Shakespeare wrote, "To thine own self be true." Those words ring accurately today, as it is only through knowing ourselves that we can embrace life.
Thoughts are powerful, and they dictate how we perceive situations, react to events and enjoy our day. Identifying our own thought patterns, then, is essential in finding happiness.
Do Thoughts Really Impact My Life?
The self-fulfilling prophecy was brought to the forefront of psychology and communication by Robert K. Merton. Merton argued that a false perception encourages new behaviors that reinforce the original false thought. Consequently, someone who believes themselves to be socially adept may act more vibrantly at social gatherings than they would normally.
This is only one theory among many, but it demonstrates the effect thought patterns have on our attitudes and actions.
Other research in mindfulness further supports this perception. Mindfulness is the ability to focus on present thoughts, which allows individuals to identify negative patterns and adjust accordingly. When done repetitively, this shifts attention and behaviors in a positive direction and changes the brain's physical makeup.
How to Practice Mindfulness
Learning mindfulness requires patience, diligence and practice. The best way to start is to meditate for 10 to 15 minutes per day. During that time, focus only on the present. Gently push away distracting thoughts, and keep fiction and non-fiction firmly separated.
Slowly increase your meditation times, and you will find that you will learn to be in the moment throughout most of the day. As you develop this skill, remind yourself to pay attention to the present rather than past mistakes or negativity.
How Mindfulness Leads to Happiness
Eventually, the brain physically changes to accommodate new thinking. Rather than circling around negative thoughts, those who are mindful acknowledge reality and move on to the present.
The health benefits are enormous because the practice encourages positive thoughts and lessens anxiety and stress, two factors that almost all professionals agree cause a myriad of health issues.
Individuals feel better about themselves and the world, but they will also become physically and emotionally healthier.
Further, mindfulness directly influences appreciation. Through mindfulness, we come to appreciate small things we overlooked.
A Little Help Goes a Long Way
Life contains devastating moments that may make it difficult to change our thought patterns and foster mindfulness. Each day, hundreds of people are in car accidents that leave them with serious injuries. The results can be lifelong, and adjustments are often difficult to overcome.
By surrounding ourselves with individuals who will help us on our journey and by focusing on mindfulness, even these obstacles can be circumvented.
If you've suffered a work or personal injury that had profound impacts on your life, know that the team at Sevenish Law Firm understands your pain and will work with you to obtain compensation. Part of this process involves closure, positive thinking, and lessened financial duress.
