I am a Certified Mind NRG Spiritual Health Coach. This means that I educate and create opportunities to build awareness so that my clients can learn how connected the mind, body, and spirit are. My philosophy is that these three are not separate, but are entwined as a complex whole. In order to adequately achieve wellness goals, all 3 need equal attention. Since personal responsibility is essential in truly becoming aware, there is always homework. I will assign a client to take note of the recurring thoughts or words they hear themselves thinking or speaking that are not beneficial to themselves or others. This is my favorite assignment to give and the turned in work is always outstanding.
This assignment changed my entire life. After completing this assignment myself I realized that I didn’t love myself or believe in myself much and I spent more time tearing people in shreds with my thoughts and words than I did building them up or supporting them. Taking this type of inventory was revealing and required action on my part. The decision I made was to think 3x more through a positive filter than a negative one. In a nutshell, I allowed myself a 3:1 ratio. In order to monitor the positive I decided I would take each negative ie: I can’t do this, I never can to maybe I could practice this more or do it a little different, or ask for help. This really seems insignificant, but cognitively speaking it rewires your whole thinking process and patterns of behavior. Initially what was difficult was training myself to catch the negative and turn it into a positive, but as time went on it became easier and easier. I re-educated my thinking and my behaviors were quick to follow.
The subconscious mind makes up about 88% of our existence, so the things we think are actual frequencies that will soon become matter as our subconscious is committed to live out our truth. Guarding our mind and controlling our tongue is of the utmost importance. As a personal choice, I use the Holy Bible and my relationship to Yahweh to guide and direct my choices in life. As I was learning this new habit of thought and behavior I was quickly reminded of the scriptures found in Philippians 4:6-9: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think on these things. Whatever you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, put these things into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” 1st Corinthians 2:16 brings up an interesting idea: “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” Luke 6:45 has a good point: “The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Proverbs 23:7: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” We can summarize that the heart and the mind are working together to produce thoughts and those thoughts are soon converted into actions. Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Deciding to choose this 3:1 ratio of positive to negative thoughts and words was a great experiment that has altered how I relate with myself and others. Thoughts and words become actual substance, so it is essential that we not take them lightly. Perhaps you would like to engage in this homework activity yourself? One thing I know is that it will not be wasted time or effort. It will be an experiment of self-discovery and possibly a catalyst for positive change.
The key to remember is to become fully aware of what you can control and release what you cannot. Take one thing you can control and change it. Experience the power you have over your own life. For example, I was wasting so much time on Facebook in the morning. This is completely under my control. My decision was to only look at Facebook after I had accomplished my morning to do list. Now, I am accomplishing more in my day and feeling great about it. That was easy.
Here is a top 10 positive choices menu:
- Reduce unnecessary negative emotions: What are you watching, listening to, and saying to others, or hearing from others? Is it building you up or creating a sense of dread, fear, or negative response in your heart, your mind, and in your gut (the second brain-always listen to your gut instinct).
- Limit your interactions, or eliminate them, with cynical and negative people. This is a game changer. Other people’s belief systems, attitudes, and outlook on life can be contagious. Are the people in your circle helping enrich your life or taking away from it? Be honest. It is hard to let go, but a new favorite saying of mine is, “Let go or be dragged” because if we hold on to something harmful it will end up doing a lot of damage, so let go before the damage has its way with you. Once you raise your positive frequency you will attract others of the same likeness of mind. Your tribe will gather and you will feel a sense of self-worth and belonging you may have never known before. This one takes time, but please, take the time to really do it.
- Replace self-criticism with self-compassion. How would you treat someone you care for deeply? Treat yourself exactly the same way. Choose to see yourself through those type of eyes. The bible says that the whole of God’s instructions hang on these two commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, and all your soul, and all your strength and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Did you catch that…as you love yourself. Love yourself, please.
- Experience more positive emotions. Do things you enjoy. Try to do one thing each day. Do it with people you enjoy being with.
- Align your values with your time. Think about the five things that are most important to you, and the five things you actually spend the most time doing. Then think of one step you can take to better align the two.
- Add more moments of simple enjoyment to your life. Watch something you really enjoy. Listen to your favorite music. Go for a ride with the windows down, the music cranked, and sing at the top of your lungs. Enjoy the sounds of nature, or the glory of a sunrise, or the peace of a sunset. Make it short and sweet and fully enjoy it.
- Make progress towards goals. This is truly a great source of pleasure. There is nothing quite like the accomplishment of a task to satisfy the soul. Enjoy each step noting how much closer you are to getting to where you want to be. Celebrate the process as well as the outcome.
- Diffuse mood supporting essential oils throughout the day. You can also put a drop in your hand and practice deep breathing and affirmations. My personal favorites are: Wild Orange, Elevation, Motivate, Clary Calm, Clary Sage, Lavender, Frankincense, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, and Sandalwood.
- Exercise. There is something spectacular about physiology in motion that releases toxicity. It is good for the mind, the body, and the spirit, so pick a way to move and move it.
- Read an inspiring story of a real person who overcame great obstacles because they chose a positive position in life, joy, and persistence.
Remember, Thoughts are Things