Many people, upon paying careful attention to their thought patterns, are surprised at the negativity they find there. But when we take notice of involuntary thoughts in a nonjudgmental way, we initiate a healing process that will eventually allow us to replace intimidating and upsetting self-talk with positive, empowering thoughts.
While the occasional downbeat or judgmental thought may have little impact on your contentment, the ongoing negativity that passes unnoticed can have a dampening effect on your mood and your outlook. When you are aware of the tone of your thoughts, you can challenge them. Try to be conscious of your feelings, opinions, and judgments for a single day. From sunup to sundown, scrutinize the messages you are feeding into your subconscious mind. Consider your thoughts from the perspective of a detached observer and try not to judge yourself based on the notions that come unbidden into your mind. Simply watch the flow of your consciousness and make a note of the number of times you find yourself focusing on gloomy notions or indulging in self-directed criticism.
As you become increasingly aware of your patterns of thought, whether
positive and negative, you will gradually learn to control the
character of your stream of consciousness. Always endeavor to remember
that the images and ideas that pass through your mind are transient and
not a true representation of who you are. In training yourself to be
cognizant of your thoughts, you gain the ability to actively modulate
your mood. The awareness you cultivate within yourself will eventually
enable you to create a foundation of positivity from which you can build
a more authentic existence. (Daily OM)
