The Power of Our Thoughts

"If we have a positive mental attitude, then even when surrounded by hostility, we shall not lack inner peace. On the other hand, if our mental attitude is more negative, influenced by fear, suspicion, helplessness, or self-loathing, then even when surrounded by our best friends, in a nice atmosphere and comfortable surroundings, we shall not be happy." - The Dalai Lama

Over the past several months many books and other resources have come to me that continue to reinforce my belief in the power of positive thinking.  I was first exposed to cognitive therapy about 22 years ago.  I was experiencing a mild depression that had been going on for about a year.  My therapist recommended using David Burns' book "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy," and I found it extremely useful.

Since then I have been reminded of how our thoughts create our experience in many different ways.  This, of course, is the basis for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which has proven to be effective for the treatment of depression and anxiety. 

The important thing to understand is that any given event is neutral, it is the meaning that we make of the event - what we think about the event - that creates the emotions we feel.  By changing our thoughts, we can change how we feel. 

Taking this a step further, the Law of Attraction says that what we think also creates what manifests in our lives in the future.  For some of you this may feel a little "out there," so another way to look at it is that we draw to us what we focus on.  It is human nature to see the things that support our beliefs, and to be blind to things that do not.  When we change our focus, we change what we see, or notice.

There are several books and resources that have recently found their way to me (as well as some old favorites) and continue to reinforce the power of our thoughts from both a therapy or mental health perspective, as well as a personal an spiritual growth perspective: