I just finished watching this brief interview with Louise Hay:
Was thinking about the message she delivers about how important it is for us to be aware of the thoughts that we have since they contribute to our future and inherently, our lives. I believe applying this concept to mindfulness has a great deal of benefit. Specifically, the more that you meditate and practice building mindfulness, or present moment, non-judgmental awareness, the more you gain awareness into the thoughts that you have.
One may think, "How can I not be aware of the thoughts that I have?" To that question, I ask "How often have you felt uncomfortable, sad, or upset out of nowhere with seemingly no source?" If that has happened to you, it means you have been unaware of a thought or belief that has contributed to your own suffering.
I am willing to argue that if you are feeling an emotion such as this (or any other emotion for the matter), it is because some belief and/or thought stimulated that feeling inside you.
Feelings are nothing more than a physical reaction to our thoughts and behaviors. How do you know you are experiencing a feeling? Through the body. The body never lies.
I reflect on these things because it indirectly highlights to me the importance of awareness. The subtleties and seemingly fleeting thoughts we have in our mind can be a great contribution to our suffering. The final point being, that the more that we can encourage awareness, the more we are able to identify the thoughts that are contributing to our own suffering and the more we are able to reprogram the thoughts that are rooted in judgment, pain, and guilt, then the more joy, peace, acceptance, love and stillness will dwell in our bodies. When we heal those parts of ourselves through awareness, our lives begin to change and so too our perceptions. A change in perception as the Course in Miracles explains, is the definition of a miracle.
Was thinking about the message she delivers about how important it is for us to be aware of the thoughts that we have since they contribute to our future and inherently, our lives. I believe applying this concept to mindfulness has a great deal of benefit. Specifically, the more that you meditate and practice building mindfulness, or present moment, non-judgmental awareness, the more you gain awareness into the thoughts that you have.
One may think, "How can I not be aware of the thoughts that I have?" To that question, I ask "How often have you felt uncomfortable, sad, or upset out of nowhere with seemingly no source?" If that has happened to you, it means you have been unaware of a thought or belief that has contributed to your own suffering.
I am willing to argue that if you are feeling an emotion such as this (or any other emotion for the matter), it is because some belief and/or thought stimulated that feeling inside you.
Feelings are nothing more than a physical reaction to our thoughts and behaviors. How do you know you are experiencing a feeling? Through the body. The body never lies.
I reflect on these things because it indirectly highlights to me the importance of awareness. The subtleties and seemingly fleeting thoughts we have in our mind can be a great contribution to our suffering. The final point being, that the more that we can encourage awareness, the more we are able to identify the thoughts that are contributing to our own suffering and the more we are able to reprogram the thoughts that are rooted in judgment, pain, and guilt, then the more joy, peace, acceptance, love and stillness will dwell in our bodies. When we heal those parts of ourselves through awareness, our lives begin to change and so too our perceptions. A change in perception as the Course in Miracles explains, is the definition of a miracle.
Having said all of this, I do not want to discount the difficulties in creating changes in our thinking and in being able to cultivate awareness. It can be challenging, frustrating and at times it feels like we're alone in this difficult journey. The spiritual and mindful path is one that requires our attention each and every day, so it's important that we offer compassion to ourselves in the journey.
I'll end with the affirmation that Louise Hay recommends we repeat to ourselves in times of difficulty:
I'll end with the affirmation that Louise Hay recommends we repeat to ourselves in times of difficulty:
All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. Out of this situation, only good will come and I am safe.
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