Mantras and Affirmations

Now here's a convoluted thought - are affirmations really negative statements that link us squarely to exactly what we don't want?

Robert Fritz has an interesting and disparaging take on affirmations (Path of Least Resistance p. 105.) He believes that, rather than creating the positive image, repeating the "affirming statement" constantly confirms the existence of the negative. He gives example such as "the universe supports me" suggesting that if you really, fundamentally believed that you wouldn’t have to repeat it to force your mind to accept the thought. He holds that every time you make the affirmation, you are actually creating an image of not being supported by the universe. (There's much more... to do with the conscious and unconscious mind).

So what’s the difference between a mantra and an affirmation?

In my limited understanding, an affirmation is a statement that is designed to create a deliberate belief in the conscious mind. A mantra seems to be more uniquely personal, perhaps coming from within. Is it a guiding expression that helps you to access your deepest beliefs rather than a way to create them?

Are mantras a short form of a appreciative inquiry - a connection to a personal possibility statement? Hmmm.....