Is there something you think way too much about? Maybe a conflicted relationship or just a general assortment of worries?
Yeah, me too. But not nearly as much these days. I found a new trick. Throughout the months I've actually found multiple tricks that have helped ease this problem a little - for example yoga and meditation, which I'll discuss in other posts. But this new one is proving to be really direct and powerful: Listening to recorded affirmations.
Step 1: List out your negative thoughts/beliefs.
Honestly listen to what all those voices are complaining and fretting and obsessing about in your head all day. What are their messages? "I'm getting old too quick." "I'm going to fail at such-and-such project." "So-and-so hates me." "I'm stupid." Or whatever. Write or type out the whole long list.
Step 2: Convert them into affirmations.
This is the fun part! For each negative thought, you get to rewrite it into a statement that supports you. Thus, "I'm getting old too quick," becomes something like "I am grateful and at peace as I mature and grow." Here are three important tips for writing affirmations that I've learned from a life coach and research:
(1) It must ring true for you or your mind will reject it. For example, "I am confident," may not feel true, but "I am growing more confident" could.
(2) Word it simply and clearly so you don't confuse your mind. Be concise.
(3) Use only positive language and topics you want to focus on. For example, "I am not obsessing about my ex," would just make you obsess about your ex more! "I am focused on my goals and self-care. My thoughts are growing more positive and clear," would be more effective.
Step 3: Record your affirmation list.
Use some form of portable audio recorder. Read your list calmly and clearly into it. The more positive you're feeling and your voice sounds, the better. If you want to add more affirmations that come to you as you read, that's great too.
Step 4: Listen to your recording alot.
This is the really fun part. Plug in the headphones and listen to your recording throughout the day. It may feel wierd hearing your own voice at first, but that will pass. Soon it becomes comforting. Instead of hearing your internal voices spinning their broken record of negativity, you literally hear your own voice speaking statements that deeply support you.
I've been listening to my recording while grocery shopping, on the bus, while walking, in bed - everywhere. When I go in businesses with music playing, a musical background is added and it sounds even cooler. With the volume on low enough I can easily multitask - even hold quick conversations, like with cashiers. Sometimes I tune in closely to the recording and sometimes let it fade into half-noticed background noise.
As is probably obvious to people around me by the way my face transforms from fretful to blissed out, this exercise is something that is bringing me great peace. As I listen, the negative thoughts quiet and slow down. Hearing the affirmations starts changing the general tone of my inner dialogue and new positive thoughts and perspectives start popping up - positivity leading to more positivity. Even without the headphones on now I'm noticing my thoughts are getting more in the habit of positivity.
I hope this works well for you too! I'd love to hear about it. :)
