Monday Musing: Be Aware of Thoughts

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Monday Musing: Be Aware of Thoughts
3
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 1:01am
Curative Attentiveness
Being Aware Of Your Thoughts

Few people enjoy the company of individuals whose attitudes are persistently negative. Yet many of us tolerate the critical chatter that can originate within our own minds. Since we are so used to the stream of self-limiting, critical consciousness that winds its way through our thoughts, we are often unaware of the impact these musings have on our lives. It is only when we become aware of the power of such thoughts that we can divest ourselves of them and fill the emptiness they leave with loving, peaceful affirmations. Many people, upon paying careful attention to their thinking 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, however, 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. Endeavor always 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.

DailyOM

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2007
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 11:34am
Hey Jan,
Have you ever heard of a program called Attacking Anxiety & Depression from The Midwest Center out of Ohio? Their philosophy is that people with anxiety are very negative & have distinct personality traits that set them up for anxiety problems. I ordered the course a few years back & just really started getting into it a few weeks ago. It is a lot of hard work but supposedly all of the people in the group session tapes went through the program & no longer suffer nor are they on any meds at all. I was just curious if you've ever heard of this. You sound very knowledgeable in the area.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 1:00pm

Thx for saying I sound knowledgeable. I had my first panic attack 36+ years ago. That is my area of expertise. *MY* anxiety;)


If this course you are talking about is by Lucinda Bassett, it has been mentioned many times on the board & has a proven success record according to anecdotal evidence. She has some books that others have found helpful. Let us know how the course goes. I understand the tapes are very expensive. GL & GBU! (((hugs))) jan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2007
Mon, 04-09-2007 - 1:22pm
Hi Jan,
Yes--she is the one. The tapes are very expensive! Does that give any indication of how desperate I am to "cure myself"?! If I knew I could do it without meds like some of the people on the tapes did, I would have light at the end of the tunnel. But there is no guarantee. I'm scared of the meds even though mine aren't working anymore. The tapes are very helpful but it is a lot of hard work & it is a constant battle to become more positive. I have heard they have a proven success rate--another reason why I ordered them--it just seems like it's taking forever :-(
Lynn