How to Use Your Mind

One of the most important things I've done for myself in the past few years is learn how to use my mind to my benefit.

Did you know that you have around 60,000 thoughts each day, and over 90% of them are the same thoughts you had the day before that and the day before that?

For most people, this is not good news.

That's because our brains are hardwired to focus on the negative. This hardwiring used to be important in terms of our survival. Consider this scenario from our long ago ancestors. 

Someone from the tribe eats a new plant and then gets really sick. Thankfully, due the brain's hardwiring, no from that tribe will eat the plant again because they were able to make and remember the connection: eat that plant = get sick.

As a species, we have mastered survival. Many of us have created environments and living conditions for ourselves that are downright comfortable.

However, our minds still focus on the negative. 

Have you ever gotten a whole bunch of great feedback on something you did and perhaps one or two critical comments? If so, what did you focus on and mull over and replay in your head? The negative! 

Great news though. You can actually rewire your brain to focus on the positive. 

You can become the master of your mind and train it to serve you rather than you being at its mercy.

Foundation #6 of Courageous Self-Care is Mind & Mindset Mastery, and I'm telling you from experience that it changes EVERYTHING.

It also takes courage. It's way easier to complain, to go along with the status quo, to watch the news and to pass along the worst of it.

Focusing on the positive takes consistent effort. And it's SO WORTH IT!!!

You know I like to share practical actionable steps, so here's one of my favourites.

WARNING: This practice will rewire your brain and make your life better, as long as you do it.

When something delightful happens, put your hand on your heart and focus on how good it feels for 30 seconds.

Pretty simple, right? Maybe not.

It will feel like a really long time and your attention will probably wander. It can be challenging to sustain those positive thoughts and feelings. Focus on your hand being on your heart, breathe in and out and bring your attention back to the great thing that just happened.

Whenever I receive a cheque in the mail, or get some great news or do something that took a lot of courage, I pause and feel great about it for 30 seconds.

In those 30 seconds, your brain is literally changing the receptors that focus on the negative into receptors for positivity. It's magic happening right inside your head!

The benefit of having a brain that has more positive receptors than negative ones is that obviously you'll feel better, and on a different level, you will attract more positive, happy circumstances into your life. 

Well worth your 30 seconds, don't you think?

That's a little glimpse into the power of your mind and mindset mastery.

If you missed any of the previous Foundations, simply click the links below: 

Foundation 1 (Shifting your Relationship with Time)

Foundation 2 (Gratitude Changes Everything)

Foundation 3 (Freedom through Forgiveness)

Foundation 4 (Full Self-Expression)

Foundation 5 (Harmonizing Masculine & Feminine Energy)

Oh, and by the way, I've been creating Podcast episodes Monday-Friday so there is some great information waiting to be heard (or watched if you like videos).

CLICK HERE to check out the Podcast

CLICK HERE to go to the Courageous Self-Care You Tube Channel

Lots of love to you,

Christina