3 Ways Mindfulness Can Help with Negative Emotions
“What’s wrong with me?” is a question most of us tend to ask when we experience negative emotions. When we ask ourselves this question, we are perceiving our negative emotions as something “bad” or “wrong.” This perception prevents us from using negative emotions in a positive way; in a way that serves our personal growth. Being negative about negative emotions is my definition of suffering.
The rise of negative emotions in ourselves can be compared to a traffic light turning red: it is a message to us that we need to stop. If we believe that a red light in traffic is something “bad,” it means that we don’t fully understand and appreciate its usefulness. Just imagine the chaos that would result if we were all to choose to ignore the red light’s simple message to us.
In the same way, positive emotions can be compared to a traffic light turning green: it is a message that we need to keep moving on. It would lead to disaster if, alternatively we were to hit the brakes whenever we saw the traffic light turn green.
Instead of shooting the messenger (our negative emotions), I suggest practicing the following three steps when experiencing negativity:
1. Awareness: Become mindful of the present moment.
The foundation of yoga is awareness. Whatever it is that we are doing, if we are not doing it with awareness it is not true yoga. Awareness, in the context of experiencing negative emotions, means observing that we are experiencing negativity without getting dragged along by it. Emotions are a powerful force that can sweep us away, and if the emotions we are experiencing are stronger than our current ability to return to the present moment, we can practice these three steps at a later time when the mind has become calmer. We practice mindfulness by bringing back the memory of the event that triggered our negative emotion. By practicing at a later time, we can start to train ourselves to be mindful when experiencing strong emotions.
2. Contemplation: Coming to an understanding of the source of our negative emotions.
Contemplation means engaging in a pleasant self-dialogue. When I say this, I literally mean that we will need to have a conversation with ourselves. In this dialogue, we will assume the role of somebody who is listening to a friend in need. We ask questions when we don’t understand that friend; we don’t assume the role of somebody who is ready to give advice and judgments.
There are two important questions we should ask ourselves in this dialogue, they are: “what is it that I really need?” and “how can I give myself what I really need?” When we ask these questions to ourselves, we need to remember that yoga is the practice of non-attachment. One meaning of “non-attachment” is to be independent of anything or anyone outside of us for our happiness and fulfillment. If, for example, we hear as an answer to the first question “I need my boss to show me some respect and acknowledge my work,” it means that we are dependent on our boss for “respect” and “acknowledgment.” Instead, try saying “I need respect and acknowledgment,” and then, in answer to the second question, ask yourself: “how can I give myself the respect and acknowledgment I need?” The answer to such a question will come from within.
3. Practice: Readjusting our mind, actions and speech to the insights gained in the previous steps.
Practice means following the insights that we have gained through our contemplation. Not following these insights is like having a cookbook but never actually cooking any recipe from it. The recipe book soon only becomes a burden.
These three steps have been, and still are, helping me to gain a deeper understanding of myself. It is my hope that they can do the same for you.
About the Author
How Breathing, Yoga and Positive Thinking Can Increase Intelligence
First let’s define what it means to be smart.
There currently isn’t a universal way to measure intelligence. Some people use the standard benchmarks, for example, test scores and grade point averages to determine intelligence; however, such variables have proven inconsistent and biased. High scores can mainly be a result of studying for hours and hours. In our current educational system, these tests are sometimes a better indicator of a capacity to remember versus understand.
Although there seem to be several controversies in the field of measuring intelligence–some individuals take test scores as evidence that a person is “smart,” while others prefer to look at problem solving abilities–nearly everyone accepts that a well-developed brain promotes intelligence. But in the field of alternative therapy, where humans are studied from the perspective of their energy field and the chakras, intelligence has a clear indication which is actually measurable.
The human body is basically made up of two parts: the visible physical body and the invisible physical body, also known as the energy body or aura. In the energy body there exist energy channels and energy centers, called the chakras. Chakras are like power plants that are responsible for the proper functioning of different organs in the body. Every chakra is basically in charge of regulating and controlling certain vital internal organs.
The upper chakras, in this case including the Ajna (third eye); forehead; crown and back head, energize the whole head including the pituitary and pineal glands, and the brain. This means that in order for the brain to work at an optimal level, the upper chakras should be strong and activated.
Chakras also have psychological functions. The throat and third eye chakras, in this case, are believed to be the focal points for detailed thinking, abstract thinking and creativity. This implies that the healthier and stronger the human chakras, particularly the upper ones, the more intelligent the individual.
Here are four simple practices which can actually increase your intelligence:
- Combine Physical and Breathing Exercise
Body and mind are somehow connected to one another. Therefore, to have a sharp and intelligent mind, we need to have a healthy physical body. Regular physical exercises not only detoxifies the body from used up energies, toxins and waste materials, but it also helps to increase the blood and energy circulation. The effect is a healthier and stronger physical body.
Breathing exercises in yogic systems are known as pranayama, meaning extension of breath or life. These exercises refer to various rhythmic breathing techniques that are normally practiced as a part of one’s spiritual practice. In such techniques, abdominal versus chest breathing is often used, as it has cleansing and purifying effects on the chakras. This includes the solar plexus chakra. It also increases the energy levels in the body.
Breathing exercises in this case, because of their specific rhythmic pattern, help in relieving stress and calming emotions. The effect is more clarity, sharpness and awareness. Increased energy circulation in the body also improves the energy levels of the brain, therefore improving its various functions.
- Meditate
Meditation in general helps to calm emotions and clear thoughts. It increases both the clarity and sharpness of the mind. Based on research done using GDV and Kirlian cameras, meditation has been proven as an effective habit for cleansing the energy body and balancing the chakras.
Meditation is a very powerful technique that can flush out the clouds of unfavorable thoughts and emotions by bringing down tremendous amounts of divine energy to the system. It further activates the human energy centers, including the heart and the crown chakra, and in return improves both intuition and intellect. Meditation can create positive effects on the brain and nervous system by improving memory, focus and clarity.
- Think Positive
The more positive, blissful and happy we are, the more sharp and alert we become. Positive feelings nourish the soul. Negative emotions and thoughts clog the aura and contaminate our chakras, which in return clouds our perception and distracts our attention. Positive thoughts and emotions create a soothing and calming effect on the mind and body.
Have you noticed that whenever we are positive, our minds get clearer and our attention gets focused? We even become more productive. In order to think clearly and become smarter, it is very important to regulate emotions and think positive thoughts.
- Build Stronger Chakras
Certain chakras are basically gateways to greater levels of intelligence and intuition. When these chakras are activated and made stronger, our intelligence levels increase. The upper chakras that control and energize the brain have a direct influence on the brains ability to function.
There are many techniques, meditations and healing systems that can help us to achieve bigger and stronger chakras, including Pranic Healing, Reiki, Qigong and yoga. Such systems introduce simple yet very effective techniques for cleansing, energizing and strengthening the human chakras.
Consciously practicing these tips will improve functionality and intelligence.
