In recent blogs we have talked about the power of our thoughts and their effect on how we feel. It’s one of those good news / bad news situations. If happiness is available to us at any moment through the power of our minds, why does it sometimes seem so hard to do? When thoughts run amok… how do we choose better ones?
I know I’ve had the experience many times… moments, hours, even days… when finding a happier thought seemed nearly impossible. Those times when endless loops of worry, frustration, overwhelm, etc. not only challenge my ability to find my “happy place”, they cause me to forget I even have the choice!
Combing through my favorite books, websites, and podcasts I discovered a wealth of ideas on the topic. Interestingly enough, they all begin with “Change the subject.” Aha! That should be easy enough! (not) But there’s certainly wisdom in that advice. If our thoughts determine how we are feeling, why wouldn’t we want to change the subject to one that feels better?
What I like about this simple suggestion is that it isn’t trying to change my feelings about whatever subject is currently on my mind (that would take some tough mental gymnastics). This is about choosing a different focus or where I’m going to place my energy. I like the concept of switching gears, and at the same time I’m painfully aware that my monkey mind isn’t likely to cooperate with changing on demand.
So, what to do? Thinking about how we have ready resources for other unpleasant circumstances in our lives (calling AAA for a flat tire, reaching for an ice pack for sore muscles, or even Googling how to remove coffee stains from a white shirt) perhaps we all need to create our own rescue remedies for lifting our mood, sort of a First Aid Kit for the Soul.
Culling my favorite books and websites, I found a few treasures to share. Try one (or all three!) and let us know how it worked for you. Or better yet, share the tools you’re already using in our comments section below!
- Create a “Bliss Book” of images that make you smile: people, nature, art, silly things, happy things, beautiful things, dreamy things. This can be a journal, a photo album on your phone / iPad / computer, or even a Pinterest board… whatever is most readily available to you. It’s quick and easy to do given all the images available to us online. Go ahead, create your own smile inducing art gallery!
- Build a playlist (or two) with the music that fits the mood you’re looking for. Upbeat or relaxed, let your state of mind be carried away at the click of a button. Include some favorite podcasts as well. Giving the mind new ideas to ponder can be even more effective in quieting the loop we’ve been hearing.
- Go outside and REALLY look around you. The beauty and serenity of nature are genuine remedies for almost anything. Take time to notice the sights, sounds, and smells. It’s all about shifting focus and looking for a thought that feels better. When I hear birds singing and see flowers blooming… well, it’s hard not to hear Louis Armstrong crooning “What a Wonderful World.” That’s certainly a happy-thought-inducing, soul-soothing remedy.
Let the creation of your First Aid Kit for the Soul be playful and fun. I know I’m enjoying the process!
The next time you find yourself with an ongoing conversation in your head that doesn’t feel good, force a time out. Demand a better feeling thought. Invite in laughter, gratitude, daydreaming, relief, awe and wonder, or even simple contentment. When we harness the power of our minds, we focus our energy on creating what we truly want. When we find a better feeling thought, our minds relax. When our minds are relaxed, we are more able to creatively solve problems and are open to the inspiration the universe is consistently sending our way.
It’s always a good idea to feel better, and we can start exercising our ability to make it happen today!
With wonder and possibility,
~Mary