Negative Thoughts

Post here if you are just starting out with your mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is a really difficult concept to get your head around at first, and it might be that you would benefit from some help from others.
Scooter
Posts: 29
Practice Mindfulness Since: 01 Oct 2010
Location: Houston, US

Thu Sep 08, 2016 9:43 pm  

Hey everyone,

If someone is having a large amount of negative thoughts throughout the day, is there any benefit to try to focus more on the positive thoughts you do have? Or would it be better to just notice/observe the negative thoughts? I am just curious if people think there’s a benefit to positive thinking.

Thanks,
Scott

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Gareth
Site Admin
Posts: 1465

Fri Sep 09, 2016 8:02 am  

I personally think there is a benefit for consciously pursuing positive thought when they arise. For example when a thought about my kids comes along, I look (where possible) at the nearest photo of them that I have and remind myself how lucky I am.

I think it's important to remember that we can't prevent negative thoughts from happening. And we can't force ourselves into a positive state of mind all the time.

DJLSFC
Posts: 89
Practice Mindfulness Since: 01 Mar 2014
Location: Southampton

Fri Sep 09, 2016 11:38 am  

Hi, i like to focus on negative thoughts at times, trying to intensify them and the effects they have on the body.

I think it depends on your state of mind at the time, and the type of negative thoughts. If you are feeling down or depressed, then maybe its not the time to focus on them. When I`m generally in a good mood, then any flashes of anxiety or worry that pop up, I like to focus on them.

Cheers, Dave.

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