Characteristics of Negative Thought Patterns

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Characteristics of Negative Thought Patterns:

• They occur quickly and are automatic.
• They are hard to stop.
• They commonly contain significant bending of truths, false conjectures and typically come about through 'inherited philosophy'. (ie. passed down through family or social learning)
• The individual welcomes processes as acceptable making no effort to question .judgment behind reasoning.
• They are nearly always linked to current situation.
• They may appear excessive to others but the individual sees them as perfectly reasonable.
• The person is usually oblivious of or effects the effect his/her judgments have on life, until they cause crisis.
• Negative thoughts are often prevalent among family and friends.

THE EGO
It's the aspect inside of us all that monitors the Waking Life and how we fit into it. This often becomes grossly distorted and inaccurate. However,

1. being able to work with impartial self-criticism,
2. taking note of the way in which we create fantasies, and
3. developing inner peace of mind

can help us to control the wayward parts of the personality. The human body is literally a microcosm that reflects and contains the entire macrocosm. If one could thoroughly explore one's own body and psyche, this would bring the knowledge of all the phenomenal worlds.

As above, so below.
As without, so within.

The current global crisis is psychological in nature. Thus it is hard to imagine that it can be resolved without a radical inner transformation of humanity and its rise to a higher level of emotional maturity and spiritual awareness.

Thanks for this post, this doesn't seem like the best forum area for this thread though. And what advice do you have for people to rise above negative thought patterns?

the mind is a powerful tool, but most peoples minds control them, they don't control their own mind.

I think an example of a specific negative thought pattern would make this a bit more comprehensible.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hazel

I think an example of a specific negative thought pattern would make this a bit more comprehensible.

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It’s just negative thinking, like “I’m so depressed” or “I hate my job” or “I can’t do this” or “I hate being fat.” It's a bad habit that is entirely in your mind.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by juroara

what advice do you have for people to rise above negative thought patterns?

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There are a few different tactics. Avid self-reflection is key. Recognize the negative thought and replace it with an empowering and positive one. Instead of thinking "I'm stupid" think "I'm brilliant"... More often than not just being AWARE of negative thoughts is helpful. We may not be able to stop all of them but we can catch them before they get too far, and evaluate what triggered the negative response.

Now that you’re aware of it, it’s up to you to ensure that any hint of negativity is purged from your thought process and to avoid imprinting unwelcome thoughts onto our family or friends. Bad moods are infectious, but so are good ones... Remember, you attract what you think about.

Negative thoughts also make our ego feel better. Like "I'm so depressed" makes your ego feel important, as if your depression is really a big problem and you are actually suffering. Not a good example. so, Judging someone makes your ego feel better. Hoping for the worst in someone to manifest makes you feel better for you not living up to your best. Etc...