When we think about the many ways in which we make ourselves suffer, not physically but mentally suffer, it is clear to see how the majority of our problems begin with us. The Law of Attraction teaches that our lives are mirrors, reflecting back at us what we are feeling and thinking. So, when we come to discover that, for the most part, we are the instigators of our own worries and torment, how can we really be so surprised?
Without a doubt, there are many external factors capable of impacting our happiness. Some things are just out of our control. It is up to us to create the necessary groundwork within ourselves that will allow us to overcome and even find peace in these defining moments, ducking and rolling as they come. So, why do we have negative thoughts?
The kind of suffering that we will be looking at in this post is not the type of suffering that is inflicted on us from without. It is about the suffering that we create within ourselves.
Doubts, self-criticism, guilt, restricting beliefs, obsessively replaying in our mind what we may or may not have done wrong, are all forms of mental torture that many of us inflict upon ourselves, every day.
Does this sound like you? Then worry not, because you are definitely not alone.
Similarly to any bad habit that needs to be broken, the key is to look at the why. What motivates our behavior or makes us have such negative thoughts? Why do we have negative thoughts, to begin with?
For help throwing away your own mental instruments of suffering and for a better understanding of why we torment ourselves in the way that we do, take a look at these 5 powerful truths, to help end your suffering for good.
How we think and feel about ourselves translates into our behaviors, inadvertently influencing how others treat us.
If we are guilty of being unforgiving and critical towards ourselves, this is how (most) people will choose to treat us also. How we behave towards ourselves essentially sets the model from which others take their lead.
So, if others are treating you badly, take a long hard look at how you are treating yourself. If you don’t like what you’re seeing, then you have your answer.
Our greatest need? Acceptance. A need for acceptance, a need to be liked by others, a need to be approved of, to fit in or belong; it is usually this precise need that drives us to the suffering we unknowingly inflict on ourselves.
Get to the bottom of what you think you ‘need’ most. Take a look at your behavior and ask yourself what are you most afraid of? When you have your answer, you can begin to work on meeting your own needs, rather than relying on others to fulfill them.
If you weren't you and if you had seen what they’d seen or heard what they heard or felt what they felt, perhaps you would not be so different from them?
We can all only make our choices and live our lives in the way that we currently know how. Before losing patience with yourself or with others, remind yourself of this.
See your mistakes and the mistakes of others as a cause for greater love, not suffering.
This leads us to the next big truth…
Nobody is perfect. But then again, why would you ever want to be?
Cut yourself some slack and refuse to get hung up on the little mistakes and bad moments that we all occasionally bump into. We are all on the same journey to be the best that we can be, we just happen to be at different stages.
Remember this, before you are unkind to either yourself or to others.
Think about it. When you are angry or jealous or anxious, what is this a result of?
Fear. Fear that you are not good enough, that others may be judging you or that you will lose something dear to you. And what about when you are being of service to others, are pursuing your dream career or have decided to make a change in your life.
These are also the types of things that can be pursued in fear, but they can also be pursued in a spirit of love.
Love and fear are the two purest emotions that are behind everything we do. Monitor your emotions and practice greater awareness of your feelings; ask yourself: am I doing this out of fear or love? If fear is your answer, what can you do to change this?
Love should prove the ultimate guide in our life. Whenever you stray, simply bring yourself back to a place of love and you cannot go wrong.
Now you know these 5 powerful truths about negative thinking, you can start to implement positive thinking techniques. And if you haven't already, be sure to get your free copy of (from The Secret) Dr. Joe Vitale's ebook, Clearing Negativity From Your Life.
Just click here to discover the Ho'oponopono method and how it could change your life!
