Rejuvenation Part 6
November 6, 2024
Rejuvenation Part 6
Possibly one of the most rejuvenating experiences is affirmation. You know what I mean? Just pat the head of a down-and-out dog and tell them they are a good boy or good girl, and then watch their tail wag. I had the pleasure of meeting a shy and somewhat reclusive dog recently. When I patted his head and asked him to sit and shake hands, he gave me a dog smile and became my buddy.
In many years of working with children's mental health issues, I found that affirmation always works in getting kids to talk. Therapy evaluation began with asking the child to draw a picture of a person and then one of their family and house. In every child's pictures there are things to compliment. It may be the colors they use, the unique angle they draw from, or the expressions of the faces. When the child receives their compliment and knows it’s sincere, they always perk up and are ready for the next thing to do. Affirmation is a blessing.
Knowing that a compliment is sincere is a game changer. Why? Because kids instinctively know if the compliment rings true or not. A child who is emotionally pained always needs affirmation because, on some level, they have given up. They have reached an impasse and don't know how to proceed. Something happened or continues to occur that questions their validity, worth. or sense of belonging. In short, they are looking for a way to survive a deadly attack.
Startlingly, it is true that we adults are more like kids than we want to admit. Just look at an adult receiving a gift. Even if they don't need or want the gift, it affirms us. We are also affirmed by compliments, companionship, and all the different expressions of love.
I have found that most people are terribly judgmental toward themselves. Just look at yourself when entering a party or gathering. We ask ourselves, "Will I know anyone there? Will I be liked? Will I feel comfortable?" These are the same questions we asked ourselves when we attended birthday parties as a child.
A constant barrage of negative messages comes from our inner critic. It's oppressive and kills our spirit. But receiving an affirmation turns the tide. Like a child, we resonate with the truth in the affirmation. We take heart. We say to ourselves, "Oh my gosh, I forgot about that wonderful aspect of myself. I completely lost touch with my worth."
Affirmation rejuvenates our soul. Affirmation from others is essential. Affirmation from ourselves is needed. Receiving God's affirmation, however, is the most powerfully rejuvenating experience of all.
Spiritual practice: Be humble enough to ask a friend for an affirmation. What occurs inside you? Can you come aside, and sit for awhile with your own thoughts? If you do this, when you reach the still point, ask God to affirm you. It’s like asking a parent if they love us. They immediately say “Of Course. You’re mine!” Can you hear or perceive in other ways, God’s affirmation of you?
Self Inquiry: What is the main reason why you would turn down a sincere compliment?
Dear God,
Come unto me and tell me again why you love me; I forget why every day. Each day, you remind me, I receive new life. Amen
