The thing about thoughts is that they fall into two categories.
The first category is unintentional, unconscious thinking. This is most people’s standard mode of operating. We think whatever pops into our head, and we follow any train of thought that occurs to us. Oftentimes, these thoughts are negative, critical, and judgmental. They damage our happiness. They are repetitive, incessant, nonstop, and often not the best use of our time and mind.
The second kind of thoughts we have are intentional and conscious. For most people, we know these as mantras. We use our minds for this kind of thinking very rarely, maybe 1% of the time. Some people don’t guide their thoughts at all.
Why We Believe Negative Thoughts More
So when we have an intentional thought, when we tell ourselves something to build ourselves up or to help ourselves relax and be present, we often don’t believe these thoughts because they are unfamiliar. They come from our intention, which feels like a stranger.
Meanwhile, those negative, unconscious thoughts that pop into our head out of nowhere, often fear-based, feel familiar. These are our usual thoughts, our usual mindset, the ones we’ve grown used to and rely upon. The ego creates this fear that we need them.
The ego wants to feel large and important. But in doing so, we also make ourselves more vulnerable. The bigger the ego, the bigger the target we place on ourselves, one that gets hurt and deflated by even the smallest criticism.
But the truth is, we don’t need that ego. We can trust ourselves. In each moment, we can know the wise action. We can know the right choice.
Rewiring the Mind: The POT Meditation (Positive Thinking)
What we have to do is bring this new mode of thinking into our subconscious, to make intentional, conscious thinking second nature. To turn it into a habit. So that those negative, critical, judgmental thoughts become unfamiliar, and we no longer automatically believe them.
The way we do that is through a very powerful meditation that I call the POT meditation. “P-O-T” stands for Positive Thinking. It is a positive thinking meditation.
The way we practice it is similar to a normal meditation. Whether we are focusing on the breath or a mantra, after a few minutes of letting the body and mind settle, we begin to intentionally think positive thoughts.
These are not delusional thoughts. We are not lying to ourselves or engaging in wishful thinking, which only widens the gap between reality and what we want. These are grounded, true positive thoughts that help us build the habit of seeing the positive in our daily life.
They help us look on the bright side naturally, so that our attention begins to rest more on positivity and love.
These thoughts can be:
“I am achieving my dreams.”
“I am reaching my goals.”
“I am becoming better today than I was yesterday.”
“People love me.”
As you look at these statements, they are all true in some way. Even if it feels like no one loves you, I love you. And in every moment, we are moving closer to our destiny, to our potential. There is no going backwards, only progress, change, and lessons.
So give this a try.
Notice how the unconscious, egoic mind slips in and says, “No, people don’t love me,” or “I’m not achieving my goals.” Watch how it reacts, how it tries to interrupt.
Become aware of what triggers that egoic energy. See how it tries to hijack your mind away from your higher intention, your highest self.
Then gently repeat the positive thought again, silently. And continue.
Keep noticing the nature of that unconscious mind. Over time, you will see a shift.
Throughout your day and your life, choosing to focus on the positive, choosing where to place your attention, can begin to open your life to greater possibilities.
Understanding these ideas is one thing, but experiencing them is where the real shift happens. If you’d like a simple way to practice this in your daily life, I’ve put together a short meditation challenge that you can explore here.