Your Thoughts are Yours to Control

What does it mean to have a sound mind? Or to take captive every thought? I think one of the most profound things I have heard in my life is, ‘you are in control of your thoughts’. Shocking, I know. But it is so true.

The mind is what it thinks. To make it true, think true. ~Nisargadatta Maharaj

Learning to control your mind may be one of the hardest challenges you will face, but I promise you, once you have it figured out your life will never be the same.

We talk to ourself  in our mind all day long. Sometimes we find ourselves stuck with a thought for hours or days even. It may be a happy thought or daydream, however, the thoughts we most likely follow cause distress. Thoughts of why haven’t I accomplished X,Y,Z … or my family … my career … my relationship … and the thing is, it is so easy to get caught up in these thoughts and begin to feel hopeless about whatever situation we are stuck thinking about. The truth is, you can change all of that.

We were created to have free-will and that includes taking captive every thought.  We have authority over our minds; so the next time you feel your thoughts going down a path you do not like, try thinking about something different. Redirect your mind, think something positive instead of negative. Imagine the outcome of a situation from a different angle. Be gentle and kind to yourself, because how you think is the direction your life will  flow.

You deserve an amazing life that is beyond the limitations of thought, and you can make that happen!  Change your mind, change your life.

 

Ways  to gain control of your mind

Be Intentional.  Making a conscious decision to control your thoughts is the first step. You must decide to be aware of your thoughts to be able to gain control of them.

Be Kind to Yourself. Begin with thinking positive thoughts about yourself. Each time you feel yourself thinking something negative, or self-depreciating, try thinking something more kind. What do you like about yourself? Your personality? Your smile? Your ability to make friends? Think on these things when you feel that you are being hard on yourself.

Breathe Deeply and Focus on Your Breath. Deep breathing helps clear your mind and refocus your energy. Take 5 deep breaths and think something positive to replace the thoughts you do not want to think about.

Try and Try Again. You will need to work to gain control of your thoughts. Do not put too much pressure on yourself to succeed the first time or even the 5th time. Gaining control of your mind takes practice. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.