Positive thinking. We all talk about it, we all hear our role models talk about it, and we all strive to make it a part of our every day lives. But do we really understand the impact positive thinking has on our lives? In contrast, do we understand the impact negative thinking has on our lives?
Considering the current climate amidst the notorious Corona Virus, this conversation has become not only relevant but extremely necessary and important.
Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up.
Many of us are currently living in constant fear of illness and understandably so. After all, we are in the middle of a global pandemic due to a virus which has caused the untimely passing of too many individuals.
But how does living in fear affect our ability to stay healthy?
Fear and anxiety trigger a physiological response in our bodies known as the fight or flight response which is a short-term response designed to help us deal with a scary or dangerous situation.
When fight or flight is triggered, several chemicals and hormones are rapidly released into the body, allowing it to act in a way that gets us out of danger. Blood flow to our muscles is increased, slowing down other systems of the body that do not contribute directly to getting us out of harms way.
Once we are out of potential danger, our bodies respond to safety by returning to normal functioning. The heart rate, pulse and breathing rates decrease and blood flow returns to normal by supplying sufficient oxygen to all the systems in the body.
But when we live in a constant state of fear and anxiety, the body does not get the chance to return to its normal functioning and ultimately stays in a state of fight or flight.
This takes immense toll on the immune system making us more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. It also slows down the digestive system which plays a fundamental role in making sure the immune system functions optimally.
In addition, chronic fear causes high levels of anxiety which, in turn, suppresses the respiratory system and weakens the lungs.
In other words, although it’s hard not to feel anxious about getting sick, it may very well be the fear of sickness that will be our biggest enemy.
We already know that washing our hands regularly and sticking to all the social distancing rules will minimize the risk of infection.
But what the big corporations and mainstream media fail to broadcast is the power of positive thinking and how it can protect us from illness.
Dr Bruce Lipton is a stem cell biologist who has dedicated his life to bridging science and spirit through his research on how thoughts and feelings influence cell function.
Conventional science believes that it is our genes and DNA that control our biology, leading us to believe that we have no control over the way our bodies function.
Dr Lipton’s research has shown us that our cells respond to the environment we create for them, and our thoughts are what control this environment.
“Dr. Lipton’s novel scientific approach transformed his personal life as well. His deepened understanding of cell biology highlighted the mechanisms by which the mind controls bodily functions. He applied this science to his personal biology, and discovered that his physical well-being improved, and the quality and character of his daily life was greatly enhanced.”
In other words, our well-being depends more on our thoughts and belief systems than it does on our genes, DNA or external environment.
To put it more simply, if we believe that we are healthy then we will be healthy. If we believe that we are happy, then happiness follows.
I bring Dr Lipton into this to back this information up with actual science. Here is a man who has a PhD in stem cell biology who has used his knowledge to scientifically prove that there is a direct link between our thoughts and our physical bodies. This is not some spiritual heresy; it is science.
The first step to eradicating negative thinking from our lives is to acknowledge that any business or corporation that feeds off our vulnerabilities must be avoided.
The next step is to be mindful enough of your thoughts to identify when you are stuck in a loop of negative thinking. This can be difficult but practicing mindfulness meditation every day can help you gain control of your thoughts.
At any time of the day when you are feeling overwhelmed with fear or anxiety, stop what you are doing, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths in and out.
Once you are able to identify negative thoughts before they take over, you can start replacing them with positive thoughts.
For example:
Negative thought: “My nose is running; I must be getting sick. I am sure I have picked up a virus from that person who was standing so close to me yesterday.”
Replacement thought: “My nose is running and that’s okay. This is a normal bodily function. I am healthy, my immune system is strong and resilient, I am safe.”
In the beginning, it may be challenging to switch quickly from a negative thought to a positive one but as they say, practice makes perfect. Before you know it, you will find that negative thoughts don’t even take up space in your mind as positive thinking will be your default response to any adversity.
Practicing mindfulness to cultivate a habit of positive thinking can work wonders for your mental and physical well-being.
However, as we live in a modern world, some stressors are unavoidable, and tension can still build up and store in the physical body.
Body Stress Release (BSR) is a wonderful technique used to find and release stored tension in the body which can cause an array of issues such as migraines, back pain and more.
To find out more about how BSR can help you let go of unwanted tension, please feel free to contact me.
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