Here is something we all need to know: Peace is neurological power; a dynamic state of peace literally builds a powerful brain. Stress, on the other hand, shrinks and damages higher brain networks, inhibiting our potential to succeed at life.
Peace is clearly an internal matter, and so is stress. Both must begin with your own thoughts, and then extend outward. It is from an anxious, worried mind that a stressful perception of the world arises. Equally, it is from your peace of mind that a stress-free experience of life arises.
Here is a proven tool that starts the process of building the dynamically peaceful attitude that builds a great brain:
Practice this throughout the day, until your pattern of stress changes:
1. Be aware of stressful, fearful thoughts, anxiety-provoking situations, “offending” personalities or events, or anything else that provokes in you stressful, unkind, hostile, or pessimistic thoughts. Note them all casually, whenever they occur. Notice the way these thoughts morph into negative emotions that produce a perception of threat.
Initially, as you look at a negative thought or feeling, don’t try to change it. Simply observe it. If you criticize, blame, or condemn yourself for thinking and feeling negatively, simply observe this as another negative thought.
2. Tell yourself: This thought or feeling is in me, not in reality. Take a moment and see the truth in this. Let it sink in.
3. Don’t believe a stressful thought: If you don’t believe an anxious, stressful, pessimistic thought it has no power. It’s just a thought that comes and goes. When you don’t believe a negative thought, it doesn’t turn into stress, anxiety, or depression.
4. Tell yourself: I could see peace instead of this. Repeat this idea to yourself in an unhurried manner, as you watch your perception of the world change.
5. Conclude by remembering that although negative thoughts and feelings are in you, they are not you. They come and go like clouds. But the essence of your being is like the blue sky these clouds travel through and sometimes cover. Let your mind go completely and become the blue sky for a moment.
Here is a Shorter Applications as Needed
Shorter applications of the idea should also be made throughout the day, whenever a fearful thought begins to make inroads on your peace of mind in the form of depression, anxiety or worry, intervene by stating: I can replace my feelings of depression, anxiety, or worry with peace. Repeat the idea until you feel some sense of relief.