Just like there are physical laws in the world, like gravity and inertia, there are laws that govern how your mind and body interact. In the field of hypnosis they have been called the Rules of the Mind. They help us to understand better how we can use our minds more effectively and efficiently.
One of those rules says that “Every thought creates a physical reaction.” This rule is part of the cornerstone of creating empowering thoughts. Here’s how it works.
As you read this little paragraph, think of a time this last week when you were very frustrated. Let yourself relive that moment for just a minute, until you feel the frustration in your body.
Where did you feel it? Did you notice a tightness in your shoulders or your chest? Did you start to fidget with your hands? Did your breathing change or your thoughts start to race? How did that thought or memory affect you physically?
Great! Now, Take a deep breath and think about something from the recent past that made you really happy. Maybe it was spending time with family or friends, or an unexpected act of kindness. Focus on that memory until you feel the sensations in your body.
Where did you feel it? Did you notice the muscles in your jaw and neck relax? Did you smile? Did your breathing change or did you begin to feel warm or light? How did that thought or memory affect you physically?
Understanding the connection between your mind and your body allows you to take back control of those parts of you that you thought were out of control before. If every thought you have creates a physical reaction, then you have much more control over what you think and feel than you ever thought possible!
Try taking a few moments each day for the next week to practice this ability we all have. Strart by thinking about a thing that has caused you stress or anxiety in the past and notice where and how it is affecting your body, then shift your focus to a thought of a positive time or experience and notice how your physical sensations change with the new thought.
This exercise teaches you the ability to shift emotional states easily and, like everything else, the more we practice it, the better we get at it! Once you have learned to shift emotional states by shifting your thoughts, you will find it easier to break out of negative feelings.∎
Karen Gray is a Certified Hypnotist, a Registered Nurse, and the Director of Green Mountain Hypnosis. For more information on how you can use hypnosis to change your life, contact Karen at karengray@greenmountainhypnosis.com, or (802) 566-0464.