Overcoming Negative Thinking

Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces every time
And I don't need no carryin' on
(Daniel Powter, Bad Day)

What will you do when your energy is low and your negative thoughts are caught in an endless downward spiral? Don't fight them, just observe what is going on inside your head. Observation can liberate you from your bondage. Apply mindfulness to all areas of your life, the way you eat, the way you walk and talk, etc. If you become aware of  everything you do and everything that happens to you, you will develop the mind power and awareness to avoid negative mental spirals.

When you identify yourself with negative thoughts, the energy will be sucked right out of you and a vicious race to the bottom starts. The good news is, the longer you travel a spiritual path the easier it will get for you to avoid episodes like that. You will recognize the positive signs of your support system and you raise yourself up the same way an experienced rock climber would. You will also learn over and over again that a beautiful rainbow follows each and every rainstorm. Being a Tao traveler means that you do as the situation demands, not as your fickle head tells you to. If you give your mind full reign you will have to expect a volatile life. Whatever the mind comes up with is true at the moment: when you think life is wonderful, it is true and if you think life is a torture, it is also true.

Follow the Tao and She will show you the way to happiness despite yourself. Being mindful implies that you can always step out of the movie plot. You don't get too serious about the role you play in life. Mindful living gives you the tools to see the Tao in action no matter what. You know that wherever She walks there is perfect sanity and peace of mind. Just step outside of your mind and see for yourself that everything is perfect as is.

It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Teach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

(U2, Beautiful Day)

By Christian and Su Zhen