At The Village, home of the Oakland Center for Spiritual Living, affirmations are part of the fundamental spiritual practice. Basically, an affirmation is a positive statement said to oneself to influence one's thoughts, feelings, and actions. An integral part of the work of Dr. Ernest Holmes and principles of the Science of Mind tells us that affirmations align our mind with the Divine and encourage an empowered, positive mindset. How Do Affirmations Work Through repetition, these affirmations replace negative or limiting beliefs with positive and creative thoughts. A transformation in thinking can, therefore, bring about certain powerful changes in one's life, such as clarity of thought and emotional balance, which is spiritual in a sense. Finally, in OCSL, we believe that our thoughts manifest our reality, and affirmations are very practical in creating our lives from this knowledge. Affirmation Benefits There are many benefits to making positive affirmations. First of all, it create a positive mental attitude. By repeating positive and empowering statements, an individual can change orientation from negativity or scarcity to positivity or abundance. Such an orientation may yield improved mental health, higher self-esteem, and greater happiness. Affirmations also contribute to emotional recovery: They help mend past experiences and release our systems of fear. Most importantly, they dissolve obstacles by affirming self-worth and the possibility of achieving the highest good. Thirdly, affirmations bring us closer to our spiritual lives. They remind us of our inherent divinity and the divinity of the Divine in our lives. Speaking about affirmations makes the relationship with the Divine grow even deeper into oneness, purpose, and spiritual alignment. Making Affirmations a Part of Everyday Life We urge members to have daily affirmations that can be incorporated into life in a number of ways:

1. Morning Rituals: Positive affirmations at the beginning of the day are intended to set a positive tone. This helps orient your thoughts toward your intentions and goals.
2. Meditation: Add affirmations to your meditation practice. When you try to repeat affirmations while meditating, practice makes you more keen and focused on both practices.
3. Journaling: Write down affirmations in a journal. This helps to reinforce the positive statements and allows for reflection on their impact over time.
4. Visual Reminders: Place these in random parts of your living space. Put affirmations where you will see them often, such as in your office, in the bedroom, or on the refrigerator. Visual reminders help you repeatedly recall your set goals and intentions.

Join Us in Practicing Affirmations Are you ready to take control of the power of affirmations in your life? Come be part of the village with us at The Village. Focus on affirmations as a spiritual development modality leading to personal evolution. Participate in workshops, classes, and gatherings that raise awareness of this empowering practice and connect with others who are just like you.