Gandhi once said “A man is but the product of his thoughts – what he thinks, he becomes.” Whether you choose to look at it from a mental, spiritual, metaphysical, or even scientific point of view, learning to master the power of positive thinking may be the single most important thing you can do in this lifetime.
Our mind can be likened to a garden. Much like the seeds of plants, flowers, trees and weeds, every thought starts from a belief, a seed that becomes planted in our mind, at which point we choose to either water and take care of, allowing it to strengthen its roots, grow and flourish, or neglect to the point of the inevitable dying off.
Weeds are a part of every garden, pretending the weeds aren’t there won’t magically make them go away. The only way to get rid of them is to pull them out. As human beings, we have the beautiful capability to choose which beliefs to feed and grow, and which to pull – but we have to do the work to pull them.
The more we tend to the positive thoughts in the gardens of our minds, the more we create a flourishing landscape that crowds out the limiting beliefs of the weeds and thorns, allowing us to live a healthy, vibrant, and fulfilling life.
Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.
Bashar
All physical reality is made up of physical vibrations, this is the idea behind Quantam Physics. Every thought we have carries with it a vibration which radiates out into the energy fields around us.
Being tuned into this energy allows us to be able to sense another’s energy the moment we enter one another’s space, or energy field.
We can take it to another level and and try and wrap our mind around the fact that our thoughts produce vibrational frequencies that move out into the entire universe.
This is the basis for prayer circles, group meditation, and group chanting. Leveraging the positive vibrations of many people’s thoughts at once strengthens the intention of the message being sent out, creating an extremely powerful ripple effect within the universe.
On the flip side, negative thoughts and vibrations have the same effect in the opposite direction, creating both an internal and external state of conflict.
What you think and what you feel and what manifests is always a match no exceptions.
Esther Hicks
Knowledge is power, however awareness of the power that our thoughts carry is key to tuning into both the conscious and subconscious mind, which is the holy grail for creating the reality you choose.
The Conscious and Subconscious Mind
Watching this video totally fueled my passion regarding our potential as human beings. It solidified my belief even more that we are incredible creatures capable of infinite possibilities when we unleash the power and wisdom of our mind.
Dr. Bruce Lipton, a developmental biologist explains how genes and DNA can be manipulated by a person’s beliefs. Even though his education and PhD are scientific in nature his ideas are not accepted by the scientific community. His wisdom is fascinating to listen and learn from.
Dr. Lipton explains how the conscious mind is creative – rooted in identity, source and spirit and manifests wishes, desires, aspirations and positive thinking.
The subconscious mind is habitual – equipped with a record play-back mechanism rooted in instincts, experiences and indirect learning. It’s the “program center” of our brain where all the files are stored, so to speak.
The files of our subconscious mind are set up very early on. From the ages of one to six our brains operate in the theta state, the imagination state.
During this time our brains are in a state of hypnosis meaning that everything we observe is directly downloaded into the subconscious as programs. It doesn’t even go through consciousness yet. It’s not filtered by belief it’s strictly recorded exactly as seen.
From this we see that nature gives us only so much from genetics and the rest we have to learn. Observations from family, peers, and environment get downloaded straight into the files of the subconscious and become behavioral programs.
Cognitive neuroscientists have proven that our brain operates in a cognitive state only 5 percent of the time. This goes to show just how much of an impact our subconscious mind and thoughts have on our outcomes in life.
The Subconscious and Self Identity
Self identity is formed from the subconscious. We become defined by what other people tell us we are instead of who we believe we are.
Many of us know that a deep connection to our inner being and loving ourselves could potentially end our suffering, allowing us to have more compassion for ourselves, others, and the universe, and to live out the fullest, truest versions of ourselves, yet it seems to be one of the most difficult things.
Learning that self love is ingrained in our subconscious by others helps us to understand that if we are programmed with critical thinking from our parents or other adults during early childhood we become critical of ourselves. And if you’re critical of yourself, how can you love yourself?
This is furthered explained by Maxwell Maltz author of Pyscho-Cybernetics written in 1960. Maltz shared his idea that before setting goals, a person must have an accurate and positive view of him/herself in order not to get stuck in a cycle of limiting beliefs.
His focus is on visualization and healthy self image to manifest positive results. In his book he mentions how our self image is formed as we grow up:
“We all carry with us a mental blueprint or picture of ourselves. It has been built up from our own beliefs about ourselves. But most of these beliefs about ourselves have unconsciously been formed from our past experience, our successes and failures, our humiliations, our triumphs, and the way other people have related to us, especially in early childhood. From all of these we mentally construct a “self” (or a picture of a self). Once an idea or a belief about ourselves goes into this picture it becomes “true” as far as we personally are concerned. We do not question its validity, but proceed to act upon it just as if it were true.”
Manifesting Through Alignment of the Conscious and Subconscious
How many times have you heard someone say they are being positive but they’re just not manifesting their intentions?
People easily begin to doubt the power of positive thoughts when they’re putting so much effort into them, walking around with a smile on their face, trying to make the best of things, while still not manifesting positive things.
What we don’t realize in that moment is that even though our conscious mind is running the show, our subconscious mind is sabotaging our efforts with limiting thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that aren’t supporting us.
Psychologists say that 70 percent or more of the average persons thoughts are negative or redundant, and we don’t see it because it’s on a subconscious level.
Now comes the point when most people cop the attitude that the forces in the world have control over our life, we can’t do anything about it, we just have bad luck. We become a victim. This mentality pushes positive thoughts even further away.
The more we continue to play back old tapes from the archives of our subconscious mind the more we stay “stuck” in what it is we don’t want. We have to make new recordings that are in alignment with our positive conscious thoughts, empowering beliefs and behaviors and then we will begin to manifest our intentions. But how do you do that?
Tapping, or EFT (emoitional freedom techniques) has proven to be an extremely successful method to reprogram the brain and create new ‘mental tapes’.
This video explains the scientific power of thought and how we have the ability to make actual physical changes within the brain through thoughts and visualization, which then manifest into quantifiable outcomes or things.
The Impact of Thoughts on Your Health
In medicine, you’ve probably heard of the “placebo effect.” Studies show that when patients with an ailment are told they’re being given a drug or medicine for it but are actually given a placebo or sugar pill instead, they beat the illness.
The other side of the equation is the “nocebo effect”, when the average person breeds over 70 percent of negative thoughts which impact their health by not only making them sick but also killing them, making it just as powerful in the opposite direction.
Going back to the subconscious, between the ages of one to six, we’re programmed that we need to go to the doctor to get healed. We stall our own natural healing state, deprogramming our ability to heal ourselves.
There has been so much research done on the impact that positive thinking has on assisting the body’s natural healing process. I’ve experienced this type of healing in my own life along with some of my family members. It’s why I believe wholeheartedly in holistic health. Joining the forces of a healthy mind, body and spirit is the ultimate recipe for wellness.
Your physical body is so near to you. It is responding purely to the balance of thought that you offer. It would take any of you very little to affect healing within yourself if you could acknowledge the power of thought and get your thoughts moving toward your expectation of wellness rather than toward your expectation of illness.
Esther Hicks
Final Thoughts
Obviously we can’t abuse our bodies, and not be mindful of our lifestyle choices, and then expect a miracle in healing. But if we focus on loving ourselves more than trying to fix ourselves, and practicing self compassion so that we can continue to form a healthy self identity, we will allow ourselves to thrive in our most authentic, happiest and healthiest state.
If you want to change anything, it starts with your beliefs. It’s totally possible to start recording new mental tapes and choose to no longer revisit the old tapes you’ve been listening to over and over.
Maybe it’s time to make a commitment to your inner being, get down on those hands and knees, pull those old weeds out, and create room for new beauty to flourish in the garden of your mind. With practice, a new life is created by new beliefs. I believe in you. XOXO
Be as happy as you want to be in a world gone mad. Be as safe as you want to be in a world that is afraid of everything. Be as healthy as you want to be in a world that is mostly sick. Don’t let the statistics that someone else has created affect you. You get to choose – you are wise enough, smart enough, deliberate enough.
Esther Hicks
What a wonderful post! Thanks for reminding me that I am my thoughts. I know this, but I forget and sometimes it just fringing difficult to think positive. So much in the world tries to beat us down, or distract us, or make us small.
I greatly appreciate the Esther Hicks quote. These are words live by.
Thanks G.C! Really glad you enjoyed this :) No doubt, all of us can use a reminder to activate positive thinking, personally I need a good kick in the pants sometimes lol! It doesn’t come easy that’s for sure. Each of us fall off track at times, especially in moments of hardship. These are the moments I find it most empowering that as human beings we have the capability to recenter our minds and tap back into our positive state, pick ourselves up and hopefully come back stronger than ever each time :)
Hello Jess , interesting quote form Gandhi … what he thinks , he becomes..
Yes , I agree we have the option to choose what thoughts to implement and what to avoid…But what is happening when you grow in restricted or extreme environments?
Can you still be master of your thoughts?
I am also a fan of physics and I have watched many documentaries on the recent experiments.Everything is energy and this is how we are connected with the rest of the universe.A global energy body.
Do you suggest a group meditation?…I only practice by myself.
So the brain shapes when we are thinking … hmm … that seems a little scary but I can take it.Besides I can feel my head “Moving” on its own sometimes.
Very good explanations and thoughts , I have to re-read this one tomorrow morning with clear mind.Thanks for your insights.That article can help a lot of people..
Thanks for your comment, Tasos! You bring up some interesting points here. I do believe that the environment we grow up in impacts us in a huge way and forms our subconscious mind. We become a product of people’s beliefs and thoughts that surround us, and if we are raised in restricted or extreme environments as we grow we may have an even bigger job of learning how to retrain or reprogram our subconscious state to a positive way of thinking, but I absolutely believe it can be done. It may take more effort to develop the skills necessary, but it can be done.
Personally I meditate alone but if group meditation or praying with a church group resonates with people, I am all for it. My thought is that, any thoughts used to achieve a positive energetic vibration are healthy, and if done collectively can produce powerful results.
I know sometimes we can feel our heads “moving” (as you say) so much that our brain hurts lol! There’s an awful lot of power in these brains of ours and it truly does work wonders to use our minds and thoughts in the most positive manner for our health and well being :)
What a great article! I couldn’t agree more with everything you talked about. Negative thoughts can really drain me to the point where I feel exhausted. I even feel physically and mentally drained when I am around some of the negative people I work with. It is so important to keep a positive mind. This was a well written article and I love the videos. Thanks for writing.
My pleasure, James! So happy that you enjoyed the read :) Trust me, we’ve all been in the same predicament and will continue to be from time to time, negative energy can suck the life right out you!
I have worked in what I call “toxic environments” in the past where I had to make a concerted effort to steer clear of negative energy at work. It got to the point to where people thought I was snooty because I would leave for my lunch break each day instead of eat in the break room with fellow employees and join in the negative chatter. Sometimes you get a lot of flack for not trying to fit in but who cares, my health and mental frame of mind are far more important than what others think. J-O-B’s are sometimes hard enough to show up for on their own, you don’t need the drain of that added stress and negativity.
Stay positive, you are worth it :)
Hello Jess!
Just taking a look at you website tells me what kind of individual you are. I guess you have developed a great deal in your life. I am quite similar to you in so many respects.
Just one thing, most people fall into the trap of believing that positive thinking is in any way better than negative. Yes, they are more pleasant, but they are just the other side of the SAME coin. The coin needs to be dropped.
I enjoyed reading your post. Thank you!
All the best!
Thanks for the nice compliment Igor! I am always trying to get in better touch with the internal aspects of my being, although the road has not been easy, and I have many flaws, I am grateful for it. Self development is a never ending journey that’s for sure, there’s always something new to learn, but I try my best to be present in the moments as they come :)
I really enjoy and definitely see the value in your thought to “drop the coin”. Interesting perspective! Thanks for sharing this insight and I wish you all the best as you continue your journey!
The power of positive thinking is so very important but most people are not aware. I am inspired and nourished by your site because if you don’t take good care of yourself, who will? Your weekly newsletter is great extra for your site. Site is very pretty with the beautiful flowers. Wish you much success.
Hi Judy! So glad you found me and thanks so much for the kind words. True, many people don’t fully realize the power of thought, or at least not to the extent of making it a practice – I believe the nature of the human race is good but sometimes a little inspiration and encouragement can go a long way in helping people to see the power our positive thoughts contribute not only individually in situations that govern daily life, but collectively as a universe. You’re so right btw, if we don’t take care of ourselves who will, and we really can’t offer others all of us if we don’t give that to ourselves first…I truly believe this is the way of living that will make the world a better place for all of us. Much health & happiness to you :)
Nice post and extremely detailed. Good imagery use as well. Really sets the positive tome.
The way we think is everything, and I believe that applies to our health as well. Everything we do in life first starts with a thought, either conscious or unconscious.
Sometimes it can be hard to maintain a positive focus and outlook, but we all need to strive to be positive as much as possible, and having a sense of gratitude for the good things we already have goes a long way towards achieving this mindset.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment Darren! Totally agreed – our thoughts affect everything we attract, the universe responds to our vibrations by giving us what we ask for, whether positive or negative. Your spot on with gratitude – the more we express the more positive things we attract in our lives. May you attract abundance in your life :)
Hi Jess,
Great article. I was just googling about EFT tapping as a possible treatment for PTSD and apparently involves tapping on acupressure points in a specific way.
I like your metaphor of mental weeds. We do have to pull them out by the root otherwise they keep coming up again and again. But the first step is to stop running and face whatever may be bothering us, with as little judgement as possible.
Hi Ian! I have a post for you about EFT and THE book to walk you step by step through how to do it. It has and continues to make such a huge difference in my life. I promise you, it is a must have tool for PTSD, in fact it’s one of the topics and how to use tapping to work through it that are addressed in the book.
Yeah , the concept of mental weeds can be a hard one to swallow until we figure out that we can use the analogy to empower us to work on deeper issues and change our beliefs. I like your take on it, because if we don’t do this, they do just come up over and over again.
Here’s the link to that post: Book Review: The Tapping Solution by Nick Ortner. It would be so cool to hear your results should you use the EFT techniques – I’ll look forward to an update in the future and all the best to you!