A New Way to Think about the Power of Positive Thinking
I’m not good enough -- I'm not worthy.
That is one of the most prolific feedback loops I hear from clients when taking part in a psilocybin journey.
How do you solve this feedback loop in your brain?
Most talk about the importance of “mindset” and practicing “positive thinking” to counteract the “negative thinking.”
It’s the “Daily Affirmation” method.
While this approach may work for some people, at least for a while, it may not be the best solution.
In my view, this is not sustainable. Positive thoughts are fine for what they are, and I’m sure practicing being positive has helped many move beyond their negative thoughts.
But here’s the challenge: Your mind thinks negative thoughts; to combat that, you bring positive thoughts back into your mind. However, this is like engaging in a battle that takes energy and constant presence of mind.
The issue is that the thoughts created by your mind are, to some degree, thoughts of fiction.
Of course, positive thinking can help with our stories and make us feel good.
But what really matters is that thoughts bring about inspired action. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Positive and negative are the Yin Yang - the duality created in your mind! You are trying to grow self-esteem by forcing yourself to think that everything is OK - “I’m good enough.”
It’s exhausting!
And that’s a sure way to tune out inspiration.
Through positive thinking, you are fighting fire with fire - fighting thoughts with different thoughts.
Instead of battling negative thoughts with positive ones, the solution in a Daoist or Zen way is to be like water - simply flow around and through your monkey mind and allow your thoughts to dissipate.
The answer is not to “fight fire with fire;” instead, it’s to withdraw oxygen from the fire and allow it to burn itself out.
It’s more about having no thoughts. To get into a meditative state of “no mind.” This is called flow. It’s more of a spiritual state. A state of mind where you and your thoughts have disappeared and stopped blocking you from new inspiration.
When you reach this state, even when a stray thought appears, you will be able to observe it as an impartial observer. In this state of mind, you simply know, “Ahh, my mind is throwing a tantrum again, but that isn’t reality.” And you move into the action you need to take.
Psychedelic therapy can bring you into this understanding in a special way. In part, it’s about the ego dissolution wherein you begin to “listen” in a different way.
When practicing no mind and flowing like water, it will eventually become effortless, and your mind will give up and serve you. So, don’t allow your child's mind to enslave you with tantrums. Let these thoughts go, and then take your rightful place as the master of your life and your creative calling.
With Love
Maria Camille