Letting Go of Negativity

As part of our Living Transformation program this month I had the opportunity to take a look at negative thinking and how it shows up in my life. I began this contemplation by diving deep into the definition of negativity and was curious to see what some of the thought leaders of our day had to say on the subject.

I found myself drawn to the following comments by Eckhart Tolle.

“All negativity is caused by an accumulation of psychological time and denial of the present. Unease, anxiety, tension, stress, worry– all forms of fear- are caused by too much future, and not enough presence. Guilt, regret, resentment, grievances, sadness, bitterness, and all forms of non-forgiveness are caused by too much past, and not enough presence”.

As I reflected on these words of wisdom, my desire to disengage from negative thinking increased. One effective way of shifting thought patterns in spiritual practice is to ask questions and listen for answers through the meditation practice. After setting an intention to let go of negative thoughts, I meditated.

During meditation I started with a desire to find a way to disengage from negative thoughts. After a period of opening up and calming, I went into meditative thinking and asked myself the following questions:

Why do I engage in negative thoughts?

When do I engage in negative thoughts?

How can I disengage from negative thoughts?

The insights garnered from my meditative thinking came through loud and clear. Here are my insights.

Why

I realized the negative thoughts feel like a habit, something that is comfortable to me. Feelings of unworthiness (poor me or I am not good enough) became habitual thinking.

When

I noticed the pattern when I am faced with a challenge. The example that came to me was my desire to organize my living room. I kept telling myself my papers and boxes are a mess.

I have a strong desire to keep my home and all of my surroundings in a conscious manner and the more I thought about organizing the living room the more I procrastinated… and I felt like the mess, not just the room. The negative thoughts took over and started spreading to other areas of my apartment.

This process helped me realize that once I let negative thoughts into my thinking, they can spread to other areas of my consciousness and my life. I decided to use this project as a practice to let go of my negative thinking.

How (I am practicing disengaging from negative thinking) the 4th part of our meditation practice, Action!

The answers that came felt very clear. After some journaling and support from a friend, I was able to come up with some strategies that felt right for me.

Strategies for dealing with Negativity:

  • Awareness — Be aware of the ways negativity affects me

  • Prayer — When I have a negative thought, pray

  • Meditate — Even if it is for a 5 minute meditation or dance

  • Gratitude — Focus on what I am grateful for in my life

  • Shift my point of view — Shift to a positive perspective… see the glass half full rather than half empty.

  • Say “No thank you” to the mind. Kick out the negative thoughts.

After putting some of the strategies into action, my friend and I organized the living room in just an hour and a half and it felt great!!

I was so grateful for the opportunity to dive deep into the subject of negative thinking and use my practice and connection with God to bring awareness to this area of my life and create change.

I invite you to give a try!

Maria Chavez
And her byline

Chris Fruci