Meditation is the umbrella term for various practices. Under this umbrella, practices include (but are not limited to) loving meditation, mindfulness meditation, mantra meditation, and affirmative meditation.
Some meditations involve a fusion of practice, which can lead to confusion as to what is. Two types of meditation, often combined, are clear practices: affirmative meditation and mindfulness meditation. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two practices.
Whether you are a personal meditation practitioner or a meditation teacher, it is helpful to be able to distinguish between practices. As a practitioner, it helps you become intentional about what you are practicing and why. As a teacher, it helps you clarify what you have to offer to your students. Discover how these practices differ and overlap.
Positive vs Mindfulness: Key Differences
First, let’s look at the core principles of these two different practices.
First, there is affirmative meditation. Affirmation (in the context of meditation) is a positive statement that reinforces what we feel, embody, or believe in. An example is:
Positive Meditation uses one or more positive statements as the focus of our practice. Often, this technique involves repeating these statements internally, feeling energy both in the mind and body. the goal? We cultivate positive thinking to carry these positive beliefs about who we are.
Mindfulness, on the other hand, is about non-judgmental and instantaneous consciousness. It’s not about trying to feel a particular way. Rather, it is to open now to what is here and there – with attention and curiosity.
Mindfulness meditation is a formal practice that sits with “what’s there?” It is to develop a caring, curious perception of every aspect of our experience, including breathing, the body, the thoughts, our emotions. the goal? Strengthen your ability to live in the present moment.
By examining the core principles, practices and goals of each of the above meditations, you will begin to understand the differences. Positive meditation is the cultivation of or affirming positive thoughts and experiences, while mindfulness is the cultivation of awareness, whatever our experiences are.
Affirmative meditation can be used to reaffirm what already exists, but in most cases it is future-oriented. It asks us: Where do I want to go? Who do you want to be? What do you want to embody?
Mindfulness meditation may recognize future thoughts, but we do not take action on them. I notice anything here. We find ourselves as things come, and as things go, we remain fixed in the present moment.
Duplicate ground: similarities
These two practices differ fundamentally in purpose and technique, but there are some similarities. Consider the next point of overlap between mindfulness meditation and positive meditation.
Combining affirmation and mindfulness
Many people who meditate feel attracted to both affirmation and mindfulness – and that’s great! These two techniques are beautifully woven and perfectly tuned at this moment and help you collaborate with your dreams of the future.
Below are three ways to combine affirmation and mindfulness.
1. Body affirmation
Be interested in how it lands in your body as you repeat the affirmations. What do you notice? Are there any body parts that will attract your attention? Are there any parts of your body that feel that affirmation is deeply true? Others with uncertainty? Keep whatever you are observing with attention and curiosity.
2. I’ll confirm the present
Affirmation doesn’t need to focus on the future. They can remind us that they already exist and are true to us. For example, you might work with a mindful affirmation like:
3. Mindfulness in the growing room
The third way to incorporate mindfulness and affirmation is to start with the former before moving on to the latter. In other words, mindfulness meditation is used to repeatedly bring compassionate curiosity to thought patterns. Beware of thought patterns that do not help your growth and happiness. For a while, do not try to change them in formal mindfulness meditation. Let me do them. Next, choose an assertion that will help you “try” positive thoughts to counter the restricted ones.
For example, if you notice that you often doubt your ability to overcome a challenge, recognize this perception with attention and curiosity. Next, you might work with affirmations such as “I’m resilient and I can overcome all obstacles.”
Common misconceptions about mindfulness and positive
When practicing either mindfulness or positive affirmation, it is helpful to recognize common misconceptions related to both practices. These are three.
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Continuing on the meditative path (or seemingly starting), understanding the differences and similarities between mindfulness and affirmation can help you become more intentional about your practice. Teaching meditation helps to guide others more clearly and accurately.
Remember there are no right or wrong practices to commit. The key is that you are practicing techniques that will help you and the people around you. Your preferred practice may change over time – or you can weave your favorite practice together. Make your journey as unique as you and become flexible in the paths that unfold ahead.
