If we were to peel back all of the layers of what makes our realities day after day what it would come down to is the lens in which we CHOOSE to view the world. This lens represents our state of mind and the thoughts that dominate both our subconscious and conscious mind. In essence, what you constantly think about you will bring about. This is not a new idea; this understanding has been written about in ancient writings, it is found in the bible, referred to broadly as mindfulness in eastern religions, and was the spark that created the Secret phenomenon. But it isn't enough to know that this is the truth, it is about how we can learn to be mindful enough if we do it at a subconscious level.
To begin you must approach this state of mind from as a conscious and deliberate action. What is to follow are some simple steps that you can execute over the next 30 days to really begin changing the way you see the world.
1. Start each day in Prayer - meaning from the moment you wake up find a place in your house were you can be comfortable and free from distraction and pray; (there is no time requirement here) just list all of the things that you can imagine being grateful for in your life no matter what it is; nothing is too small to be grateful for. One morning I went out to my car to go to work and my car would not start. Being in a state of gratitude I thanked God that I had a car that could be broken and I was extremely grateful that I had people in my life that could help me to work. Having a attitude of gratitude frees up the mind to help you see beyond the problems or stresses you experience and helps you see a solution.
2. Start each day with intention - before you leave your house for the day plan out what it is that you want from the day and be specific. Set a goal for the day and envision yourself accomplishing that goal. Visualization is a very powerful way to move you from where your are to where you want to be.
3. Keep a daily journal (you only need to do it for 30 days so don't complain just commit) - in your journal or daily log be sure to list thinks that you have to be grateful for. This comes in handy when you are feeling discouraged or you begin to dwell on the negative things going on around you. Once you feel yourself starting to think in a negative way stop yourself immediately and write in your journal or log something that you can be grateful for instead.
4. Before you go to sleep - take a few minutes in a quit place and express your gratitude again for the things that you have in your life. Then before going to sleep spend some time envisioning what you want your day to bring tomorrow.
Repeat for 30 day or the rest of your life...
Now you are probably thinking what many have asked me, "What do I do when I find myself in a state where I am feeling angry, sad, mad, frustrated, anxious, insert any negative state of being here?" Well, here are a few easy steps for that too:
1. Well, the first step is to recognize that you are in the undesired mood, take responsibility for being in that mood - you cannot blame people or circumstances only yourself. Decide that you want to change that mood and focus your thoughts in that area. Think of a time when you felt the emotion that you want to feel in the given moment. Think of that time; the sights and the sounds; really put yourself in that mood. Continue to think of other times when you felt that way and continue to stack those experiences one on top of the other until you are in the desired state.
2. Ask the right question regarding the mood state - Ask yourself "What must I believe about this situation that would make me feel this way?" look at the finite nature of the circumstance, realizing that no matter the level of your anger, frustration, sadness, etc... it will go away and things will improve. Next, ask yourself "In what other way can I view this same circumstance?" The idea behind this type of question is two fold, you are first attempting to stop the negative thinking in its tracks and setting your mind to process something other than the negativity. Remember, there is always a multitude of ways to view the same situation so if need be think of as many ways as you need to in order to see the circumstance in a positive light. Keep in mind that in the beginning this feels difficult because it is something new to you, but know that like anything else, the more you practice the better you will get. Asking questions will not only stop the negative thinking immediately but it sends a signal to your brain that this type of thinking is not acceptable. Coming up with alternatives provides the mind time to refresh and re-assess what is happening. you are giving your mind a window of opportunity to free itself up from the stress, anger, etc... that is moving you away from how you want to feel.
3. Change you mind - say to yourself that you are not going to allow your good mood to be disrupted and that you will only focus on the good in any situation - the conscious decision over time will develop into empowerment and confidence that no matter the circumstance or situation you can handle it. You will learn that your emotions are at your command.
As I begin to release myself from a negative state I pick my favorite up beat song and listen to it or sing it over and over in my mind while I put on a smile. Music works for me and when I can't listen to music I sing it to myself. Identify what makes you smile and brings you joy and refer to that to help set you in the right direction. And yes, I said put on a smile because sometimes you have to fake it til you make it. With an upbeat song and a smile it won't be long until your body naturally joins into the excitement and completely changes your state.
As Porky Pig would say "That's All Folks!"
If you have any questions feel free to contact me by commenting to this post or sending me an email to www.focusedwise@yahoo.com
