Having one's cup filled / was Re: affirmations

[Guest guest]

When ended his post (below) with I am the cup, not the contents poured into it, that phrase really stuck with me.

Later, as I reading an article from rato branco's excellent website found here: https://sites.google.com/site/scientificdharma/listening-in-silence

I came across the following and had an "a-ha!" moment:

Listening in Silence is like becoming water, a liquid, something that flows effortlessly. Water never struggles with itself or with its boundaries. It makes no friction with things. When it is poured into a cup, it smoothly falls into the cup. It doesn't have to struggle or squeeze to “fit†into the cup. It takes the shape of the cup, so it already fits.

Isn't is cool to know that we can allow anything at all to flow into the cup that is each of us and we don't have to struggle with it or try to make it fit? In fact, we don't even have to "allow" it; we can just "be" and we will be filled - fully filled - fulfilled!

Helena

To: "ACT_for_the_Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2011 5:14:16 AMSubject: Re: affirmations

The problem is that affirmations work, but only if you do not really need them.A recent study showed that pretty clearlyWhy?Because if you really need them they are like being used as a weapon against something and voila, there you are into the usual avoidance --> reboundmode.However I think affirmations are fine if they truly affirm.Then they are more like remembering.Think of it this wayYou are a cupYou CONTAIN all things you know about that are good and bad.If affirmations mean I AM or I HAVE only the good, the bad things will scream for attentionIf you say I AM the bad, your ability to live in a vital way is diminishedAffirmations should thus always have this qualityI contain all things I know about that are good and bad ... and oh by the way not to subtract the bad things that includes the good thingsI am the cup, not the contents poured into it- S C. Foundation ProfessorDepartment of Psychology /298University of NevadaReno, NV 89557-0062"Love isn't everything, it's the only thing"hayes@... or stevenchayes@...Fax: Psych Department: Contextual Change (you can use this number for messages if need be): Blogs: Psychology Today http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/get-out-your-mindHuffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-c-hayes-phdIf you want my vita, publications, PowerPoint slides, try my training page or my blog at the ACBS site: http://www.contextualpsychology.org/steven_hayes http://www.contextualpsychology.org/blog/steven_hayes or you can try my website (it is semi-functional) stevenchayes.comIf you have any questions about ACT or RFT (articles, AAQ information etc), please first check the vast resources at website of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS): www.contextualpsychology.org. You have to register on the site to download things, but the cost if up to your own values. If you are a professional or student and want to be part of the world wide ACT discussion or RFT discussions go to http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy/joinorhttp://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/relationalframetheory/joinIf you are a member of the public reading ACT self-help books (e.g., "Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life" etc) and want to be part of the conversation go to: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACT_for_the_Public/join

Is there anything to be said for listening to positive affirmations. Or is it in conflict with ACT. Or is it beneficial to use diffusion connection, expantion aswell as affirmation from time to time.Or are the affirmations harmful.Here is the affirmation video I was listening tojust so you know the type if stuff I am talking abouthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJSCDC6x6RYRegards,A