So, What Do You Think?

Positive thinking is the idea that you can change your life by thinking positive thoughts. It is like planting flower seeds that eventually grow into beautiful blooms.

Positive thinking can have very beneficial effects on your entire life. A positive mind set is capable of overriding all sorts of good or bad personal efforts regarding diet, supplements and exercise.  Both the spiritual and the scientific communities regard for positive versus negative thinking has grown dramatically in the last few decades. At a personal level each of us knows at least a few positive and very successful people. They tend to be innately charismatic and optimistic, seeing the benefits and blessings in what some interpret as negative events. We are all very attracted to them. Being mindful about your attitude and cultivating awareness of what may be a conditioned response, you may want to cultivate a fresh look with compassion and curiosity rather than judgement. Perhaps think positively and see with the eyes of gratitude.  
​We are all born with the seeds of every possibility within us. What we each choose to nurture and grow inside ultimately determines everything about what and who we will be. 

Consider carefully the healthful benefits of positive thinking, arising from your authentic self, who you truly are.  

A Negative mindset is not simply bad for your mood . . .
 
Many negative emotions, or conditioned self responses, are part of our primitive “Fight or Flight” response. They were meant to protect us and assist in our survival.  Fear, anger and worry when initiated sharpen our perceptions intensely, forcing us to heightened focus. This can save us when we need to sprint to safety or save ourselves from an attack. Unfortunately, over use of these emotions produces stress, causing our adrenals to release cortisol. Over time high cortisol levels shrink the hippocampus (the part of the brain associated with memories and emotions) and cause an endless loop of conditioned responses and negative thinking that subsequently repeats and repeats.

Conditioned self responses, can easily become habitual and ingrained by repetition. Until we develop mindful awareness of our true nature, our authentic self filled with love, joy, compassion and gratitude we cannot possibly understand the benefits of this power of "positive thinking".  

Positive thinking could be interpreted as being joyful, feeling love, compassion and gratitude. . .

You can learn to cultivate these "positive thinking"skills. Platforms that help grow positive attitudes include: Meditation, Writing and Playing. Those who Meditate every day are often noted for their positive thinking capabilities and their ability to live in the present moment (or practice mindfulness). Writing on a daily basis about positive experiences or simple delights in life or with a loved one have been known to change mood and physical health. Play. It works for children of all ages! Go for a walk with a dog or a ride on a horse. Invite a friend for tea or coffee and conversation. Skip rope.

Keep it simple and sweet … Smile and laugh more often. Smiling and laughing, even fake smiling and laughing reduces heart rate and blood pressure. The beneficial and healthful effects of smiling and Laughter have been known to last over 24 hours. 
Remember Gratitude? It is said (and it is true) that the Universe loves a grateful heart. The more stars, trees, perfect roses, bubbling creeks and small children you can remind that you love them, the more smiles you will see; the more joy will be yours.  
It’s true. A few simple changes to the way you think, coupled with a concerted effort to make these changes habitual, could make a huge difference in your sense of well being and your physical, mental,  emotional and spiritual  health.
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So, just as you would cultivate a garden of beautiful, blooming flowers and keep out the weeds (negative, conditioned self thoughts), cultivate habits of positive thought and bathe your genes in a beautiful, blooming mind with awareness of your authentic self, and who you came here to be.

 
 Stay safe and be well.
 
Barbara