Friday, May 25, 2007

You Tube

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I have been utilizing YouTube a lot the past couple of weeks. I am amazed at the wealth of videos that promote affirmative thought. I ran across a really great series of videos this morning and wanted to share it with you. The woman who teaches in this series refers to a concept of Negative Prayer. That is, when you are thinking thoughts that don't serve you or your higher purpose it is like negative prayer. When you dwell on the things you don't want, it's just like praying for those things. Somehow that really hit home with me and I thought that perhaps it would with you as well. The first video in the series can be found here. Sometimes you have to do a little playing around to find the next video. There are seven in this series and then she has an additional newer video. Her website is really great, too.

It's amazing to me that we have so many thoughts. Since becoming aware of my thoughts, I have actually been challenged often in trying to pin one down. It's no wonder people turn to anti-anxiety medication or anti-depressants. It's no wonder that people go from drug to drug, from person to person, from activity to activity, from bar to bar, from church to church, from material thing to material thing (am I leaving anything out?) trying to find the one that works. It is difficult to heal when we can't isolate the thought that is producing the feeling; the feeling that we try to numb with our latest distraction.

Often we try to change our feelings when, I think, what we really need to change is our thought. But that requires that we know what our thoughts are. From there, we can determine which thoughts are leading us in the direction of our dreams and goals and which are hindering us.

Now that I am in the habit of monitoring my thoughts and feelings, rather than just reacting to them reflexively, I am aware of a pattern in my life. I am aware of how a recurring thought has affected so many of my decisions. I wasn't necessarily always aware of the thought but it produced feelings that I reacted to and, for better or worse, I made decisions based on those feelings. Often for the worse.

It can be painful to face these thoughts at first. It can be challenging to let go of them and begin to think in a new way. But I am finding that it is also very rewarding.

I am finding that every time I am feeling stuck in a concept and am not sure where to go from there, another teacher or book or friend comes along with just what I needed to hear and I continue on my journey.

My prayer is that as I am helped along my journey, I will in turn help others. That is my desire and what I intend.

If I were asked to name my life's goal, that would be it. I am at the beginning; learning. The learning is a joy. The thought of helping others learn is a joy.

It seems to me that it's what life is all about.

I learn so much from all of you. This is the most giving and supportive community that I have ever been a part of. I am grateful to and for you.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gotta say Froggy, you have always been and always will be sooo wonderfully supportive and helpful. :) What a wonderful post!
*HUGS*

KaiBlue said...

What a lovely post Lisa. I think it's wonderful that you list love of learning as a goal. :)
Im going to visit the site later as I am pressed for time today and want to enjoy it.
I think my goal is peace and kindness. :) Kai.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the link, a little later I'll have to check it out - I want to follow up a link that I got from a radio program I heard last night, sort of on a similar train of thought, a little heavy - but it was thought-provoking - about how we sometimes limit ourselves in our prayers by being specific instead of just praying for the best possible outcome and leaving it up to God to decide what that might be...

Thanks for another thought-provoking post, Lisa. XP

Anonymous said...

Aack! That came out all wrong I shouldn't try to type and talk on the phone at the same time - what I meant was - I want to check out BOTH your link and the other one later on, cause they seem to have some ideas I need to think about more...
slinking off to a corner now to think about thinking before typing or saying...except oops I don't have time for that either! I need to get off this computer and get some errands done!!!
XO

Dot said...

I am enjoying catching up with your blog and your thoughts Lisa. I may not visit as often as I used to but you are ALWAYS in my thoughts.

So much of what you have written resonates with me. Like you I have become so much more aware of my thoughts. And can see that past negative thoughts have played a big part in certain things happening in my life.

There is freedom in becoming aware of your thoughts isn't there? You sound like you are on a wonderful journey of knowledge and learning.

Thankyou for sharing your findings along the way. You are very generous and thoughtful (and loving).

I appreciate you popping over to my blog and I loved reading your comment today. I thought Michael Beckwith might resonate with you too.

Much love

Dotee xoxo

Gill said...

You said it. Thanks a lot Lisa.
Giving negative thoughts our attention only draws them nearer!!!!
xo
Blue