“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so”
– Shakespeare
In part one of this post, I presented Dr. David D. Burns’ list of the 10 common forms of distorted thinking that often cause distress in the human psyche, and prevents many from overcoming negative emotions that may block their progress towards creating desired change in their lives.
This post will provide you with 5 simple tips, and inspirational quotes, that you can use to untwisting yourself from negative thinking in order to more fully move yourself and your life in the direction that you desire to go.
5 Tips For Overcoming Twisted Thinking*
1. Express gratitude.
Being grateful for what you already have in your life and focusing on what is working, as opposed to what is not working, is often the most simple way to overcome distorted thinking. Not only is gratitude a powerful tool for transforming negative thoughts and emotions, but it is scientifically proven to be an effective means for maintaining emotional well-being and promoting clear thinking (that leads to positive actions) as well.
“Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.” -John Milton
2. Ask yourself “Is this true?” and “How can I know for sure?”
Byron Katie, who is the creator of the powerful self-help method called The Work (a method of self-inquiry designed to support individuals in identify and transforming negative and destructive thought patterns), professes that questioning one’s negative assumptions is often one of the most powerful ways to gain clarity on issues and transform negative emotions.
“Don’t believe everything you think.” -Unknown
3. Accept what is.
Often times, people have a hard time letting go of the negative emotions and feelings that they are generating around a given subject because they have not fully accepted a situation for what it truly is. Accepting the things that one has no control to change is one of the most effective ways to regain control over one’s emotions and responses, and therefore empower oneself to choose behaviors that support positive movement forward on a subject or issue.
“Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequences of any misfortune.” -William James
4. Make a change! Take positive action on what you can, and if no action is possible, simply give it a rest.
Instead of torturing yourself with repetitive negative thoughts that sink you deeper into frustration, depression, or fear…Or worst, repetitively reacting in the same way to these destructive thoughts and their accompanying emotions, ask yourself “what is in my control, and what do I want to do about it?” Like accepting what is, deciding whether or not you can take new action on a subject, or simply give yourself a break, is key for letting go of negative thoughts and emotions that are holding you back from positive movement forward.
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” -Albert Einstein
5. Go within.
The answers to your questions and problems are always within you. Quiet your mind and seek guidance from within.
“The power is in you. The answer is in you. And you are the answer to all your searches: you are the goal. You are the answer. It’s never outside.” -Eckhart Tolle
*Bonus: If you desire to receive assistance with going within and untwisting your thoughts and emotions in order to make the positive change you wish to experience in your life, gaining the support of a Life Coach is always an excellent option as well!
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If you are interested in learning more about untwisting your negative thinking, you can check out Burns’ book for more detailed information on how to do so! Also, sign up for the Birthing The Spirit Newsletter and visit the blog suggested bookstore for more information on this and similar subjects. You can also, join the Birthing The Spirit Community, where you can share your experiences with creating/becoming your radiant natural self!
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