Mindful Monday: It’s only a thought, and a thought can be changed.
The first time I read about the idea that our thoughts create our reality was in my early twenties. It was Louise Hay’s book ‘You Can Heal Your Life’. It blew me away. And although I didn’t necessarily make big changes in my thinking at that time, it did 'plant seeds' which would later grow.
Fast forward 30 years….and I am more passionate than ever when it comes to exploring the power of thought.
This is my experience....
Before I practiced meditation I was anxious and was not a happy camper. My mind was filled with thoughts about not being good enough and life having no meaning. That's all I was focused on, ALL of the time. I was stuck.
Interestingly enough, when I started to meditate, my thinking slowly started to change which caused a shift in my perception...and then, life on the outside started to change.
Change happens from the inside-out, not the outside-in.
"My life will be better when....." is a common thought amongst a lot of people.
This is the biggest lie and trap. It will keep us searching endlessly for fulfillment.
If we want to change our outer world we have to start by looking inward and changing our inner world (our thoughts) and the way we think about ourselves and life.
This means we have to take time to stop and be aware. It means training our mind rather than letting our mind control us and our life.
Where to start?
Most people are constantly focused on judging or pushing their thoughts away.
The problem with this is - what you resist persists - so the more you push your thoughts away, the more they come back with greater force, becoming a vicious cycle that feels impossible to get out of.
Mindfulness means you are 'stepping back', and instead of pushing your thoughts away, you are starting to observe and notice them nonjudgmentally.
What does mindfulness look like?
As you go about your day set the intention to observe or notice your thoughts.
Anytime you become aware you are getting caught up in thought, STOP.
Say to yourself ‘That’s interesting the mind is thinking that’.
There is no judgment or pushing the thought away, simply noticing.
Take a few mindful breaths. Observe the breath.
You are choosing what you wish to focus on.
You are training the mind to be present, positive and clear.
This is how change happens - one simple choice at a time.
And last but not least...a regular meditation practice will purify your mind, shift your perception and open up the doors to positivity and fulfillment.
Enjoy the moment!
Diane