“Think positively!” It’s a catchall phrase that can either soothe or rub you the wrong way depending on the day. Thinking positively is far more involved than repeating the words.
Positive thoughts require effort. First, you have to start by paying attention to what you are feeling. How many of us are moving through the day full of anxiety and ready to through up at any given moment? I know how it is, repeating your affirmations hoping to find comfort, but secretly reinforcing your fears. There’s a better way.
Here are five ways to reach for a new feeling, and move away from the negative emotions that keep you stuck.
1. Write
In the Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron suggests writing three pages about anything you want every morning. This way, you’re able to pour your negative thoughts onto a page and move on with the day. Writing every morning makes you more aware of your feelings and your creative process. Use this time to mention some of the things that you are grateful to have in your life.
Morning pages are an opportunity to write about the outcomes you want in the future. Write about it as though it has already happened. This method is an instant mood changer, and comes in handy if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed in the middle of the day. This is something I’ve always done, even before hearing the advice given by Esther Hicks (Abraham).
2. Listen to music
Skip the sad songs and go straight to your favourite upbeat song. Music has the ability to take us anywhere we want to go. Certain instruments and voices just resonate with you. If you’re able to dance, even better!
3. Move: exercise, run, walk, dance... you get the idea
We’ve heard it before, “We’re spiritual beings living a human experience.” But, there’s just something about physical activity that takes you out of your head and into the now. Your mind moves from tomorrow’s problem to using your body to do things you never imagined it could. There’s also an overwhelming sense of gratitude that washes over us when we realize how fortunate we are to have these bodies to live this human experience.
4. Sniff the flowers—or their essence
Certain smells just make us happy and comfort us in ways we can’t put into words. Whether it’s the smell of roses, jasmine, grass, lemons, or lavender, just a few dabs on a piece of tissue can calm your nerves and bring you to another feeling.
5. Take a moment
If you’re anything like me, I do all of the aforementioned, but I also reach for my stones—a Citrine, Smoky Quartz, or Amber. Stones are so powerful in their ability to absorb and repel negativity. They can give off just enough to raise our vibrational frequency and clear some of those storm clouds. I’m known for having a few all over my desk. If need be, I’ll even remove one of my bracelets and hold it tightly as I close my eyes, say a prayer, or sit absolutely still focusing only on my breath.
Today, take care of you. We promise, everyone else can wait a few minutes. These are things we do to feel better, but we’d love to hear your suggestions.