From time to time, we all experience the subtle and often, not-so-subtle impacts of negative thought patterns and harmful belief systems. As someone who has personally walked this path, I know the toll it can take on our emotional well-being.
The process of healing your mindset is a deeply personal and transformative journey.
Several years ago, I found myself ensnared in a web of negativity. A dear friend, mired in her own struggles, had cast doubt on another mutual friends integrity.
Succumbing to the weight of her influence, I began adopting her negative viewpoint, believing her interpretations and gradually, embracing her narrative. As time went on, I realized that I was merely mirroring her sentiments, effectively surrendering my own perspective. It felt like I was wading through a swamp of negativity, sinking deeper with each step.
It was only upon self-reflection that I acknowledged my role in allowing her mindset to impact me so profoundly.
This revelation served as a crucial turning point in my life. I understood that I was not merely a passive receptor of other people’s narratives. I had a choice – to either be swayed by their negative influences or to consciously decide to not let them shape my perceptions.
As Albert Einstein famously said, “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”
I chose the path of healing. I resolved to be a silent supporter for my friends, holding space for their feelings but consciously refraining from imbibing their perspectives uncritically. The process wasn’t easy. Like a lotus striving to bloom amidst murky waters, I had to continuously exert my strength against the forces of negativity. But every step towards positivity seemed to make the next one just a tad bit easier.
Healing your mindset requires acknowledging your personal power and taking responsibility for your thoughts and actions.
As Eckhart Tolle eloquently explains, we all have a ‘pain body’ – a part of us that revels in drama and feeds off negativity. By recognizing this ‘pain body’ within us, we can choose to not let it control our actions.
In order to maintain a positive mindset, I adopted two key strategies:
Practicing mindfulness: I learned to bring my awareness to each situation, taking responsibility for my experiences and my reactions to them. This mindfulness allowed me to remain grounded, even when the world around me seemed shrouded in chaos.
Becoming the calm amidst the storm: I made a conscious effort to resist getting drawn into people’s drama, preferring to be the eye of the storm – composed, tranquil, and stable.
Recognizing your role in perpetuating negativity is a significant step in the healing process. But what if you find that you are the source of the negativity, the one spreading the contagion? There’s no shame in this realization. In fact, it calls for commendation for the courage and honesty it requires. The key is to stop spreading the negativity and start focusing on healing your mindset.
How do we achieve this? The answer lies in self-reflection and conscious action. Identify the triggers for your negative behaviors and understand their roots. Confront these issues, learn from them, and find healthier ways to react. Seek help if necessary. When we all take responsibility for the energy we emit, we can collectively transform the world into a healthier, happier space.
Changing your mindset is akin to setting sail on a tumultuous sea. It requires courage, resilience, and a deep conviction that the calm lies not beyond the storm, but within your own heart. With every wave you conquer, you move a step closer to finding that inner serenity, paving the way for healing
With love and light Kimberley xx
