Our thoughts greatly impact how we feel. Our emotions, feelings, moods, and body image are all determined by our thoughts. Negative thoughts can also cause physical discomfort in the body and an inability for growth and expansion. Positive thoughts bring us growth, joy, self-love, happiness, and an overall lightness. Therefore, our thoughts create our life experiences!
As Mahatma Gandhi said,
“What he thinks, he becomes.”
In the past year and a half, we’ve all been adapting to a new way of life. It’s difficult to keep our thoughts positive and find something to look forward to. Most of us are struggling; we’re neither happy nor sad, just going through the emotions. But, we’re beginning to see the light! The end is near, and this too shall pass!
Sometimes our negative thoughts have been with us for so long we don’t even recognize them. They become our reality. The first step is becoming aware of the negative thoughts, and understanding that a thought is just a thought - it’s not who we really are. Practicing mindfulness is a great tool for becoming conscious of the negative thoughts we tell ourselves.
There are a couple techniques that I use with both children and parents to prevent and stop negative thoughts once they hit. I expand on them in my book as well. The first one is called “centering.” Once you become aware of the negative thought process: stop, close your eyes, breathe in deeply from your diaphragm, and on the exhale repeat silently, “relax the muscles in my jaw, neck, and shoulders.” As these words are repeated, let and feel the muscles relax. Repeat this about 5 times and follow up with a positive, believable affirmation.
The second method is simply the word “stop!” Once you catch yourself in a negative thought cycle, say the word stop, and follow up with an affirmation. Repeat this as many times as needed.
And, of course, meditation. The number one tool we have to use (for free I might add) to get us through these turbulent times. Mental health is always important, but during these times we have to be very attentive to it. Acknowledging how we’re feeling and the thoughts we’re telling ourselves. Meditation helps with all that. It also releases stress, tension, and anxiety - the benefits are endless!
In my book, 2 of the meditations focus on ways to become aware of and release negative self-talk. One is called the “Releasing Meditation.” It leads you through a guided relaxation, and then checks in on the parts of our bodies where we hold tension. Lastly, it listens to what your body wants you to know, and then releases the discomfort. This technique has proven to be very effective for releasing physical discomfort in our bodies that’s associated with stress.
The second meditation is called, “The Floating Bubble Meditation.” I think this one is my favorite!! The kids love it, and I know many adults that use it regularly! Again, you are led through a guided relaxation. Next, a beautiful, safe, bubble picks you up and takes you up into the air to a colorful, magical bubble land. Here, there are hundreds of “thought bubbles” and as you float through, you “pop” all the negative thought bubbles! I’ve found that my students incorporate this technique into their daily routine very easily!
The greatest power we have is being able to control our thoughts; they either bring us fear or love. This is not an easy task - it takes time! The best way to start, is by choosing to focus on the positives in your life instead of the negative. I believe as long as we’re aware and trying, we’re succeeding!
Until next time…stay positive!!