POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING
                          Neetika Seth
                 Psychologist, AmityCARE

You are what you think!

How true is the above statement? It's very easy to say it to anybody who is feeling low or who is stuck up in a situation to “think positive” but how many of us actually think positive?

Most of us feel that it's just a philosophy and obviously no magic is going to happen if we think positive. Some think that yeah it works for some lucky people, but very few realize that it can work wonderfully for all of us. Yes, that's true for all of us.

The mind, as we all know, is very powerful. Whatever we feed our mind, it manifests the same. The theory goes that our bodies almost listen to our thoughts and whatever we think about ourselves, the body responds and manifests the same . The mechanism goes like this a positive stimulus or a positive action in the brain will create a positive reality. Positive thinking helps release endorphins into the system which improves health and creates a happy outlook.

According to the academic definition positive thinking is the process of creating thoughts that focus energy into reality. Each person possesses the ability to focus this energy and to pull through any difficult situation. The mind works on the information we give it, hence positive thinking leads to positive reality. This is the reason how people survive after a terrible accident; one feels motivated to study after failing an exam; after getting betrayed by your best friend one makes new friends.

Positive thinking is a way of looking at the brighter side of life. If you think that you are going to pass an exam, you are going to pass; if you think you will look smart and confident then you will look smart; if you think you will get promoted at work, then you will get promoted. And if all these thoughts sink into your system, you'll see that you wouldn't be far from happiness. The mind is like a computer; hence we can program it with whatever we want to happen.

As rightly said, by Mrs. Kamlesh Gupta (PGT English), “Positive thinking is a state of mind and one can remain happy only if he has a positive frame of mind. There are many ups and downs in everybody's life but we should realize that whatever happens, it happens according to God's will. It not only affects us but also has a positive influence on others. It is necessary to think positive to achieve greater heights in life.”

A few benefits of positive thinking are increased patience, good concentration, improved communication skills, confidence and high self-esteem.

We, individuals think in two ways: Positive and negative. Both are contagious as all of us get influenced, in one way or another, by the people we meet. This happens instinctively and on a subconscious level, through our verbal and non verbal communication. Everyone wants to be with positive people and shun negative ones.

Positive thinking gives us a chance to delve into the beauty of our inner qualities and hence thrive in positive atmospheres. We all can recall how happy we used to be on receiving gold and silver stars, we used to feel out of this world when our efforts were noticed. . This brings brightness to the eyes, more energy and happiness. We walk and talk more confidentially. Our body language shows the way we feel inside.

We can say that a positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation whereas negative thoughts and attitude brings failure, frustration and disappointment.

When the mind is negative, poisons are released into the blood, which cause more unhappiness and negative thoughts.

This tool is a miracle if used properly. We have to regularly think positive - to the point where it becomes a habit. We should also understand that some affirmations take some time to take effect. It really depends on where we are and what we want to accomplish. For example, if you're studying right now and you dream of becoming Ambani, it will take quite some time. You have to choose a career first, then get a good job, and from there, start making the big money you want. Success does not happen overnight. So, if we are on the right track, and we focus on our goal soon we will be able to make our dreams come true. Along with this if we possess the right attitude then success won't be too far.

Tips to think positive:

• Before starting with any new plan or action, visualize its success
• Associate yourself with people who think positively.
• Accompany your thoughts with feelings of happiness, strength and success.
• Do not pay attention to negative thoughts.
• Substitute negative thoughts with constructive happy thoughts.
• Get into positive self talk. Use words such as, I can, I am able, it is possible, it can be done, etc.
• Laughter is a powerful mood elevator. Laugh and find humour in the simplest of things.
• Exercising and eating right also helps develop positive mood and attitude
• Reconnect with old friends, listen to your favorite music, enjoy a long, relaxing bath, read a great book, Help someone out in short, find your own way of relaxation
  

So, we can truly say that the human mind has the power to turn wishes into reality through optimism.