Affirmations for Ketanji Jackson Brown

“You have earned this spot. You are worthy. You are a great American.”

These are the words of Senator Cory Booker as he was addressing now Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on the third day of her confirmation hearings. His impassioned speech brought joy and tears to the hearts of many, including Justice Jackson.  What he did was speak a truth into her that I imagine she needed to hear.  And judging from her response, her whole being needed to hear it.  She needed that truth to come in, settle in, and take the lead.

What he gave her were affirmations, or, in yoga terms, sankalpa.  These short phrases speak against our negative or self-sabotaging thought patterns and replace them with thoughts that uplift, encourage, and affirm the truth of our life and who we are.  They can feel like wishful thinking, but to the mind they are just as real as reality. (This is why you can cry at movies and have empathy with fictional characters–the mind doesn’t differentiate fact and fiction in this case!)

The use of affirmations has been shown to benefit people by helping them perform better at work, reduce stress, and improve self esteem. We use them in Chakra Savvy: Reset Your Life Game Plan with every chakra, bringing home the intention of health and balance at every energetic center.  The idea is to do exactly what Cory Booker did, which is speak a truth into yourself that is positive, affirming, and chases away pre-dispositions to negative self-talk.  (That mind of yours also doesn’t know the difference between fact and fiction when ugliness is spoken into it, so it’s important to fill your mind to overflowing with the truth of your worthiness and goodness.)

So if you’re interested in working with affirmations, consider where you might be experiencing some low self esteem, a lack of power, or where you recognize you are holding yourself back with an old script.  Where do you feel weak or imbalanced?  Perhaps it would help to consider each chakra.  

If you'd like some guidance in this, I uploaded a Chakra Yoga for Affirmations full length practice for you to enjoy on my YouTube channel.

As you go through these affirmations, notice which ones make your heart skip a beat or your mind light up. Which one makes the child inside you say, “Yes! More of this, please!”

1. Muladhara (root chakra): I have a right to be here.  I am stable and safe.  All my needs are met.
2. Svadhisthana (sacral plexus): I delight in the pleasures of life. My life flows effortlessly, like water.  My feelings are real, my emotions are sacred.
3. Manipura (solar plexus): I honor the power within me.  I am, I can, I do what I will.  I make the changes I want to see in the world.
4. Anahata (heart center): I am worthy of Love. I give and receive love equally.  My heart is awake with compassion.
5. Visuddha (throat chakra): I speak the truth. My voice is necessary.  My words carry meaning.
6. Ajna (third eye at the brow line): I see through illusion.  I am capable of understanding.  My thoughts matter.
7. Sahasrara (crown chakra): I am connected to all.  My life has meaning and purpose.  I am perfect, whole, and complete, just the way I am. 

Whichever one (or ones) stand out to you, write them on a Post-It and stick it to your mirror.  Repeat it to yourself often, especially when your mind is relaxed from yoga or meditation.  Savasana is a great place to breathe with your mind on your sankalpa. Remember, you’re not b.s.-ing yourself.  THIS is the truth, not the other way around.  

In my online course, Chakra Savvy SEVEN, you have the opportunity to do a full practice focusing on each energetic center.  So wherever you're realizing you may be a little deficient, consider focusing there on the mat.  Chakra Savvy SEVEN is available for $7.  

May you know the truth of your beauty, worthiness, power, and ability today and every day, and may you have the courage to speak truth into others every chance you get.  

Much love