Internet Find of the Week—Research into Affirmations, Jealousy, and other Psychological Issues

©6-11-2010 by Donna Cunningham, MSW

 Deborah Bier, my co-editor in creating Vibration, the flower essence journal, shares my questions about the reasons affirmations fail for so many earnest spiritual seekers. Today she sent me to see a report of a new research study of affirmations, and in the process, I discovered a blog with a wealth of interesting topics.

The blogger, Michael Lovitch, presents fascinating though often controversial perspectives on the mind, hypnosis, and weight loss. Often irreverent, clearly a Uranian type, he will probably rile some of us while still informing us about what research is discovering on these topics. Don’t go there if you have a closed mind, but do go if you like funny, intelligent, stimulating writing.

Me, I’m in the middle somewhere…I never claim to be a model of open-mindedness, and I sometimes think that scientists shouldn’t be allowed to reproduce, but that’s only when I’m really, really cranky. However, I do fall into the realm of a more than occasional skeptic about some sacred cows of metaphysics, and that’s how Mr. Lovitch got me to subscribe, with an eagle eye on the unsubscribe button.  Here are links to some of his most interesting posts.

 The Truth About Affirmations

Here he reports on a psychologist’s study of the effectiveness of affirmations that demonstrates that forming your target goal in the form of a question rather than an affirmation of positive outcome gets surprisingly more effective results. The report stirred up a firestorm of debate in the comment section, in which I happily participated.

I have seen too many earnest seekers whose affirmations didn’t work and who were told by their metaphysical teachers and practitioners that it didn’t work because they weren’t thinking right—in essence that the seeker is a metaphysical moron. Maybe we just weren’t going at it the right way. As many of the readers pointed out in their heated replies, there are flaws in the research, but it still raises interesting questions and possibilities.

Your Brain on Social Networking…   A cool study which measured the level before and after social networking of Oxytocin (not Oxycontin, the addicting painkiller) which is called the “love” hormone because it stimulates empathy, generosity and trust .  Also research into networking habits of Facebook and other users.

The Hidden Cost of Jealousy  

“We all know deep down that feeling jealous isn’t pleasant. You probably know intuitively that it isn’t so good for our stress levels. But a new study, done at The University of Delaware, shows the effects of jealousy to be far more detrimental. So detrimental that it can affect your ability to see and perform effectively.”

Avatars and Weight Loss, The Future of Motivation  

Here’s a fascinating New Millennium model of weight loss. A study used avatar technology in which the researchers created a computer user’s representation of his or her self online in a study aimed at increasing participants’ use of exercise.

Here’s what he says in introducing the results, “You may already be familiar with the concept: there are plenty of websites where digital beings direct you around the site. There are also video games that encourage you to create a digital you to play online and interact with other gamers. More recently, Stanford University has utilized Avatar technology for a very different, much healthier means.

There are many more worthwhile articles on the site, Exploring The Mind!  It also has podcasts, if that’s a way you enjoy learning. If he riles you, don’t say I didn’t warn you. But do come back and tell us how you liked the site.

Links to other past sites featured as Internet Find of the Week:

• Internet Find of the Week: New Resources for Healing Grief and Loss 
• Back to School Time for Astrology Lovers– Internet Find of the Week
• The Planet ahead of your Sun—and What It Says about You
• Internet Find of the Week—the Arabian Parts Calculator
• Spend Time on Memory Lane—Visit the Astrologers’ Memorial
• Secret Moon Art–Jude Cowell’s Visionary Work
• 5 Funny Astrology Blogs to Visit
• The Cosmic Piñata #2: Treats from other Astrology Blogs
• A Multimedia Zodiac—Look, Listen and Enjoy!
• Hear Donna Cunningham on Web Radio 
• How to Add Impact to Your Site with Pictures

If these posts were helpful, sign up for a subscription, and get a FREE EBOOKLET for Skywriter Subscribers Only: Mothers, Daughters, and the Moon, a 50-page excerpt from The Moon in your Life. Read more about it here: New: Free Booklet For Skywriter Subscribers! 

 If you’re already a subscriber and want a copy, forward the most recent email post to me at moonmave@spiritone.com. To sign up for a subscription, go to the top right hand corner of the blog and click on “Subscribe.”  Then send me an email with your subscription confirmation or an email post with a request for the booklet in the subject line.