Affirming Thoughts Exercise

The affirming thoughts exercise is an inspiring meditation to develops positive self-awareness and record empowering thoughts.

Invite your group to gather in a circle on the floor or wherever they are comfortable. Distribute a slip of paper and a pen to each person.

Place a jar or bowl in the middle of the circle. Announce to your group that you will soon lead them through a brief exercise to help them create positive and empowering affirmations to support their overall well-being.

Facilitate the activity step by step, making adjustments according to the needs of your group.

Suggested script

• Once you are seated comfortably, take these next few seconds to relax.
• Close your eyes.
• Let us take a few deep breaths to relax and shift your attention to the present
  moment.
• Let go of any worries about the past or future.
• For a moment, let us think about some negative thoughts that we tend to have
  about ourselves. What are some common doubts or fears you have? Maybe
  someone around you speaks negatively to you— have any of those comments
  stuck with you?
• Now, I want you to support those negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Take
  each thought and write down an affirmation that empowers you and reassures you
  that you are worthy, loved, and strong (or anything else you need to hear).
• Write down these affirmations on your paper and read them to yourself a few times. You don’t need to read them out loud.
• Remember that affirmations are positive statements about yourself that you say are
  true. They should always start with “I” and should never use words such as “not.”
• Your affirmations should also be in the present tense, the now.
• When you finish writing, fold up your paper and put it into the bowl.
• Now, each of you may pick a slip of paper from the bowl and read it out loud to the
  group. Remember, there is no judgement here.

Let us take some time for reflection and discussion.

Moment of Reflection

• Was it difficult to think of affirming thoughts, and then share them? Why?
• Do you see yourself reading or using your affirmations daily? Why or why not?
• Where in your life do you think you could benefit from regular affirmations?
• Do you think your affirmations can inspire more self-love and confidence?
• Did anyone have similar affirmations to yours? How did that make you feel?
• What did you like most about this activity?
• What inspired you out of this exercise?
• Do you have anyone in your family or mentors that use affirmations?
• Where do you think affirmations would be useful in the life of our group?

The topics of this publication: reflection, trust, honesty, self