How often do we say to ourselves "if-only"? Or do you replay I can't, I'm not good enough in your head? I know I have. However, what I have also done is stopped myself mid thought and come back to the exact moment I was in... such as loving my Starbucks. These repetitive thought patterns that continuously relive the past or limit your possibilities in the future are toxic thoughts. According to Dr. Caroline Leaf creator of Switch on your Brain, world renowned author and educator. " 87% - 95% of the illnesses that plague us today are a direct result of our thought life. What we think about affects us physically and emotionally". This is a serious problem because many still perceive the mind and body as two separate entities. When in fact, the mind and body are totally connected one cannot function without the other. Working in the health industry you meet a lot of people seeking a healthier lifestyle (yes I realise I am stating the obvious), Most are solely focused on the body, they want to eat a cleaner diet maybe do a cleanse. Many start to practice yoga (which I think is fab) and detox flow is becoming a very popular style of class. (I teach this style myself). In yoga participants are encouraged to shut off their mind and be present but many feel incapable of doing this. What seems to be getting lost in the mix is we truly need to "detox" our thoughts in order to truly be moving towards a healthier self. We need to be transferring our energy from complaining about the weather, to blaming other people for ruining our day. Yes those things can have a negative effect on you in MOMENTS in time. However, moving forward you can replace those thoughts with a positive thought. This change in thought pattern can make you less toxic. For example, someone in a car in front of you cuts you off, you feel angry. However, at the same time a great song you love is on the radio. Which will make you feel better to focus your thoughts on? It is literally the same moment. Now I realize there are those few individuals who like to dwell on the toxic thoughts and negativity. They require a WHOLE other blog. But if you are someone who wants to move in a healthier direction, eat a cleaner diet and get some toxins out of the body, that is amazing. Just don't forget you aren't going to get the maximum health benefits if you don't check into what's going on upstairs. Regulate your thoughts just as seriously as your diet and workout. So, the next time someone asks you what your thinking about hopefully, you can tell them just how healthy and great you 'really' feel.
Be Happy, Be Healthy or at least keep trying ;)
Reference. Dr. Caroline Leaf http://drleaf.com/thought_life.php
Great post! As a psychologist who works within a cognitive-behavioural framework I complete agree with how important our thoughts are to our feelings and our actions. I've had the awesome privilege of watching the way my clients' lives have dramatically changed for the better by changing their negative thinking patterns. So glad you're sharing this!
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