Every thought creates a physical reaction. This rule of the mind makes it possible for us to manage our emotions and create positive and empowering thoughts and feelings. Here’s how it works.
As you read these words, think of a time when you felt really relaxed, confident, or calm. As you go into that moment in your mind, notice how your breathing becomes deeper and your heart rate regular. Maybe there’s a bit of a smile on your face as your shoulders begin to relax and that moment from the past begins to create a physical response.
Perfect! Now we can use that same phenomenon to change the way less pleasant memories make us feel.
For just a moment, think about a time when you felt upset or frustrated. Let yourself be in that moment in your mind and process some of that in your body. Notice when you begin to feel that in your body.
Notice where you feel it. Is it in your shoulders or chest? Do you feel it in your head or stomach? Does it go anywhere in your body? Notice other things about that negative feeling. Is it warm or cool, does it have a color or vibration?
Now that you have gotten to know that negative experience a little better, let’s interrupt it. Take a nice deep breath and bring yourself back to that relaxed comfortable place. Imagine the negative memory fading from your mind and being replaced by your most comfortable time or place. Or maybe you imagine the transition like turning a page in a book or changing a channel.
Let those comfortable, relaxed feelings begin to spread through your body. Imagine the positive feelings filling you up from the top of your head to the tips of your toes as you breathe in deeply and breathe out completely. Be in that pleasant place for a moment, and let it intensify in your mind and body.
Then, if you try to bring back the memory of that negative event and notice how it moves farther away, feels less intense, or is even difficult to recall. As you try to bring back that negative feeling and instead bring up those positive feelings instead.
Understanding the connection between your mind and your body allows you to take back control of those parts of you that felt like they were out of control before, giving you much more control over how you feel than you ever thought possible!
This exercise teaches you the ability to shift emotional states quickly and easily. And, like everything else, the more we practice it, the better we get at it! Now that you have learned to shift emotional states by shifting your thoughts, you will find it much easier to break out of negative feelings.🍥