Most negative thinking isn’t true. So, why let it trouble us?
SCRIPT FOR VIDEO: My [negative] thoughts are based on past experiences and future predictions–all of which have been reinterpreted by my brain in a fictional way . . . really! My brain created this scenario in the future, and it hasn’t even happened. My brain created this thing about the past and has “awfulized” it.
So first, don’t trust a thought. You know, espectially when we’re tense, our thinking is whacked. So the first thing: “Oh, Okay; this thought I’m thinking doesn’t have to be the one I stick with.” Okay?
So, then, 4. The decision: I’m gonna change my thinking. So, when I recognize that my thoughts are based on past experiences, just to give you an example: the Kindle (upload) thing. [I kept failing at it.] I hate failure. You know, I just hate failure
And here’s . . .Underneath each fear and worry is what I call in the book (and it’s a theme throughout) a Whispered Lie: “You’re going to screw up!” “You’re not going to look good!” You know. Or it could be a self-statement: “Oh, man! I’ll never be able to figure this out; I hate technology.” You know, all those lovely helpful things we tell ourselves. (Audience laughs)
So, all the techniques in the book are about dissolving those Whispered Lies so that hope, clarity, and good things can come in.
So, the first one we’re going to try is my favorite; it’s called the Golden Key. And it’s the simplest thing. The premise of all of these is that you have control over what your mind dwells on. You absolutely have a choice. And it’s a minute-by-minute (or sometimes a second-by-second) thing.
So, with the Golden Key, I’m gonna make a decision: Every time I have a negative thought or feeling about something (“Oh! I’m uploading that Kindle file tonight; it’s never gonna work!”), I’m going to gently replace it with a positive thought, or a prayer, or an inspiring image.
So, you get to choose what that is. For me, I’m gonna say, “All is well. Everything is in perfect order.” That’s something that works for me. For you it might be the Serenity Prayer, an image of a rose, um, a light . . . anything that connects you with some source of goodness bigger than your fear. Something that you can tell yourself or focus on that’s bigger than the fear. A source of good.
So think of what that might be for you. . . [The Video ends here; participants practice silently switching their thoughts from the negative to their positive phrase or image]
To read about Emmet Fox’s Golden Key technique, click here.
For more tips, buy 50 Ways to Worry Less Now at Amazon It’s been out for 3 weeks and gotten great reviews! I hope it helps you find peace, clarity, and connection as you free yourself from worry and negative thinking. Best of luck! – Gigi Langer, former “Queen of Worry”
Gigi Langer holds an MA in Psychology and PhD in Psychological Studies in Education from Stanford University. She is a seasoned author and popular speaker who has helped thousands of people improve their lives at home and work. Langer hasn’t had a drug or drink for over 30 years, although she occasionally overindulgeS in Ghirardelli chocolate and historical novels. Gigi lives happily in Michigan with her husband, Peter and her cat, Murphy.
