Question: How do I handle the unwanted, negative thoughts that pop up without warning?
Response: Yogananda tells us, “You don’t know how powerfully your thoughts work in the ether.” Each thought we think is an energetic thread. What this means is that the thoughts we consistently think become the very fabric of our consciousness, that is, our consistent thoughts determine the quality of our lives. Typically, people who look at life negatively experience less happiness and more depression. Conversely, people who habitually look at life through a hope-filled lens experience more joy, resiliency, and meaning. Wise people learn to mind their minds so that they can consciously influence their moods. I am not suggesting that we drive ourselves mad by trying to control every thought that arises in our minds — but we can practice choosing how we respond to negative, unenlightened thoughts. Similarly, we can choose to read books that elevate our minds. We can choose to break bread with people who orient their lives around the energies of truth, beauty, and goodness. And we can choose those positive and productive behaviors as a way of transforming our minds and our emotional habits. It is not about ignoring our negativity, but orienting ourselves toward God’s light. Yogananda tells us, “You do not realize how great is the power of the mind. When your mind and will are attuned to the Divine Will you do not have to move a finger in order to create changes on earth.”
My Guru, remind me
In every moment
That I have choices.
Then, show me what the choices are.
