our desires. It may be for personal benefit or it may be to ease the suffering on the behalf of others. Nevertheless, it is still a demand. There are those of us that believe that by simply asking for what we want the “universe” will joyously drop it on our lap simply because we believe (or want to believe) that we are entitled to whatever is available…with no strings or responsibility for its creation. This represents an attitude, on our part, of extreme hubris.

     Third and I believe the most important; we limit ourselves with what we “demand” into existence. What we Positively Affirm may not be what will provide us the best experience for our growth and well-being. The old adage, “Be careful what you wish for” or in this case, demand, is eminently applicable. The regrets about the past and fears about the future are the building blocks of limitation. By tunnel visioning on only what we know and by accepting nothing outside of our fixed envelope of awareness we may deprive ourselves of opportunities that may be far more beneficial than what we judged necessary or even desirable.

     For some a Positive Affirmation is an intention; the focusing of effort and energy toward a specific goal. It can be an application of physical action, feeling, intellect or intuition to that end. Nevertheless, an intention is still a goal based on past experience and expectations for the future.

     If this truly is an abundant universe we must be open to a wider range of possibilities. We must be open to the possibility of chaos (an order and organization style we don’t recognize). Becoming free of our past conditioning and future fears allows us to be in the moment. To be in the moment and mindful during all our activities allows us to be open to what the universe presents us with and was, previously, incomprehensible. Rather than focusing on a specific goal perhaps a Positive Affirmation grounded in being in the moment would better be expressed as, “I will choose a path and will be open to and mindful of the responses I receive from the universe.” This leaves open a wider range of possibilities. As to the old adage, perhaps it should be revamped to say, “Be careful what you wish for. You may get it and miss something better!”