Negative thoughts and emotions are a part of our human experience, and it's okay to feel. But imagine if we could transcend these negative states of mind and live in a constant state of peace, joy, and love. It may seem impossible, but it's not just a fairy tale. In Buddhist psychology, it's understood that the qualities of the mind can be perfected, leading to a state of happiness that's undisturbed.
The first step towards achieving this state of mind is to become aware of our thoughts without judgment or fear. Meditation can help us develop this skill and learn to observe our thoughts without being consumed by them. It's not about controlling every thought, but creating the conditions for more wholesome and positive thoughts to arise.
Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones may seem artificial at first, but with time, it becomes a habit. Contemplating the transient nature of thoughts can also help ease the tension surrounding them. And, of course, having a supportive therapist can be invaluable on this journey towards emotional and mental processing.
We don't have to be ruled by negativity that only causes suffering. We have the power to change our thinking patterns and create a more positive and fulfilling life. Let's take the first step towards a blissful state of mind by being curious and observing our thoughts without judgment. The mind has infinite potential, and the power to control it lies within us.
Step one: Pay attention.
You have to be curious about your state of mind and observe it without judgment, shame or fear. Meditation helps us centre. We learn to be with our thoughts instead of being consumed by them. To focus in this way is a skill, allowing yourself to become a nonjudgmental witness of your thoughts.
For too long we’ve been ruled by negativity that serves only suffering. We have to have the courage and determination to say no more!
Meditation is not our saviour, meditation is our stabiliser. We own our emotions and our thoughts, therefore we are the liberators of our mind.
Step two: Change your thinking patterns using the right tools.
When we see a negative thought we have to replace it with a more appropriate and positive one. At first this seems rather artificial but with time it becomes a habit. Should that method fail, ask yourself where do these negative thoughts take me? What is the end result of thinking this way. The answer of course; anxiety, stress, depression and mental suffering. As the saying goes, you are what you think!
Step three: Try harder
We can’t underestimate the residue of bad habits on the mind-stream. Contemplation is a powerful tool. We contemplate the nature of thoughts and how they never really remain the same. Thoughts come and go. They are transient. Contemplating this will help ease the tension surrounding them. Everything that rises, must fall. This too shall pass!
Step four: Support
We are not an island. As social beings we need each other for support. Make sure you have a wonderful therapist who can help you on the path to happiness.
My friends often tell me they are starved of conversation. They want to speak to a compassionate, understanding person with an open heart, confidentially and in a safe space. Be open, honest and transparent, invite your therapist to be with you on your journey of emotional and mental processing.
Daniel Troyak is a Mindfulness-based Therapy.
With his support, unpack and unravel the contents of the mind.
Learn the tools for emotional processing and healing so you can live a happy, calm and peaceful life.
