15 Apr Positive vs. Negative Thinking
|| The Journey to Happiness ||
A smile can work wonders for your day. We all know, or have experienced firsthand, that a simple smile can dramatically change our mood. It’s intriguing how our mind and thoughts can alter our perception of reality so much. Our experiences are shaped by our inner state. Have you ever noticed that when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and start the day in a negative mood, everything around you reflects that negativity back to you? It’s as if a mirror was reflecting negative vibes right back at you, escalating your mood from bad to worse, and then even worse. The day seems never-ending, and you can’t wait to reach the end when you can finally throw yourself on the bed and just close your eyes because you can’t deal with the negativity anymore. We’ve all been there.
OUR EXPERIENCES ARE SHAPED BY OUR INNER STATE.
Thankfully, I am generally a positive person. But I do know those days. When they happen, I now try to manage them in the best way possible by tracking my thoughts and directing them towards a more positive outcome. Life is full of cycles, but some cycles are better off broken, right? Wouldn’t you prefer to start the day with a poor mood but be able to twist it in a way that it ends up being an amazing or at least a “sunny” day? Embracing self-improvement and working on your mindset can help you break the cycle of negativity and make the most out of each day, even when it starts on the wrong foot. Our mind is a powerful tool, and you are the captain steering it. You have the power, the way, and the choice. Some people are born positive thinkers, some unluckily develop negative patterns due to life events, and then there are the daily pessimists. But our mind can be trained. If we can go to the gym to train our body to be stronger, why don’t we train our mind so that we worry less, become happier, and improve our mental health?
HOW CAN WE THINK MORE POSITIVELY?
Easier said than done, some might say. It’s true that it’s probably not the easiest task. We are all different, and life events shape our way of thinking. I genuinely want to share some happy thoughts and affirmations, especially in a time where all the news we hear are predominantly negative or even apocalyptic. How can we think more positively in times like these? Here’s a great book I discovered on the topic: “The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living“, written by the Dalai Lama and psychologist Howard C. Cutler.
We don't need more money, we don't need greater success or fame, we don't need the perfect body or even the perfect mate – right now, at this very moment, we have a mind, which is all the basic equipment we need to achieve complete happiness
Many people might criticise these words, believing that fewer worries, particularly of an economic nature, make it easier to be happy. Nevertheless, I have seen more happiness in less wealthy people than in the affluent, so let’s just stop, reflect, and consider the basics. According to the Dalai Lama, we have to do something absolutely rational and practical: “identify and cultivate positive mental states; identify and eliminate negative mental states“. This doesn’t mean that we should ignore the traumas we’ve experienced or every negative event that has happened to us. These events are part of us as well. The less anger and hatred we bring against them, the less power we give them in our lives.
Recognise, accept, and heal with love and gratitude.
A study on the psychological effects of positive and negative thinking about stressful events showed that participants trained to think positively or reduce negative thinking experienced increased emotional well-being in the short term thanks to better stress management. In the long run, however, positive thinking had no significant impact, suggesting that consistent, mindful training of the mind is essential. Practising mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to make conscious choices in redirecting your focus towards a more positive outlook. I am referring to the term ‘mindfulness’ which is a meditation practice, or often seen as the first step towards meditation. The idea is to regularly sit in silence and use your inner eye to observe what is happening in the moment; without any judgement or attachment.
IT REQUIRES A WILLINGNESS TO CULTIVATE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE.
But let’s start with a smaller, more manageable step. Another study titled “The Glass is Not Half Empty: Optimism, Pessimism, and Health Among Older Adults” examined which of the two attitudes, optimism or pessimism, most influenced physical health. The results showed that “avoiding pessimism may be more important than being optimistic“. This is great news, isn’t it? So if you’re not yet ready to be an optimist, how about trying not to complain about something for one day? Give it a shot and see how it feels 🙂 Remember that maintaining a positive mindset is an ongoing process. It requires dedication and a willingness to cultivate a different perspective on life. By shifting our focus away from negative thoughts and towards positive mental states, we can more easily overcome difficult moments, ultimately discovering that everything passes with time. Embrace the power of your mind and take control of your thoughts. Redirect them towards a more positive outcome, and you’ll find that even on the most challenging days, happiness is within reach. As you continue to practise and train your mind, you’ll develop the resilience and inner strength needed to overcome adversity, leading to a personal growth with a more fulfilling and joyful life.