More on Using the Power of Positive Thinking

In my last blog, I discussed the power of our thoughts and the words we use to create our reality. Primarily, the idea that by thinking positively we can create a positive result in our lives.

Just as our programmed/indoctrinated beliefs influence everything in our lives--not just how we live, but also how we die-- the thoughts and words we use, as well as the way we relate to other people, are also controlled by them. These programmed/indoctrinated beliefs include our prejudices, likes and dislikes, as well as personal biases. This is the reason it is so very important we examine, not only what we believe, but the words we use, and the thoughts and feelings floating through our mental process, if we wish to begin to become responsible for ourselves.

A simple experiment anyone can try to help one accept this as possible, I read in a book called, as I recall, The First Five Seconds. The underlying propositions of this book were that: 1) we all communicate with each other, non-verbally, all the time, (basic belief underlying this proposition is that we are non-physical beings, as well as physical); 2) we all are aware of what others are thinking, when we are in the presence of that person, or those people and, when we meet, what he/she is thinking about us; and 3) it only takes about five seconds for this non-verbal communication to take place.

It is proposed in this book that we can change our potential relationship with new individuals by changing our usual mental behavior in such situations. Our usual mental behavior of most individuals, to be frank, consists primarily of uncontrolled personal judgments and first impressions. If our first impressions are overwhelmingly positive, they may make us tongue-tied; something not to be desired. Unfortunately, in most cases, the first thoughts will probably include some negatives--the persons weight, and other personal, physical impressions-- because that is primarily what most individuals go on when first meeting someone new.

The idea presented in this book is to take control, in one's mind, of this first few seconds, or fractions thereof, before anyone says anything; one does this by imposing one's will on that wild beast, the mind. One must intend to instantly look for some positive aspect about that new person and think strongly only of that--"what beautiful blue/green/brown eyes"; "what a beautiful/interesting, necklace/ring/earrings"; "what a nice tie"; "great color"; "nice smile"--you get the idea. The point is, you must choose something that is real; this cannot be a phony like--that person will know instantly if you are being phony--it must be honest.

The immediate effect of implementing this technique is to create a positive atmosphere in which to begin to communicate, in order to bring about the results desired. Do not make the mistake of thinking that communicating has only to do with words. Those who study non-verbal, (body language) communication state that, "only approximately 7% of what we are communicating, when we are in another person's presence, is expressed in the words. The 93% balance is being expressed in many ways; some of the ways, in addition to our body language, are how we express the words, our attitude, what and who we are as a person, etc., etc.

As suggested a couple of times in other blogs, starting to write in a Journal will help you in your efforts to uncover what has been your individual indoctrination/programming--who you currently are. Additionally, beginning to write in a personal Journal will help to sort out, not only our beliefs, and what we have strong reactions to and why, it will increase one's ability to express themselves. This, in turn, increases our ability to communicate with others.

Taking responsibility for ourselves has everything to do with personal power. "Power," is a word that has a negative connotation for many people, primarily because of those having power over us having caused us various forms of pain. Unfortunately, those who have power over others frequently misuse that power. Being able to change reality, in order to better your life, will give you an added sense of personal power, which will diminish the power other people have over you.

Changing one's thoughts from negative to positive requires giving attention to those thoughts. As mentioned, most individuals ignore what is going on in their heads, as well as what they are feeling at any given moment, therefore, initially this will require some attention to them on your part. Attempting meditation has forced many people over the years, especially since the '60's, when the practice of meditation became more common in the general population, to the realization that their minds are as wild beasts, refusing to be tamed. This realization caused many to give up the attempt.

Simply sitting quietly, without outer distractions, and focusing on thoughts and/or feelings for a time, then writing our observations down in a Journal of some kind, will begin to give you an idea of the nature of those thoughts and feelings. In meditation practice, generally the intention is to turn off thoughts--the mind--and simply be. There are a number of traditional methods for stilling the mind.

The focus of this blog is, "beginning to take responsibility for one's-self, first and foremost." In the Western World, the brain has been given primacy over all else, therefore, this is the best place to begin. Learning just what the brain is occupying itself with can be an eye opener. While, most mature individuals, if asked what the brain does, would, in all likelihood, produce the answer, " it thinks."

As indicated, in a previous blog, the philosopher Descartes, considered the father of modern philosophy, elucidated as his "first principal," (the most basic principal) was "I think, therefore, I am." Unfortunately, very little, if any, thinking goes on in the brains/minds of the average individual. In any case, those who believe what they are doing is "thinking," are doing little more than rearranging their beliefs; seeing if he/she can fit some new information in somewhere without conflict with what is already there. If it does not fit, it is the rare individual who does not jettison whatever it was, and give it no further "thought."

Most of what does go on is: repetitive/habitual thought patterns; going over what has been experienced in the day, and one's responses; planning or worrying about possible future events; memories and daydreaming/fantasizing; angry and vengeful thoughts, etc., etc.

I leave you with the words: "attitude is all." This may be my next rumination.

Shirley Gallup