The Effect of Negative Affirmations
Back east in D.C., my clinched jaw was grinding down on its last nerve. A client, who, despite having achieved a level of progress once thought to be unattainable, rendered it impossible for me to bite my tongue, turn a blind eye, or hear no evil, as he careened forth on a tear of self-deprecation and body dysmorphic belittlement.
“Mr. Pendulum,” I sighed, “Man, your body can hear you!”
Quipping back, he intoned, “Yes, I love you, body.”
Continuing, “Dude, this trash talk is overrunning your body with inflammation, despitethe fact that you’re improving.”
Granted, the hormone cortisol helps regulate stress, amongst other things. However, a continuous release of it due to constant stress through, in Mr. Pendulum’s case, self-hatred, filled up every vein in his body with inflammation.
Having given Mr. Pendulum his nickname because he possessed the most impressive standing hip-swing I’ve ever seen, one can only hope that attitude has permanently swung in the other direction.
When another client lost 23 pounds of fat, and gained 11 pounds of muscle, but couldn’t stop disparaging herself with “under the knife” threats, I cut our session short, and asked a hypothetical question:
“Your children, when they were little. Imagine they’relearning to gather and haul wood into the house, and their strength and efficiency isn’t to your liking, so you badger and berate them from shed to doorstep.”
Pained at the thought, she stammered out, “That, would be awful.”
“Yeah they’ll finish the task, and will complete it next time around, but they’ll never rise to full capacity because you stomped on their spirit of growth, right out the gate.”
Continuing, “It is of no coincidence that you perform better on days you’re kind to yourself, verses others when you’re in berate mode.”
I went on to explain that the very body she trashes, is the same frame, that under my demanding program, has carried her to where she is today; rewards and all.
A suggestion for those of you caught up in negative affirmations, and are looking to break the cycle: pure and simple, workout with a trainer or friend who will not tolerate it.
Be kind to yourself. Its freedom fuel.
Abs or Core? Which Word Will You Embody?
On a lighter note, let’s consider two words: abs and core. Depending on which one you embody when thinking about that part of your body, or during an actual session when addressing it, I believe results will vary.
Beginning with abs, when connecting this word to your thoughts for purposes of improving your physique and overall health, understand that your internal dialogue is focused on the rectus abdominis. Vertically paired muscles on the surface of your body, and nothing more. Before continuing with my “abs” point, let’s address our two main forms of memory and their sub-layers.
Implicit memory. Unconscious. People rely on this form more via procedural memory. Like remembering how to tie your shoes. Such type also has the ability to create an “illusion-of-truth” effect. For example, you’re so comfortable with your route to work, that even if it’s not the most enjoyable, you’ve resigned yourself to believe so, minus cross-checking.
Explicit memory. Conscious, intentional recollection. This form stores episodic, autobiographical information. I.e., personal experiences that shape your life up to its current point. An additional explicit layer is semantic, factual information. The ability to recall words, concepts and numbers.
My concern is the shallow connection of ones’ memory and understanding of abs, that I myself have fallen under at times, via implicit memory, and non-thinking acceptance that comes with it. You can’t possibly connect to and master anything for that matter, on its deepest level, if it’s solely through auto-pilot. Like others, when I worked my abs, the surface layer of one group was my only consideration. There was no coincidence that I only performed streamlined, linear movements as well, and nothing more.
I am also willing to bet that many who are of the ab embodiment, are those who aren’t as consistent with their programs, but will ramp up near summertime, with very little muscle memory in tow.
So, how about your core. First and foremost, consider the depth of octave and vibration of the word when saying it in comparison to abs. There’s a clear, resonating pitch that sticks to the pit of your stomach. And forget listing each muscle that connects to the word, just know that ones’ core embodies everything from the base of their neck, all the way down to their pelvis.
Now, zero in on explicit memory, and its mindful, conscious approach; specifically, the semantic portion that deals with concepts. When thinking of the concept of abs, how many other things, symbols or ideas can you connect the word to, in order to provide additional meaning? Perhaps there’s more, but for me, all that comes to mind is a washboard, and a still-shot of an oiled body on the beach.
How about some core listings. Core of an apple, a tree, core beliefs, the core of your being/soul. The core of a team, family—I could continue, but also, notice how much more naturally meaningful each example is.
Words, especially ones you choose to embody out loud, or internally, when it comes to the transformation of your being, are ultra important. Choose them wisely.
In the voice and words from the host of the “Writer’s Almanac,” Garrison Keillor, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch,” with your body.
-E.E.S.-
Works Cited
Wikipedia.
Levels-of-processing effect