What Are Affirmations and How Do They Work?

A gentle guide to understanding the power of intentional words

When a Single Sentence Becomes a Turning Point

There was a time in my life when everything felt heavy. I didn’t know how to pull myself out of the darkness, and most days it felt like I barely had the energy to keep going. But at some point, I started whispering small sentences to myself, even when I didn’t fully believe them.

I deserve peace.

I am rebuilding.

I can begin again.

They didn’t magically fix everything overnight… but they gave me something I hadn’t felt in a long time: direction. That tiny shift became the foundation of my healing... and later, the heartbeat of the affirmation art I create today.

What Are Affirmations? How Do They Work?

Affirmations are positive, intentional statements that help gently reshape thought patterns, emotions, and behaviours. They are reminders, not of who you’ve been, but of who you are becoming.

Common examples include:

• I am safe in my body.

• I choose peace over fear.

• I trust the path unfolding for me.

  
  

At their core, affirmations interrupt old narratives and open space for new ones to grow. They are designed to replace the negative narrative with a new positive one. Over time, with repetition, they become your new way of thinking.

The Science: Rewiring Through Repetition

Our brains are always creating new pathways, a process known as neuroplasticity. When you repeat an affirmation, you activate the parts of the brain linked to belief and emotional regulation. Over time, repetition:

• Weakens old limiting pathways

• Strengthens new empowering ones

• Calms the nervous system

• Reduces automatic negative self-talk

It’s not about forcing positivity, it’s about gradually shifting your inner landscape.

The Spiritual Side: Intention, Energy, Alignment

Many people experience affirmations as energetic anchors. When spoken with intention, they help you:

• Tune into your inner truth

• Align with your higher self

• Raise your frequency

• Call in the energy you wish to embody

  
  

So... what are affirmations and how do they work? Think of it this way, when you go to the gym, you work out a muscle for it to grow and get stronger, right? However, the change will not happen overnight, but through consistency. This is the same analogy for affirmations, but instead of working out a muscle, you're building up a positive mindset. You're training your brain to think differently. Of course, it may be uncomfortable at first, and that is absolutely normal! Start small, stay consistent. Before you know it, you're a lot more positive than ever before.

Affirmations are both grounding and expansive, a bridge between who you are and who you’re becoming.

Why Visual Affirmations Are So Powerful

Affirmations don’t have to be spoken, they can be seen, felt, and experienced.

The mind responds deeply to visual cues. Every time you glance at a symbol, colour, or shape connected to your healing, you’re reinforcing the message effortlessly.

This is why I create affirmation art.

Every piece is built on three layers:

1. The Energy & Intention of the Affirmation

Before designing anything, I sit with the phrase and feel into the emotion it’s meant to evoke: peace, courage, softness, awakening.

2. The Symbol

Symbols act as emotional anchors. Whether it’s a dove’s wing for harmony, a moon for intuition, or a lion for courage... the imagery carries meaning the subconscious immediately understands.

3. The Colours

Each palette is drawn from healing crystals and colour psychology: celestite for serenity, rose quartz for self-love, carnelian for courage. Colours communicate the feeling before the viewer even reads the words.

This combination turns an artwork into a daily reminder... a quiet whisper for your mind and spirit.

Lapis Wisdom - Visual affirmation featuring an owl representing inner wisdom. Bathed in blue-yellow tones of Lapis Lazuli

Myth-Busting: What Affirmations Aren’t

Affirmations are powerful, but let’s soften some common misconceptions.

“Affirmations mean pretending everything is fine.”

No. They honour your reality while offering a direction for growth.

“If they don’t work instantly, they don’t work at all.”

Affirmations are gentle, consistent shifts, not quick fixes.

“You must believe them straight away.”

You don’t. Belief grows with repetition, safety, and inner rebuilding.

“Affirmations replace real action.”

They support action by helping you feel worthy enough to take it.

How to Start Using Affirmations (A Simple Practice)

Try this gentle daily ritual:

1. Choose one affirmation that feels true for your healing today.

2. Place your hand on your heart and breathe slowly.

3. Say the affirmation out loud three times, with intention, not force.

4. Visualise how it feels in your body when the words land.

5. Keep a visual reminder nearby, a note, a screen background, or a piece of affirmation art.

This small practice plants a seed. Your only job is to keep watering it.

Behind the Scenes: How I Choose Affirmations for My Art

When creating a new piece, I always begin with the feeling rather than the words.

• I ask: What emotion does this piece want to hold?

• I let the affirmation rise naturally, like a truth remembering itself.

• I choose symbols that embody the energy (wings, florals, animals, celestial elements).

• I ground everything in colours inspired by crystals chosen for healing, clarity, or emotional release.

It becomes a conversation between intuition, intention, and energy... all woven together visually.

A Closing Reflection for You

Take a quiet moment now and ask yourself:

What affirmation does your soul need most today?

Is it peace? Courage? Self-worth? Harmony?

Trust the first whisper that comes.