Why Worry Is Always Based On The Future, While Gratitude Is In The Here And Now

The Mind Cannot Be Trusted

What preoccupies your mind with worry? Why do you worry? Is it to maintain a sense of control? Perhaps you feel engaged in something you are powerless over? I want you to recognise whether worry is serving you, so you can break the cycle and find inner peace. Yes, it is possible to let go of worrying, but it will require work on your part. So, are you committed to changing? If so, let me show you how to go from worrying to a state of inner freedom.

When we worry, our mind is projected into the future, since we believe we cannot handle what will take place. Therefore, worrying is trying to control something we have little or no control over. Author and psychotherapist David Richo echoes this sentiment in his book The Five Things We Cannot Change, where he states: "We worry because we do not trust ourselves to handle what happens to us. We worry because we do not trust that the way the chips fall will work out for the best. We worry because we have not yet said yes."

The key to overcoming worry is to recognise the mind cannot be trusted, given its inherent negativity bias. Evolutionary psychologists believe the brain has adapted to thousands of years of evolution to screen for inherent danger within our environment. When humankind first roamed the Savannah centuries ago, assessing for a potential threat, it was an important period in our brain's evolution. Yet, nowadays, the threat is no longer necessary, however our biology has not caught up. In other words: Our mind still looks for a threat to our safety and survival, even though the threat isn't as imminent nowadays. Nonetheless, we mustn't allow ourselves to worry about something that may or may not happen. We can safely remind ourselves all is well and redirect our attention to what we are grateful for, here and now.

Uncertainty Needn't Mean Worry Or Fear

Are you happy with this idea so far? Can you appreciate your mind is engineered to help you survive? Therefore, we mustn't get stuck in incessant worry, but reorientate ourselves back to the present moment. Each time we bring ourselves back to the present, we strengthen neural pathways in the brain. It requires practice, patience and persistence to notice our habit of worrying. If we can practise shifting our attention from the future to the here and now, we will see positive changes in our life.

To express it differently: We must learn to observe ourselves when worrying and create a space between the observing mind and the worrying mind. It involves inhabiting our mind and body instead of letting our mind wander into the future. In the same way we have taught ourselves to worry, we can train ourselves to be grounded in the present moment through mindfulness. It is why anchoring ourselves in gratitude will help us let go of worry, since it is the bridge between the present moment and the future. In other words: Gratitude is choosing to look at reality through a new filter instead of worry, anxiety, and fear. Yes, the future is uncertain, but uncertainty needn't equate to worry or fear. Uncertainty can be filled with unlimited possibilities that can benefit us. It requires we keep an open mind and not catastrophising situations beyond our control.

Training In Awareness

Is this something you're willing to practise? Can you give yourself the gift of releasing your worries and fears and anchor yourself in the present moment? You are worthy of self-love by directing your attention towards inner peace. Negative emotions such as worry, anxiety and fear cloud our judgement about what is real. They are the fake news of the mind and an illusion that keeps us trapped and isolated. But this needn't be your reality, if you're willing to rewrite a new script for the future.

And here's the thing: Gratitude allows us to focus on what is real and fix ourselves in this state. Gratitude is the language of love because it is grounded in appreciation. We cultivate a loving heart through the power of acceptance. Therefore, we ought to focus on what is tangible instead of the illusory states of mind, to let go of worry and fear. Even though the mind tries to convince you the future is uncertain and terrifying, it is a fabricated narrative invented by the ego. But it needn't be this way because we have the power to redirect our attention to the present moment.

Practices such as breathwork, mindfulness and meditation are helpful to navigate fear, worry and anxiety. For example, we can practise sitting alone in silence and focus on our breath. As we breathe in and out, we safely anchor ourselves to the present moment. Similarly, through mindfulness, we learn to bring our attention to the present moment when our mind wanders to the future. Meditation is the practice of training in awareness and detaching from our thoughts, so we become the observer. We can follow our breath while meditating and notice the bodily sensations that rise and fall. This powerful practice is a portal to the here and now and a practice we can cultivate daily. Even though the mind has a negativity bias toward danger, we can change our response to worry be being mindful of our thoughts. After all, each time we focus on gratitude, we strengthen neural pathways in the brain, which ultimately become our new reality.

Do you want to lead a remarkable life? Are you committed to taking action despite your fears and doubts? If so, download your FREE copy of my eBook NAVIGATE LIFE right now, and start your amazing journey of greatness today!

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tony_Fahkry/837610

The Missing Ingredient to Success

There are many ingredients to success: talent, creativity and insight, hard work, patience and persistence, good luck and synchronicity, the right beliefs and attitude... Did I miss something? Oh yes - spiritual practice.

Of course you can lose weight, become a capable doctor or an excellent lawyer, and be a decent mother or a successful sports player simply by doing (studying, training, working, etc.). But are you going to have satisfaction around your success? How many people do you know that seem to have achieved it all and feel miserable at the same time: exhausted, underappreciated, over-worked, never good enough (despite surface appearances), never quite there, and sometimes even not sure if that's the right thing to do and the right place to be. And then there are also those who seem to be doing all the right things and don't even achieve apparent success, not even in the eyes of the others. Why?

The answer is because dissatisfaction runs together with an overemphasis on the doing. Remember the notorious phrase Be-Do-Have? If you skip the being and jump onto the doing, you never quite end up having (personal satisfaction, successful closure, peace and happiness). You keep doing and no matter what you achieve or produce, you feel you need to do more because... If you however go a step back and focus on the being, you will end up having all that you want and more.

The being step means that you have a spiritual practice around what you do and what you would like to have. That doesn't mean you become superstitious or a religious fanatic. It means you spend time in meditation, introspection, contemplation, appreciation, prayer and gratitude. This way you can activate the higher brain, you can operate from your higher self, and you can receive guidance (through insight and intuition) simply because you feel connected to the resources of the universe and you act out of something larger than you (not because your ego wants to compensate for inferiority complexes or fears lack and separation).

Thus, if you precede the doing with being (in meditation, contemplation, prayer and gratitude), and then take action, your endeavor will be highly successful in the following respects:

1. You will know you are on the right path; you won't have second thoughts and doubts in the process or regrets later.

2. The path will be easy and things will flow (since you will be energetically aligned with the cosmic tides of power); even difficulties will be met with grace.

3. You will have a sense of fulfilment every step of the way; it won't feel like a rut race, constant stress and in the end - no feeling of satisfaction.

In a nutshell, surrounding your projects with some form of spiritual practice guarantees your success and happiness not only on paper but also in your heart.

Vyara Bridgeman is an Advanced Certified BodyTalk practitioner who works with patients from all over the world suffering a variety of physical, mental and emotional conditions. To find out more about Vyara's BodyTalk practice, what her clients say about her, and how she can help you achieve a balanced body-mind, visit: http://www.BodyTalk4Life.com 

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Vyara_Bridgeman/978988

The 10 Most Important Human Values - Fearless Soul

 

https://youtu.be/kOJu1vj_BVk

Here's some inspiring and great advice from Fearless Soul

STOP NEGATIVE SELF TALK - Listen To This Everyday - Steve Harvey

 

Here's some great advice from Steve Harvey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWDo-y-tK7k

Start by Prioritising Your Happiness

Some people treat happiness as their main goal. When you ask them what they want in life they say, 'to be happy'. But happiness can be elusive. It creeps up on us when we least expect it, when we find ourselves smiling at a beautiful sunset, a table laid for a family meal, succeeding in a challenge, watching our friends laugh at a terrible joke. 

Happiness is rarely about expensive gifts or acquisitions. So when planning for a positive, fulfilling life it's important to start by prioritising your happiness. Let's look at what this entails. 

- Practise daily gratitude. This doesn't mean settling for second best or sitting back on your laurels, but is about being grateful for what you have and finding a balanced, grounded approach to life. Appreciation of others, valuing the lessons learned from challenges and setbacks, the relationships in your life, the food, air, roof over your head, running water, all can all be taken for granted but are things many others don't have. Those people would be happy to be in your shoes. 

- Happiness comes from being inspired, so ensure you have things that motivate you to improve, to be better, reach a higher level. This may be learning new skills, expanding your area of expertise, focusing on a new direction, something that elevates your vision, stretches you and brings a sense of achievement. 

- Leaving our familiar comfort zone can be scary and exhilarating, yet often results in us feeling happy and proud of ourselves afterwards. Even trying new food, another route to work, having a go at something we're apprehensive about can prompt a positive shift in our thinking and a happier sense of self. 

- Being challenged is important to happiness too. Being receptive to new ideas and initiatives, being prepared to say, 'yes' even when unsure of yourself. Why not say 'yes' first and work out how to do it afterwards! Self-improvement and development bring their own happiness and fulfillment. 

- Do things you do well. Being challenged is often a good experience but if life is already stressful making time to do something you know you're good at can be an important reminder of how competent and capable you are. And we all need a little window of success in a stressful life. Enjoy it, even if it's icing a cake, putting up shelving or supporting an elderly neighbour. 

- Rewards can bring happiness. Yes, we deserve to be rewarded for our efforts financially. We need to live and pay our bills. But also reward yourself by ensuring you have a space, a place where you go and feel secure, able to relax. It may be your bedroom, with lovely prints, cushions, flowers and music. When you're there you close the door on the world, destress and chill. 

- Being involved with others can bring happiness; teaching, mentoring, coaching, volunteering are often fulfilling experiences. And the people we're involved with may bring new ideas, inspiration, suggestions of their own that add value to our lives. 

- Don't follow the crowd. Others have their own stories, motivations and limitations. They may begrudge you your energy and drive, preferring that you don't remind them of their apparent lack of ambition, but we're all different and each of us have needs and wants that evolve over time. Reflect on those relationships and consider if it's time to reduce their influence in your life. 

- Mix with people who like, support and encourage you; they're your fans and ambassadors. People who like you treat you with respect, may challenge you on occasion, but they're in your court and you're in theirs. Nurturing 'your' people allows you to be vulnerable, wrong sometimes and able to discuss any problem areas in an accepting, non-judgmental arena.

- Indulge your senses. Happiness comes from incorporating smell, taste, touch as well as music and beautiful art and colours. Make time to enjoy nature, your pets. Visit the beach, the forest and stimulate your senses; feel the sand underneath your feet. 

- Give yourself regular free time. Happiness is about ensuring there's balance in your life. Prioritising time for fun, sport, exercise, reading is important. Sometimes work may require extra attention, but aim to regularly give yourself time out, perhaps just to sit with a coffee at the mall. 

- Insist on being treated with respect by those you come into contact with. Good boundaries matter. Unhappiness can occur if we feel disrespected, treated dismissively or are taken for granted. Intercept bad treatment at the outset and be firm about good manners and consideration. But equally remember to invest time and attention in your good relationships. 

- Deal with your demons. Happiness is about being at peace with ourselves, forgiving any failures, past mistakes or errors of judgement. If you're struggling therapy could be a good way to heal and recover from negative patterns and ways of thinking. Be gentle with yourself and move on from unhelpful self-talk. It can make all the difference to your happiness levels. 

Look after yourself. Eat well, exercise, commit to regular sleep. Practise these tips, prioritise your health and happiness will follow. 

Susan Leigh, counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support. 

She's author of 3 books, 'Dealing with Stress, Managing its Impact', '101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday' and 'Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain', all on Amazon & with easy to read sections, tips and ideas to help you feel more positive about your life. 

To order a copy or for more information, help and free articles visit http://www.lifestyletherapy.net 

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Susan_Leigh/399535 

After This You'll Change How You Do Everything! - Tony Robbins

 

Some great advice from Tony Robbins!