Truth, however, the mind won’t accept positive thoughts just on the face of it.
If the mind is full of thoughts, adding thoughts doesn’t always work. If the mind is full of negative thoughts then positive affirmations won’t work because the subconscious mind won’t accept it, it doesn’t believe what sounds untrue.
Positive thoughts land when the mind is prepared. Eventually you can replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts, but when someone with a mind that is unprepared starts to think positive thoughts - if they’ve misunderstood your message - then there’s a danger of Pollyanna thinking or toxic positivity.
Great post, Meredith. You're right, perhaps I misunderstood something, but I read the post and think I've understood it. I can see many reading your post and assuming that good thoughts are positive thoughts. They might conflate the two. Good thoughts aren't always positive. You haven't pointed that out.
There are practices to replace unwanted thoughts. I can't think of a single positive thought that needs replacing, but that's beside your point, because you are focused on
good thoughts, that's clear. Commonly thought replacement practices involve instituting positive thoughts. I was simply pointing out that positive affirmations don't work OOTB. A Pollyanna thought is a positive thought that is not a good thought. I believe that distinction is worth making.
You mention joy, awe, love, lightness, kindness, harmony. They're positive things, aren't they? Even harmony is positive, it's not neutral, like peace, entightened thinking, etc. You've certainly alluded to positive thinking and experiences whether you've specifically mentioned positive thoughts or not. What do you see as the difference between a good thought and a positive thought?
First of all, thank you for taking the time to revisit this. i truly appreciate your perspective and am grateful you raised the question. It’s an important distinction to clarify. And i’m definitely open to continuing the discussion.
Your question: What do you see as the difference between a good thought and a positive thought?
How i see it is: there’s a significant difference between good thinking and positive thinking. Good thoughts are unselfish, while positive thoughts can be self-centred.
Positive thinking is about making yourself feel better about your situation or life. Good thinking, on the other hand, is more spiritual; it shifts the focus away from “me” and toward others. It’s more about generosity, kindness, and what you can contribute in an unselfish way.
I don't think I've don't justice to your question. This definietly requires more work. But this is the gist of it.
i don't know where to start Meredith - i found the whole article so profound, full of light & the truth - i need to print this out and highlight the points i need to follow, all & NOW, thankyou so much as always-it also contains two of my favourite words, sanskrit and satsang - thankyou for sharing the meaning - i need to make more time to train my mind towards living as described in your article:_) Thankyou Again thru Peace & Lovexx
Thanks for sharing ❤️
Everything starts with our mind
Truth, however, the mind won’t accept positive thoughts just on the face of it.
If the mind is full of thoughts, adding thoughts doesn’t always work. If the mind is full of negative thoughts then positive affirmations won’t work because the subconscious mind won’t accept it, it doesn’t believe what sounds untrue.
Positive thoughts land when the mind is prepared. Eventually you can replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts, but when someone with a mind that is unprepared starts to think positive thoughts - if they’ve misunderstood your message - then there’s a danger of Pollyanna thinking or toxic positivity.
i think there's been a misunderstanding. i haven't mentioned positive thinking at all in this post.
Great post, Meredith. You're right, perhaps I misunderstood something, but I read the post and think I've understood it. I can see many reading your post and assuming that good thoughts are positive thoughts. They might conflate the two. Good thoughts aren't always positive. You haven't pointed that out.
There are practices to replace unwanted thoughts. I can't think of a single positive thought that needs replacing, but that's beside your point, because you are focused on
good thoughts, that's clear. Commonly thought replacement practices involve instituting positive thoughts. I was simply pointing out that positive affirmations don't work OOTB. A Pollyanna thought is a positive thought that is not a good thought. I believe that distinction is worth making.
You mention joy, awe, love, lightness, kindness, harmony. They're positive things, aren't they? Even harmony is positive, it's not neutral, like peace, entightened thinking, etc. You've certainly alluded to positive thinking and experiences whether you've specifically mentioned positive thoughts or not. What do you see as the difference between a good thought and a positive thought?
First of all, thank you for taking the time to revisit this. i truly appreciate your perspective and am grateful you raised the question. It’s an important distinction to clarify. And i’m definitely open to continuing the discussion.
Your question: What do you see as the difference between a good thought and a positive thought?
How i see it is: there’s a significant difference between good thinking and positive thinking. Good thoughts are unselfish, while positive thoughts can be self-centred.
Positive thinking is about making yourself feel better about your situation or life. Good thinking, on the other hand, is more spiritual; it shifts the focus away from “me” and toward others. It’s more about generosity, kindness, and what you can contribute in an unselfish way.
I don't think I've don't justice to your question. This definietly requires more work. But this is the gist of it.
i don't know where to start Meredith - i found the whole article so profound, full of light & the truth - i need to print this out and highlight the points i need to follow, all & NOW, thankyou so much as always-it also contains two of my favourite words, sanskrit and satsang - thankyou for sharing the meaning - i need to make more time to train my mind towards living as described in your article:_) Thankyou Again thru Peace & Lovexx
Always a joy to read your response Amilia. And wow, 'profound' is a big word, thank you. I also love Sanskrit and Satsang. All the best to you Amilia.
Love
Meredith
Profound is the right word-knowledge, understanding, insight, depth & more:_)
If I ever manage to go on a speaking tour, you're coming with me.
I insist.
That's sweet Joe.
I liked this piece. Love the tone. Love the material. Not preachy. Just great information
Thanks Joe. Don’t want to ever sound preachy. Just want to share practical knowledge that people can apply for positive change.
Absolutely truth! Great piece and it deeply resonates with me. 🙏🏻