The process that has worked best for me goes something like this:
- Find things that bring me joy to do or think about (gardening, art, cats, nature)
- Do them as often as I can
- When I can't do them, think of doing them - imagine and envision it as richly as I can
- Note what does not bring me joy (thinking about MCS stuff, limitations)
- Refrain from doing or thinking about it whenever possible
- When I notice myself thinking about something that doesn't bring me joy, STOP
- ... and consciously choose to think about (or better yet do) one of the things that does bring me joy
This may seem extremely simplistic or sound like those irritating people who tell us to 'think positive' but it has done wonders for me on my healing journey.
There is a real mind/body connection - and not in a 'new-agey' sense.
When we do things that feed our joy, a whole bunch of positive things happen physiologically in our bodies - making them much more able to heal or deal with stressors, exposures etc.
When we feed our pain, a whole bunch of negative things happen in the body - encouraging illness.
I have read that when we simply think of doing something, similar things happen in the brain and body. So if we cannot actually DO the things that bring us joy, merely thinking of doing them can have wonderful physical effects - not to mention the great effect on our mood!
A critical part of Shifting Focus is avoiding thoughts that have what I call 'negative hooks'.
I have written more about this, including some more detailed instructions, in this post: Technique to Tap the Healing Power of Love
I'd love to hear what brings you joy to do or think of!
Please feel free to share in the comments area.
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