The Power of Negative ThinkingWith all the attention on positive thoughts, the power of negative thinking often gets overlooked. But giving an intentional ear to the positive power of negative thinking can be enlightening, instructive and even motivating. A fair amount of pessimism is normal. The subconscious mind is hard-wired to watch out for danger and keep us comfortable and safe. Your programming is evident in your self-talk and emotional responses to different people and situations. We all have subconscious programs that serve us well. Others are "out-dated" and interfere with what we really want. When negative thinking patterns dominate your thoughts and feelings, and limit your ability to move forward with health and life goals, it's tempting to see little benefit in having them. The Positive Power of Negative ThinkingThere are positive aspects of negative thinking.When you accept your negative thinking patterns and emotions as allies instead of enemies, you are in a position to benefit from the power of negative thinking. Observe your positive and negative thoughts without judgment. Remember that they exist to serve you. This practice helps you learn a great deal about yourself, how you view life, and your state of mind. Expect many of your thoughts to have a negative slant, especially when starting out. Watching and listening to your thoughts shows you where you are emotionally and mentally compared to where you wish to be. You have to first shine a light on your "stinking thinking" before you can change it. Likewise, make note of the patterns that are out-dated and unhelpful. By observing these thoughts, and the cycle of emotion and action that follows, you can better understand yourself and what you'd like to change. Then you can begin to shift them to more positive, productive thoughts. Exploring negative thinking patterns with an open mind and heart provides you with amazing opportunities to heal on all levels. There are many reports of people being healed of physical illness when they release their limiting beliefs and negative emotions.
Defensive Pessimism
Some anxious people naturally access the power of negative thinking by using a strategy called defensive pessimism. They tend to focus on worst case scenarios and set lower expectations for success. What's interesting about this is that people who use this strategy tend to experience less stress about a situation, and have more success than anticipated. Their negativity motivates them to take action in hopes of a better outcome. Defensive pessimism is an effective tool to help you harness the positive power of negative thinking. Used purposely with intention, it can help you feel more in control and make informed decisions. You are likely to achieve more positive results. Only entertaining positive thoughts isn't wise or practical, especially when your well-being is at stake. Often, it isn't even honest. Pushing down negative thoughts doesn't make them go away. They are still there, powerfully influencing you. Negative thoughts alert you to real issues and difficulties. It isn't wise to refuse an ear to the voice in your head that tells you something is wrong when it very well may be. You may as well listen. Then decide if the thoughts are valid or need to be changed. It also isn't wise to focus on the negative when something more positive is within reach. Explore all possible outcomes, positive and negative. Take the time to look and listen within. Gather information. Talk with an expert and/or someone who cares about you. Ask yourself what's the worst that could happen? And the best? What else could happen? How will you prepare for all these possibilities? What is the most likely outcome? What can you do now to increase the chances of positive results? Do you have other options? What feels best? Listen to the wisdom of your body and mind. When explored and understood, intentional defensive pessimism and negative thoughts can be used to your advantage. A negative emotion or thought shows you where you need to heal. They alert you to danger, when change needs to happen, conflicts need to be resolved, or action is required. In this light, negative thinking is very positive.
Return from The Power of Negative Thinking to Holistic Mindbody Healing
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