The Power of Positive Thinking

It's been some time since I "blogged", but I was inspired by something today written on another blog site that I visit often.  The subject is Positive Thinking, and, although it sounds very "new age", it's really something that mankind has known for centuries. 

Negative thinking, negative energy, negativity in all it's forms is not healthy for the one carrying it, and to those around them.  Think of what it's like to be around someone who is always a downer, or always finding the bad things or what's wrong.  They're not alot of fun right?  They're depressing. And that negativity can spread like a cancer to everyone else. I don't know about you, but I like to laugh throughout my day.  Laughter IS the best medicine.  Not only laughter, but positive thinking, positive energy brings about good things and spreads to others as well. 

Now, it's easy to harbor and cultivate negative thoughts about ourselves.  As a musician, it's very easy to get negative about performing, recording, making music--especially if you don't get the gig, or a gig goes bad.  Personally, most of the time, I'm my own worst critic!  And it's very easy for that negativity to permeate everything else I do.  I get down on myself.  And, if you honestly look at yourself, you probably do the same thing in one way or another.  Then the negativity turns to depression or apathy.  Not good.  You become the downer in the room.

Blogger Brian Thompson makes a simple suggestion.  When these thoughts come up, just "snap out of it and knock it off!"  Easier said than done!  But he also goes into the science that many psychologists know and thats the part of the brain known as the amygdala which allows negative thoughts to happen.  Brian goes on:

Once you’re aware of these old lizard brain thoughts, use positive affirmations to reassure yourself, “I’m happy, positive and full of vibrant energy! I am master of my universe! Nothing can stop me from achieving my goals!”

Think of the most fantastic, exhilarating, or happiest moment of your life. Got it? Now multiply that times a thousand, or ten thousand. Or a million. Be ridiculous. The more extreme and exaggerated your thoughts and imagery are, the better. You CAN change your emotions. And when you do this, it causes automatic sensations of pleasure and peace of mind… allowing you to move on with the important task at hand; achieving your goals.

If you can control your perceptions, you can control your reality.

Chances are that if you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, it’s due to the negative energy you’re consumed with and are putting out into the world. I’m not saying those feelings might not be valid, but they certainly aren’t doing you any good. They’re standing in the way of you overcoming a temporary situation. After all, if you’re filled with self-doubt you clearly won’t be concentrating on your goals. And if you’re filled with negative emotions, they will undoubtedly affect others around you… who in turn may not want to work with you because of your shitty vibe (or at the very least, won’t be inspired and they’ll have zero motivation because of your blah attitude).

Sage advice! We should all follow this advice. Now, like I said earlier, this isn't something that the "new age" movement can lay claim too. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Phillipians:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
And why did Paul believe this was good to do?

The God of peace will be with you.

No negativity, no depression, no anxiety. Peace, positive thoughts, good life--that's what positive thinking does for us. It is something we can do--just by being aware of these thoughts and knowing that we can control them. Life is too short to be a negative person. The most recent Peace Corps ad campaign says "Never go through life saying 'I should have'".

Be conscious of your thoughts. Focus on positive energy.
Change your thoughts, change your mind, change your life.
You are what you think.
Manifest your destiny!


Brian Thompson is Managing Partner of Thorny Bleeder Records
http://www.thornybleeder.com/


His original blog can be read at:
http://www.musicthinktank.com/


You can also follow him on Twitter
@thornybleeder