This one takes a bit of pratice, but you can get the benefit from it even if you succeed just a little bit. Because hapiness is an inside job, and because it has shown that we are constantly spending either positive or negative predominately positive thoughts. Therefore, to be happier, we need to learn to increase the number of positive thoughts and decrease the negative ones.
For today, count the number of negative and positive thoughts you have in ten minutes. The trick is to notice
yourself thinking; so much of this below the level of consciousness. But the more you intend to notice, the more you will notice. It's easier to do when nothing else is going on. So sit down quitely and notice where your mind goes. Does it beat you up for forgetting to notice your thinking? Does it habitually go toward gloomy possibilities?
Doing this was very powerful for me. I realize that in ten minutes, I had only negative thoughts-castigating myself, worrying about the future turning out badly. I did not think one positive thing! If your mind is deeply grooved in negativity, it won't go away overnight. What I've learned to do is that when I notice myself looking on the dark side, I constantly think positive thoughts as well to counteract it. You'll find, in all cases, that if you ignore or dismiss a negative thought that fills your mind, a more peaceful feeling is only a moment away. And, in a more peaceful state of mind, your wisdom and common sense will tell you what to do. This strategy takes practice but is well worth the effort.
