1. Talk back to your negative thoughts
Thoughts have energy that is why it is very important to pay attention to the nature of your thoughts. Negative thoughts are called “automatic thoughts” because one single thought can automatically trigger other negative ones in a matter of seconds.
How do you know that you’re having negative thoughts? How do you feel? Whenever you feel down, stop and rewind your thoughts. They will definitely be negative. It is very important to acknowledge each negative thought and talk back to it. For instance, you are stuck in traffic. You start moaning about your luck and how unlucky you are.
Talk back: I am not always unlucky. There are many occasions where I have been lucky (count all incidents no matter how trivial or far long back they go). Most likely you will start to feel better to the extent that you have actually forgotten about the traffic jam.
2. Practice gratitude
The next time you are about to complain about your health, do yourself a favour and thank God instead. No matter how severe your condition is, you are probably better off than many others. Make gratitude a daily habit. Have a ‘gratitude slot’ each morning and evening and if you can keep a journal. Count your blessings no matter how trivial they might seem to you including the fact that you are still alive. Gradually, your gratitude habit will get better and better and so will your health.
3. Force yourself to forgive
The inability to forgive is probably the main reason why people do not heal. You might have every reason to be angry but holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die as Buddha says. So do yourself and your health a big favour and force yourself to forgive. It is not going to be easy but it is doable; in fact, it is a must if you are serious about your health and wellbeing. Each person has their own way to forgive and let go but I personally find these tools incredibly powerful: prayer, meditation and Reiki.
With thanks to Thiba Sharaf, a Dubai-based Reiki Master Teacher.
Visit www.reikitouchdubai.com.