Good mental health could be described as a mind that is calm and clear—a mind that can see what needs to be done, can create action plans and carry them out in reasonable amounts of time—a mind that is under our own control, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in or the people that we are around.
Adverse mental health can be described as a mind bogged down by too many to-do lists and our own and others’ problems. It can encompass the inability to focus enough on tasks so that they take far too long to accomplish. It may seem that no matter what we do or say, other peoples’ input stops us or changes our plans.
By making some simple changes to the way we think and what we do, we can enjoy peace of mind, accomplish tasks and goals, and reach clearer thinking. There are several things we can do to help us get started.
Meditation
There are many forms and ways to meditate. Find time every day—preferably in the morning—and a place where no one will disturb you for 5 to 15 minutes. Sit, close your eyes and let your mind go blank. Allow time to relax with every breath taken. If any thoughts come up, let them go; there’s plenty of time to think about them afterwards. Just enjoy the relaxation feeling, the absence of any thoughts and the total control you’re gaining by learning to stop or allow that steady stream of thoughts we all have. This practice also helps heal the body and improve intuition.
Journaling
Take some time everyday to be alone. Write out what’s on your mind; what you’ve accomplished that you want to remember, noting your feelings or deepest thoughts that you might not want others to know about. Maybe recall dreams. Look for the insights they are bringing to you. Note the spiritual guidance you receive from your meditations. Just find the time and write. This is very healing and soothing because it’s you emptying out what’s on your overburdened mind instead of hanging on to it until you tell someone.
Visualization
Hypnosis is a technique used to help us program our subconscious to achieve a specific goal. Not only are words spoken to the client but pictures and images are used because the subconscious communicates just as well with them. If we can get a picture in our minds of our desired goals and hold onto that —engaging all five of our senses in what we want to and have accomplished—the subconscious has the ability to make it happen. We are also engaging the law of attraction and the power of creation. Spend at least 17 seconds visualizing that one thing and changes start occurring. Do this daily. Be general in the beginning and get more specific as the days go by and you will see things falling into place and start happening for you in order to make your goal a reality.
Here are some points to remember or consider:
Motivation versus inspiration. Don’t force yourself to do things. That’s motivation, which doesn’t always feel good. Picture the thing done first, feel good and then act. This way, you are acting from inspiration, which is so much easier. Trust that the next step you need to take will be shown or made known to you.
“Positive thoughts strengthen you, negative thoughts
weaken you.” Stop criticism—from yourself and from others. Don’t doubt a goal can be achieved. We need to be our own best friend and cheer ourselves on for all accomplishments big and small. Too much negative thinking and second guessing will slow down or completely stop the project; it also can make our body sick in the process.
Take fear out of the equation. Fear is the enemy of
achievement. Think of fear as an acronym: “False Evidence Appearing Real”. Our minds can and will play tricks on us. Some fear is beneficial as it keeps us safe but too much fear can immobilize us.
Become the driver of the vehicle called “your life” instead of being a passenger by learning to control your own mind—so other’s don’t. Connect with your innate power by spending more time alone—with yourself. Create that vision of your goal and believe it is possible. Expect it to happen—and get excited about what’s to come.