New Thought · 1871–1940
Florence Scovel Shinn
Florence Scovel Shinn was an artist, teacher, and metaphysical author who blended spiritual law with practical action. Known for her emphasis on affirmations and 'the power of the spoken word,' she taught that life is a game to be played with faith, fearlessness, and right action.
Key Works
- The Game of Life and How to Play It
- The Power of the Spoken Word
The Dream.Align.Rewire Perspective
The neuroscience behind Shinn's teaching
Shinn's 'power of the spoken word' is not mystical — it's a form of linguistic priming. NLP formalised this as the presupposition principle: the brain treats spoken statements as instructions and organises experience to confirm them. Her affirmations work specifically when structured as already-accomplished facts because the subconscious processes language literally, without the qualifications the conscious mind adds. The 'fearlessness' she emphasised maps to what modern therapy calls acting from the window of tolerance — making decisions from a regulated nervous system rather than from fear or avoidance.
The Annotated Edition
Read the original — with Christie's annotations
Christie L. Russell's annotated edition of Florence Scovel Shinn's key works adds the neuroscience, NLP, and CBT commentary that places each passage in its modern context — making century-old wisdom immediately actionable.
As an Amazon Associate, Christie L. Russell earns from qualifying purchases.
Apply the Teaching
DAR workbooks & tools for Shinn's work
The Game of Life — 30-Day Workbook
Play the game with intention — 30 days of affirmation practice with NLP structure.
Florence Scovel Shinn — Quick-Start Cheat Sheets
Core spiritual laws, affirmation structure guide, and key passages.
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