The Healing Power of the Mind

Worried and fearful thoughts fill our minds when we’re in a crisis of any kind. Worry is natural but not helpful. We need to stop thinking the worst. We need to harness the power of our minds to stop worried or anxious thoughts. We can learn to refocus our attention. Instead of fighting the thought, switch channels in your mind and focus on something else.

One key is to replace worry thoughts with positive thoughts. We can contradict worry thoughts by counting our blessings. We can overcome worry thoughts by imagining a peaceful scene. We can distract our minds with an activity - read a book, run an errand, or talk with a friend. Turn off news accounts and violent TV if it adds to worry; watch shows that relax you and make you laugh.

Meditation is one key to refocusing your attention. Many think of meditation as a mindless exercise in letting thoughts come as they will. Actually meditation is a form of focused thinking. Synonyms for meditation include: contemplation, reflection, deliberation, examination and visualization. Rick Warren in his book, The Purpose Driven Life says that “if you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate.” Worry is focused thinking on something negative. Meditation is focused thinking on something positive. Use scripture, meditation and prayer to stop worry thoughts.

To learn more read Self Talk, Soul Talk by Jennifer Rothschild. Memorize the Serenity Prayer and the scripture below. Both will help you use the healing power of your thoughts.

The Serenity Prayer
God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Blessings, Dottie