Choose Optimism

by Cynthia Bischoff | Feb 24, 2019 | Heartliving

Your thoughts create your reality. One of the major problems with unconscious fear is that the brain can be in a state of constant anticipation of negative things. We then focus our attention to look for ways to validate these fears. From an evolutionary perspective, this act was meant to protect us. Fear is the gatekeeper of our comfort zone.

In modern times, these primitive fears keep us bound and are no longer helpful. What is helpful is to begin to think and respond differently, to hold a positive outlook.

The Benefits of Optimism:

• Research shows that optimism leads people to better overall health.
• Optimistic people are generally “luckier,” more successful, and regarded as more appealing.
• Based on the Law of Attraction (Like attracts like), by being optimistic, you will draw positive outcomes to yourself.
• Studies have shown that imagining positive outcomes releases fear.
• The more optimistic you are, the more you create a pattern of response that perpetuates your positive feelings.

Here are some steps to bringing about more positive thinking:

• Recognize what is NOT happening in your life that you would like to have happen.
• Identify what you CAN do to make it happen and focus on that.
• Fear and optimism cannot occupy the same space, so the more optimistic you can be and feel, the less fear you experience.
• Focus on one thing that makes you happy, that you are grateful for, and bring this into your mind whenever you experience a fearful thought.

You may be surprised that small steps toward optimism can bring about big changes.

Let Go And Encourage Change!

by Cynthia Bischoff | Feb 10, 2019 | Heartliving

Is there a personal pattern of behavior or a negative attribute that you desire to change? Here is a “letting go” ritual that may help you to facilitate the release and the change.

• Take some time to engage in a writing activity. Begin by writing down on a sheet of paper what you want to change. Really take some time with this. If you are so inclined, use special ink that helps you to feel creative and connected to the paper.
• Next, on another piece of paper, write down what letting go of the behavior or attribute would look like. How will you look, feel, and interact with others after you have released this behavior? Be specific. What will your “new self” look like?
• Now, take both papers and plan a brief excursion. It may be a simple walk to a favorite place in nature, or it may be a one-hour drive to a special area. On the way there, allow yourself to really focus on how the negative behavior has limited you. Allow yourself to feel the pain and/or fear that is associated with it. Likewise, if the “curse” has also been a blessing, honor that.
• When you arrive at your destination, get comfortable. Take out the two pieces of paper. First read the paper that lists the behaviors or attributes you wish to release and feel the words in your heart. Take your time with this. Now tear the paper into small parts, and then either burn it or wet it so that you witness the transformation of the paper and the words. Feel in your heart the releasing energetically of the old.
• Next look at the paper that reflects what you want to bring into your life. With determination and conscious intent, sign this sheet as a commitment to change and place it carefully in an envelope that you will keep in a special place.

On your return ride home, feel the lightness of your changed self.