Mindset
Developing a great mindset is both the easiest and hardest part of a well-rounded wellness plan. It only takes a second to change a thought, but we have endless streams of thoughts to notice and ultimately cultivate. While I don’t think it is natural or advisable to be in a good mood all the time, or to see the positive aspects of people and situations all the time, go for most of the time. Thoughts lead to behaviors which lead to consequences. Most people would benefit from a more mature, thoughtful, and relaxed outlook. Here are three approaches that have radically improved the way I think.
- Byron Katie’s approach, explained in Loving What Is, is checkmate for negative thoughts. If you run her four questions by something that troubles you, it won’t survive the process. Byron reminds us that we really don’t know that much about anything and are often stressing about something that is not knowable or true, wasting time and energy that could be spent enjoying life. Applying the four questions to negative thoughts is a fun process that can lead to surprising insight in very little time. The examples in the book clearly demonstrate what to do.
- Pema Chodron’s Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change helps readers understand that there is no such thing solid ground in life. Unexpected things will happen, both good and bad. Instead of futile attempts to create and maintain solid ground, she recommends figuring out how to dance with whatever is thrown at you. In a different way than Byron Katie, she explains how to stay in the present moment. Her writing is beautiful, simple, and instantly applicable.
- Ester and Jerry Hicks’ approach to a positive mindset in The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent helps readers both clarify what they are wanting and then get in the right mindset for allowing that to happen. What I love about their approach is that it is anti-effort. Everything about thinking about what you want and then relaxing into receiving it is fun. They teach that life is supposed to be enjoyable. This is so counter to our cultural climate of overanalyzing and disciplined effort that I am on their email list for daily reminders on ways to view life.
A great mindset can be learned and is foundational to wellness. Take quiet time to examine your outlook.