Ever wondered why you feel bad physically when you are thinking negative thoughts? Did you know negative thoughts can make you age before your time too? It’s because you are in a state of contraction rather than expansion.
I used to get mad when other drivers were rude in traffic. Today, I’ve learned to shift away from those feelings by visualizing myself driving in a cloud of pink and white light instead.
It works.
One day, a driver jerked his steering wheel hard so he could jump in front of me on the highway. His car promptly went into a tailspin. Once he stopped, he appeared stunned but unhurt. I was unaffected.
I highly recommend trying this travel method. Just make certain to allow enough space in front of your vehicle so crazy drivers can do what they do without impacting you.
Negativity Has Consequences
When we have negative feelings, we may not know it, but our bodies react physically. The stomach gets tied in knots, the head may begin to pound and shoulders may tighten up. This contracted state can result in limiting thoughts and health problems too. It’s not just anger that can impact the body. Sadness can affect the body also.
One day as I was sitting in my vehicle in the turning lane waiting to make a left, I began thinking about the unexpected death of someone I knew. As sadness filled my heart, another driver hit my car from behind. It occurred to me in that moment that my sadness likely triggered an unexpected response from the universe.
As I stepped out of my vehicle and spoke to the other driver, he began yelling at me. I realized his odd reaction of extreme anger was actually his way of diminishing his own feelings of fear. Despite the damage to the bumper of my car, I chose not to devote any more energy to the situation and let the man leave without pressing charges.
I could have been angry about the other driver hitting my car and yelling at me, but since I decided to let it go, I wasn’t bothered.
Is There Safety in Self-Limiting Thoughts?
Sometimes it’s easier to justify feeling negative about certain aspects of life or life experiences. At least on the surface it may seem that being angry or sad about a situation is familiar, righteous and less scary than letting go and allowing. By setting aside self-limiting beliefs (such as anger over the inability to control things that are beyond our control, or fear that you are not good enough and will fail, for example), you open a path of opportunity for expansion.
In the cosmically curated cycles of contraction that you experience, you are being gifted an opportunity to revisit, reassess and ultimately confront your attachments to scarcity, lack, separation, and impossibility. Contractions are divinely designed JUST FOR YOU, to act as a drilling force that pulverizes these outdated, distorted and misaligned beliefs. – Anja Todorovic
A Reminder from a Deer to Be Patient and Kind
Have you ever watched deer? These large, gentle creatures are so quiet you may not even notice them. I find that by emanating that same gentle nature in myself, I am able to get physically close to deer and communicate with them. In fact, I’ve been talking frequently to the deer visiting my mother’s yard in recent days. They show up as a reminder for me to be kinder when I am feeling out of sorts.
Per Ted Andrews in his book, “Animal Speak,” deer let us know that it’s time to be gentle with ourselves and with others. “When deer show up there is an opportunity to express gentle love that will open doors to adventure for you.”
In these chaotic times, it’s a great reminder for everyone, including me, to be kind to ourselves and to others.
Optimism is the First Step to a Better Outcome and a Longer Life
When we set aside anger and sadness and see roadblocks as stepping stones rather than obstacles, we are on our way to a better life. In his article, “The 5 Benefits of Being Optimistic,” Zach Cutler says pessimism causes us to contract and fixate on the negative possibilities rather than seeking adventurous new things. Optimism is healthier for the human body too, he says.
Not only are optimists generally happier and less stressed but also, they tend to have healthier hearts. – Zach Cutler, Entrepreneur magazine.
Dr. Daisy Robinton, a molecular biologist and CEO of Oviva Therapeutics, was featured recently in a TEDx talk, “Thoughts Matter: How Mindset Influences Aging and Lifespan.” She says that stress can impact us down to the molecular level. When we are stressed, our cells divide, which shortens telomeres located at the end of our chromosomes. When telomeres shorten, it can “limit stem cell function, regeneration, and organ maintenance,” according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Being stressed due to anger, fear, sadness or other factors, can literally shorten your life and make it easier for chronic illness to set up shop. Instead of getting stressed out, Dr. Robinton recommends taking a deep breath and going for a walk instead.
“Just by thinking differently we can impact our biology.” – Dr. Daisy Robinton
Shift Your Thinking for Greater Opportunities
When you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts, check in and see what changes are occurring in your physical body. It’s a great barometer to determine what you are feeling. If you feel the negativity taking root at the physical level (upset stomach, headache, heartache), switch your thinking by focusing on something positive, even if it’s just for a minute. It can be smiling when you don’t feel like it, telling yourself you “Feel Great!” or expressing gratitude for wind on a hot day, a stop sign, or a bird singing – whatever works for you. Once you make the shift, better opportunities begin to manifest.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi