Getting rid of negative thoughts and moving into positivity can sometimes be a hard thing to do, especially when the momentum towards the negative direction is so strong. It is something that requires the practice of effective processes until you get the hang of it and master it over time. Just compelling yourself to think positive thoughts sometimes do not seem to work, in most cases. In this article, I want to share with you how to stop thinking negative thoughts using 5 processes that you can start using today, and see which can be an effective and comfortable tool for you. So let’s begin 🙂
1. Instead of being absorbed by your negative thoughts, practice becoming the observer of your thoughts. Be the watcher of your mind.
As you try to observe and watch, you start to detach yourself from your thoughts. As you consciously ask yourself “what am I thinking now?” or “why am I thinking this thing?”, you immediately become the observer instead of getting caught up in the spiral of your own thoughts. You become someone who deliberately thinks, instead of having your thoughts own you. It becomes not personal anymore, but rather, the thought becomes an object, somewhat like a bubble in your head that you can imagine flying outward into the air, farther away from your mind. You create the space between you and the thoughts that enter your mind, instead of thinking that you are your thoughts. Depersonalize by giving them your awareness without any judgment.
There is a book by Michael Singer entitled The Untethered Soul, that provides further explanation on how to go about being the observer of your thoughts and easily detaching from them.
2. Decrease the momentum of negative thoughts by first going general and then begin the momentum for the positive.
Soften the negative thoughts by moving away from the specifics, making the density of the negative energy lesser. You can think about the thought in a way that decreases its importance or heaviness in the moment. You can say general things like “I do not have to think about this right now.” or “Thinking about this will take me nowhere so probably I can just give this thing a rest”. And as you move into being general or neutral about it, now you can allow thoughts to go towards the positive end. The intensity of the negative thoughts has already been lessened, and newer and more optimistic ones can now be received by your mind.
3. Instead of talking more negatively about what you do not want, flip it over and ask yourself “what is it that I want now?”.
Look at negative thoughts as your bouncing off place to knowing more clearly what is it that you want to happen now. Look at them as clarifying opportunities that can be easily disposed of, a tool you can use to decide what you want and can then be easily disregarded once it has served its purpose. Look at them as not worth giving too much air time on, but rather just an avenue to know more clearly what you desire. Do not keep on talking about it by justifying or defending. It is not meant to be kept active in you once it has already given you the clarity that you need.
When you ask yourself, “because of this negativity, what is it that I truly want to happen now?”, you will begin turning the momentum around, towards the direction of a positive improvement.
4. Distract yourself by deliberately anchoring your awareness in the present.
As negative thoughts begin entering your mind, you can immediately put your attention to your environment, being fully present in where you are and what you’re doing. You can bring your awareness to your physical body, paying close attention to what your five senses can perceive without interpreting anything. You can also begin paying attention to your breathing, noticing the inflow and outflow of your breath. Simple actions like these can intentionally distract you from putting more energy into the negative thoughts. It breaks the pattern of negative thinking and makes you grounded in the present moment.
A great book By Eckhart Tolle called The Power Of Now, takes you into a deeper understanding of the importance of being anchored in the present moment to let go of negative, incessant thinking.
5. Do not beat yourself up for negative thoughts as this will just amplify the feeling. If you can, just laugh it all out.
Lighten the gravity of negative thoughts by treating it less seriously. You can even laugh about yourself for thinking that way. Know that being positive is natural for you and that this will be an easy thing to accomplish. Don’t treat negativity as something too serious and heavy, but know that you are doing alright and you can move at your own pace towards feeling better. Do not try so hard, but just reach for the feeling of relief from where you are. Release the seriousness about negative thoughts, and try looking at the process of going from negative to positive as something that isn’t a big deal, or isn’t too far as a goal. It is something you learn to master through constant practice, and there is no hurry. You can always try again and again, until you get better at it over time.
Over to You…
Which of these ways on how to stop thinking negative thoughts do you like the most? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment box below!
Blessings to you, and namaste 🙂
Iona Kristina
P.S. You can also see this related video below on Dealing With Mind Chatter!
