Mindfulness Can Change Your Brain Through a Powerful Trio: Affirmation | Gratitude | Repetition

by Amy M. Jarvis, IAYT, E-RYT500, YACEP & Meditation Teacher

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a therapeutic approach to open one's mental field of acceptance without judgement using the present feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. 

It is a practice of self-care that serves as the core of real transformation. It takes place in the physical mind and supports your emotional attitudes. 

Mindfulness is a meditation technique that can develop new and strengthen existing desired pathways. 

How do affirmations, gratitude, and repetition become a mindful practice?

The practice of mindfulness changes your life through a powerful trio: affirmation, gratitude, and repetition. An affirmation is an intention that expresses a deep desire. Applying the theme of gratitude allows you to look deeply inward for where you are today, in the present moment. Repeating affirmations of gratitude through mindfulness can improve your day-to-day life.

The language selected for affirmations shape our reality and is accepted by the subconscious mind.  Here are a few examples: 

• I am grateful for the gifts I receive from others
• My heart holds gratitude towards others, myself and the greater good. 
• I am grateful for the curiosity and courage to move through fear.
• I am grateful for the space and time to flourish
• I am confident to lead my team

How does mindfulness change the brain?

Repeated affirmations of gratitude teach the brain to strengthen existing and create new neurological pathways in your brain that focus on the positive. This is important because the brain is poised to be negative. 

The Amygdala is an almond-shaped mass of gray matter inside each cerebral hemisphere, involved with the experiencing of emotions. Studies have shown that the amygdala uses about two-thirds of its neurons to detect negativity and then quickly stores it into long-term memory. This means two thirds of your emotions and motivation are designed to focus primarily on the negative. The good news is: the brain can change. 

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning, experience, or healing following an injury. Adding mindfulness into your daily routine breaks the cycles of negative self-talk in your brain. Rewiring the brain toward the positive will directly impact your attitude towards yourself, others, situations, and events. 

My story practicing mindfulness

In my experience, the shift is subtle but now I feel different; I'm not as anxious or upset when things don't go the way I had intended; the actions of others, situations and events no longer trigger me in the same way.   I feel a sense of harmony with myself and my relationship with community. Now I'm certainly not perfect and knowing this I practice - life is a continuous practice.

How you can practice mindfulness

You are welcome to download the mindfulness practice so you too can combine the science of the brain, positive affirmation, gratitude, and repetition to strengthen the effects of the practice.