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Worrying

Worrying is a form of negative thinking. When we worry without being able to control it, it means we are focused on something negative about which we feel we cannot do anything. The anti- dote is basically to focus on a positive, wholesome, ideally pleasure-giving activity the moment you become aware of the worry or negative preoccupation. This could be anything like thinking about something pleasurable, gardening, working on a hobby, listening to music or a recorded book, working out, etc. What is important is to do something. The doing will shift the mind to a new focus. It is not what you feel when doing this, but the doing of it, that will help you move away from the worry.

The deeper reality that is usually needed is to appreciate that nothing happens without some cause that is meaningful. Perhaps there is something to learn. Perhaps there is a need to trust in the wisdom and power of the soul within. Life is tremendously intelligent and we need to attempt to understand that intelligence and learn from it.

There is a principle involved when it comes to negative thinking and positive action. It is this: the more you do something the more you will want to do it because of the brain pattern that is set up. The less you do it, the less you will want to do it.

Worry falls into the category of automatic negative thoughts - what Daniel Amen calls ANTS. Some of the common ANTS you can get rid of include the following:

- using words like always, never, everyone, every time
- focusing on the negative
- predicting the worst possible outcome
- thinking you know what another person is thinking
- believing your negative feelings without questioning them
- beating yourself with guilt: should, must, ought or have to
- attaching negative labels to yourself or others
- blaming someone else for your problems

Negative, sad, or angry thoughts cause the brain to produce negative chemicals that activate the limbic system and make you feel bad. Happy, hopeful, kind thoughts produce chemicals in the brain that make you feel good.

Negative thoughts tend to be automatic. Positive thoughts usually require us to make a choice. When a negative thought arises and we do not challenge it with any kind of positive argument or feedback, our brain and subconscious believe it and our bodies react accordingly.

Choosing what is helpful and creative will always diminish the negative effects of unconscious thoughts. Focusing on anything beautiful, true or inherently good will not only produce a cascade of wonderful brain chemicals, but will connect you to the soul energies as well.

 

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This is one of 150 Soul Perspective articles. For more articles visit Soul Perspectives Index.

Andrew and Bonnie Schneider are now offering personal interactive email coaching for the 4 Level Soul Journey program. Connect weekly with Andrew and Bonnie on how to develop soul consciousness. Read more about this personal coaching from Andrew and Bonnie Schneider by clicking here.