Anyone up for a visualization/meditation experiment?

[TeriDoodle]

You know, it's time that I practice what I believe in. And I believe that the mind has incredible power over our bodies...that we CREATE reality with our thoughts.

Have you been creating a body that is resistant to weight loss by self-limiting and defeating thoughts such as, "I'll never be thin" or "I just can't do this" or "I'll be fat forever"?

How many times a day do you hear yourself say things like that?

It's time to turn those thoughts around.

Would anyone like to join me in a commitment to a meditative experiment? Commit to a 20-30 minute meditation every day or several smaller mediations where you quiet your mind and focus on loving your body and giving it permission to let go of the fat?

If you don't have any experience in meditation, it's not a problem at all.... it's easy with a little practice. The biggest challenge for most people is finding the 20-30 mins. of quiet time. It's best done in the morning, but anytime....even 5 minutes....of positive reinforcement and visualization is better than nothing.

If you're not up to this task, at least do this favor for yourself: Pay attention to your thoughts every day. LISTEN to how many times you say negative things about yourself to yourself. When you catch those thoughts...turn them around IMMEDIATELY and make a negative statement into a positive one. Such as:
"I'll never lose this weight"...changes into "I WILL succeed in attaining a healthy weight". "I just can't do this"....changes into "Low-carb eating is effortless, natural and healthy"

Anyway............who's in?

[suze_c]

:wave: That's not a wave this time.... that is a I'm-holding-up-my-hand-so-count-me-in thing! :lol: Teri, you know I am into metaphysics, and this sort of thing is what intrigues me... altho I truly doubt I will be able to find a 30 minute block free... I can "mini-meditate" so to speak~ Another thing that I might interject here, is that your idea of using the positive feedback is great.They are also called affirmations and they can be repeated throughout the day, also in meditations, it is basically stating what it is that you want to accomplish in positive terms... They are definitely a helper in changing those negative mind tapes... Too bad we all couldn't get together for this meditation at the same time... focus not only on our own journey and it's success, but for the success of others joining in as well..... wow... think of how powerful that would be!!!!~

[Sandylee]

I'm interested. Count me in!!! I find myself sometimes being very negative in general, and sure could use a good dose of Positive Mental Attitude.

Thanks, Teri, great idea :)

[TeriDoodle]

ha!! Suze, I knew you'd be the first one here!! LOL

Sandy, I'm glad you're on board, too!!! :D

Ok, over the next couple of days I'll get some instrux on "how to meditate and visualize" and a list of affirmations. Suze, please feel free to gather some together, too. Watch this thread for further developments!

[DarkLotus]

Count me in too. I try to think positive while I'm on my treadmill, instead of zoning out to help the time pass, I envision how I am changing myself and how my life is getting better because of it. I even visualize getting in good enough shape to get the courage to do kickboxing! :D

Tips and techniques to make positive thinking/affirmations more effective would be great. It amazes me how much mind set affects how you feel in this WOL as well as everything in general. I'm learning the hard way that changing your attitude towards things makes them so much easier and attainable.

[suze_c]

Teri, I will work on some affirmations, and get out my materials on meditation... This happens to be my forte as a metaphysical counselor... to help ppl to work on their affirmations, and change the negative self talk into positive talk... What many do not realize, is that like attracts like... i.e., positive=positive, negative-negative... by changing the self talk to a positive thing, you are not only benefitting your way of eating, but also are succeeding in "drawing in" more positiveness into your life!~ Teri... we must be on the same wavelength on this... because I was thinking something along similiar lines... you just beat me to it :) Let me get out my meta-journals though... and check out some stuff on meditations... there are various kinds that can be implemented, depending on time factors.. so I will get something wrote up, and put in my two cents worth on it~ Ciao for now~ :wave:

[DDMariana]

Hi Teri and Suze...

Yes, I would like to be in on the positive affirmation part, and will try to do some "mini-meditating" throughout the day. Yes, it's the quiet time for myself that's the hardest - like most people.

I am curious to see more that you guys have to write about...will tune in again.

Hey, I was two pounds down today --- just thought I'd throw that in.

:wave:

[Lessara]

Nice seeing you again :)

I would like to try this experiement as well. I'm learning to do meditate for help against my anxiety and now I have a new mantra to use. "I believe in myself, and I believe I can lose my extra weight"
Great Idea :thup:

[scorpio]

Hi all

I've not been around for a while but have decided to get back into this WOE (I think) maybe going to ask for a little advice about which plan.
However your thread really struck a chord as I realise my weight has increased dramatically over the past few months - and during this time I have been surrounded by negativity and have not taken time out for myself, for meditation or yoga. I am or try to be a positive person - I believe strongly in the power of positive thinking but I'm aware that being surrounded by negativity drains me emotionally and physically.
Sorry to go on - Bit I'm really interested in joining you all - coincidently on the drive home from work I was thinking about finding a course on meditation - so that I would at least have a class to go to so I would have to commit - but if we keep in touch and check with each other - that would be great !!! Hopefully we can offer inspiration and support and if not lose weight then at least have a more positive perspection on it.

Hope to hear from you all

Scorpio :wave:

[TeriDoodle]

I'd suggest that we all "subscribe" to this thread as I'm sure in the coming days we'll be posting some great affirmations, meditations, suggestions, websites, etc. I can't wait to get started!! :D

[suze_c]

I have located my materials on meditations, and will be working on an article in WORD on it... depending on how it goes around here, i.e., with the kids & hubby,household stuff yadda yadda yadda... I anticipate posting the article by tomorrow (Friday) evening... I will also work on various affirmations, and also some information about how to do your own affirmations, for those who might want something more personalized. I would have worked on it this afternoon, but I got caught up in researching the differences between ketosis and ketoacidosis! :lol: I also am looking forward to this thread moving on, and hope that more join us on our *vision quest*

[TeriDoodle]

That's great Suze!!! I appreciate all that work!! I'll do some research on the web for some good sites, too.... ok? :thup:

[suze_c]

That's a good idea, because the article that I am going to be doing is from the materials that I have at hand, and the affirmations written in the style that I learned, and have written in for others who wanted affirmations. There are also soooooo many ways to do meditations, and what doesn't work for one, might work for another. As far as doing the affirmations, and the meditation,it is an easy thing to do... so no one get scared off thinking it is all mumbo-jumbo... It has to do with the thought processes and also what we say... there is great power in our thoughts and words, and people do not often realize how much strength they give to negativity by what they say and how they think. We are going to change that tho~ by letting you in on how all of it works~ hope y'all join us~ :thup: oh just a thought to add here... There are some who do not think it is "Christian" to do this... and I submit this to ponder... isn't the act of prayer an affirmation? And also a form of meditation?

[TriciaW]

Great idea! Traditionally, I am so hard on myself. A concerted effort towards positive meditation can only help. This directly works towards my latest self-improvement focus which is improving my love of self. I wince as I type this because it sounds corny, but self-love has been lacking my whole life. I will stay tuned.....

[melissa07]

I definitely believe in the power of the mind over the body, so I'd love to hear more! I have never meditated and I have found that I have been a little hard on myself lately, so would love to try for a more positive outlook.

Great idea! :D

[suze_c]

Teri... I thought of a great name for this thread... the *Visualize to a Smaller Size* thread!! Whatcha think? Kinda catchy eh? I think I am going to add a link to my signature to it~ and see how many we can get over here! :)

[TeriDoodle]

Suze... I love your idea!! Go for it!!

***************

Ok folks, now bear with us if you already know all this stuff....but there's probably many who don't know as much and need some background information and food for thought!! Here's a couple of articles to get the mental juices flowing. Stay tuned to the thread, though, as I'm sure Suze will have much more about using affirmations, visualization and meditation.... but this will get you started!

And by the way, I have seen several examples of people making extremely powerful changes in their lives through these techiques... you just have to "change your mind"!!

*****************
Here’s a great overview of visualization and the power it can have in our lives (with some material directly relating to weight loss) from www.pumpuii.com (http://www.pumpuii.com) :
The Mind : Gateway to Health No one will argue that the mind is the master of the body, but few realize just how much influence the mind really has on our health and overall well-being. So powerful is the mind on the mechanizations of the body that during any scientific drug research conducted on human volunteers, a "placebo group" is always established so that the researchers may remove "the power of the mind" from the result data (a placebo is something given to the subject that has no medical value, but the subject is told that it does). Hypnosis has been shown to aid in the overcoming of addictions and diseases. In the most extreme cases, through the power of belief alone, even the most incurable diseases have been cured, and feats bordering on the supernatural have been accomplished.
We’re not going to deal with the far reaching powers of the mind here, however. I simply wanted to establish that the mind DOES in fact exert an incredible degree of influence over our bodies. There are many disciplines that cultivate this mind-over-matter power - tai chi, yoga, chi kung, and more - but that doesn’t mean that someone who doesn’t have the time (or desire) to enter into monastic study can’t benefit from some simple tips and tricks that ultimately will lead to better health, invigorated energy, creativity and lower stress.

Positive Thought We are far too judgmental of ourselves. We look into the mirror and see someone who isn’t as smart, beautiful, rich, or successful as we want to be, no matter how smart, beautiful, rich or successful we already are. We look outside for sources of love, acceptance and respect - to our friends, our lovers, our parents, our colleagues . . . we feel better when it is found, and lost when it is not. There’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting love, acceptance and respect from others - we are social beings. But the first place we need to look, the place that so few of us look, is not without, it is within. If you can’t accept yourself, love yourself or respect yourself, why should anyone else?
This has more than superficial, "feel-better" importance. All sorts of health problems are associated with depression and stress. Stress happens when we encounter a negative event (actually positive events can create stress as well), or series of events, that we’re unsure how to act or solve. Stress is NOT the event itself, it is our reaction to it. And while we’re talking about stress, I might as well note that stress is not negative - too much stress is. Stressful situations, when dealt with properly, can bring out all kinds of unmanifested ability and creativity. But when we are hit with too much stress, our health, esteem, and mental faculties begin to suffer.
We can’t avoid stress all together, but we can reduce it: first by accepting, loving and respecting ourselves unconditionally. The first encounter with stress occurs when we don’t "live up" to our own expectations. Next, by keeping a positive outlook. If you believe that no matter how bad a situation around you is, you WILL find a way out of it, you feel more at ease. When you are more at ease, you have more energy to spend on FINDING that way out; sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Focus only on one task at a time, doing three things at once means you only have one-third the energy - mental or physical - to spend on each. Not very efficient is it? Frustrating too.
Time Out
When a body builder works out, for example, he exerts his muscles through various exercises. Each phase of an exercise is called a "set" - he may do three or four "sets" of the same exercise, with each set containing (let’s say) ten to fifteen repetitions. After a set, he has a "rest period" to allow his muscles a few moments to ready themselves to doing the next set. These rest periods are calculated to ensure the muscle has enough time to recuperate, while at the same time not having too much time that the muscle "cools down" and loses the maximum effectiveness of the next series of exercises. Like our muscles, our mind should be treated in the same manner.
The big difference between our mind and our muscles is that our minds are RARELY given a rest. We’re constantly thinking, imagining, plotting, calculating, creating, debating, worrying, etc. Even while asleep, we dream. It’s no wonder our society is plagued with stress. We need to rest our minds, so set aside the day’s problems. It won’t make those problems go away, but by setting them aside we give our minds the time it needs to recuperate, so that when we pick those problems back up, we’re more ready to deal with them.
"So, how do we do all this?" you may be asking. There are many ways. Exercise is one. While the body works, the mind rests. We’re focused on DOING, not thinking, or worrying. Just do. The other benefit of exercise (aside from the increased physical fitness) is that exercise releases endorphins in the brain. Endorphin is the chemical that causes pleasure . . . yes, folks, say it with me: "Endorphins are my friend." Hard exercise isn’t the only way though - enjoying a long walk outside, listening to soft music, enjoying a cup of tea . . . almost anything will do. The key is allowing yourself to become lost in the activity and just enjoy the moment. What activities WON’T do? If the activity you’re doing is causing even MORE stress, then it’s not a good stress reliever. The most advanced form of "resting the mind" is through meditation, which we’ll deal with later.

Visualization So you may be thinking, "are self-acceptance and the reduction of stress the only ways my health can benefit?" Do you realize just how many health problems could be overcome, how many lives would be saved, if we all learned to just accept ourselves for who we are and reduce the impact stress has on our lives? Millions of people in the US alone would live a longer and richer life.
But yes, since you asked, there are many other way the power of the mind can be brought to bear on the problems that we encounter. Visualization is one of them. Visualization is a "mental skill" in which you focus your imagination on success over a difficulty in life. Visualization is kind of like "focused positive thinking," but there’s more to it than that. If you can, in your mind, SEE yourself accomplishing something, you are able to bring more energy to bear in making the visualization a reality and invoke all kinds of subconscious changes that your body starts making. Let me try and explain.
Say you wanted to lose some weight. First, VISUALIZE yourself at your target weight - don’t just create a quick image, BURN it into your mind. Fill in every detail you can, so that just by closing your eyes you feel like your looking at a photograph. It’s harder than it sounds, but it doesn’t matter if you actually SUCCEED in creating a super-realistic image in your mind. What matters is that you’re focused on creating it. Next, visualize your body rebuilding itself into your target image - let’s say to visualize a fleet of tiny construction workers inside your body working to remove the soft fatty tissue and strengthen the hard muscle tissue. As silly as it sounds, the more focused your visualization, the more you’ll succeed in focusing your body at working toward your goal. By visualizing your target, you are establishing in your mind that this is what you WILL succeed in achieving. Next, the tiny construction workers are a visual representation of how our body builds and repairs itself. It’s like giving yourself a post hypnotic suggestion - your unconscious mind sees the images that your conscious mind is projecting, then reflexively carries them out. The stronger your visualization, the stronger the effect. It’s useful not only for weight loss, but everything, from fighting the common cold, to quitting smoking, or whatever. Visualization is not the end of accomplishing your goal, but it will HELP you achieve it.

Meditation
First, let me say that there are many types of meditation, and many disciplines that incorporate meditative techniques. Actually, the visualization technique above is one kind of meditation. Many people think that meditation involves strange body positions, mantras, and everything-else-they-saw-on-Kung-Fu. While there are advanced forms of meditation that do employ some of these things, simple meditation does not. ANYONE can learn and cultivate simple meditation skills. What I’m going to provide here are some simple tips that you can use to give your mind a "mental time out." You DON’T have to meditate for hours before you see any impact on your overall health - EVEN FIVE MINUTES A DAY WILL DO.
1. Sit Comfortably - Have good posture, because if you don’t, you’ll get uncomfortable quickly and will want to fidget around. It’s best to find an area where you won’t be disturbed, but this isn’t always possible. Remember, even a few minutes of meditation can benefit you. With practice, even a few seconds of meditation will work to calm and focus your mind.
2. Breathe Deeply - don’t worry about how - they say abdominal breathing is best (breathing by expanding the lower diaphragm instead of the chest) but don’t be overly concerned if you can’t or don’t do it. Just relax and breathe in deep, slow breaths.
3. Relax - easier said than done, I realize. But focus on your deep breathing: lose yourself in it. Other thoughts, worries, etc. will float into your mind, but keep your thoughts on your breathing. Don’t FORCE other thoughts out - that’s like trying to ignore a 6-year-old who wants attention NOW! - but keep bringing your focus back to your breathing. Close your eyes, if you like (you don’t have to).
With practice, you’ll be able to calm your mind and relax quickly. Then you’ll find you’ve boundless more energy and focus to tackle the tasks at hand! You don’t actually have to be sitting to meditate. Standing is good too. Just be sure you’re not driving a vehicle or something that requires your full attention!!!
Our minds are our most valuable asset - treat them right, and they’ll perform beautifully, and allow us to enjoy a fuller, richer and healthier life.

*******************************

Here’s another GREAT article, from www.globalhealthandfitness.com (http://www.globalhealthandfitness.com) :

MIND POWER

Your mind and body are not only connected, they are also locked together. Researchers have known for years that exercise can boost brain power and enhance your creativity. Some researchers even theorize that aerobic exercise suppresses activity in the left hemisphere of your brain, the half that is responsible for logical thought and stimulates the right hemisphere of your brain, that regulates intuition and creativity.

Another part of your brain is the subconscious, which has a powerful impact on each and every area of your life. If you have a negative self image in your subconscious, you probably lack confidence, are overweight and generally unhealthy. You’re probably a procrastinator, you don't exercise, you feel you don't deserve any success, and you're generally unhappy with your life and can never get a lucky break. No matter how much you consciously try to change these images you can't, because they exist in you subconscious mind.

But what if you could change your self image in your subconscious, and gain more confidence, willpower, and determination. Would you make and take the daily adjustments necessary to make these changes? If you could gain control over your thoughts and images and improve your level of physical and emotional well being. . . would you? You feel you have the willpower but you are still unable to create these changes using willpower alone...why? Part of the reason for this is your conscious part of your mind accounts for only 12 percent, the other 88 percent and the most powerful part of your mind is made up of your subconscious.

The subconscious part of your mind, is the part you must use in order to make effective, permanent and positive changes in your life. The way to do this is by self-hypnosis, allowing you to enter your subconscious mind and make these powerful and permanent changes in your life.

There are many ways and books written about self-hypnosis, but the one I like to use is very simple. Find yourself a quite comfortable floor place and sit. Keep your upper body erect, your back flat and bring the soles of your feet together and pull your heels as close to your groin as possible. Rest your palms on the inside of your thighs. Now, breathe in slowly through your nose and hold for ten seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Keep your eyes closed and continue breathing for several minutes. When you feel completely relaxed, start to count backwards from five to zero. It is here that you can start to make positive changes in your subconscious, by making suggestions to yourself.

Some sample suggestions might be;

'I will receive only positive thoughts, that
are beneficial to me. I will reject all
negative thoughts and suggestions. I love
to work out and exercise, and enjoy the
changes that are happening to me and my body.'

'I am a winner and I love being a winner.
My confidence is increasing and I am becoming a better more positive person.'

As you give yourself these suggestions, imagine and visualize these suggestions as if they were real. See yourself making these changes and visualize situations that you may be in and make these positive changes. Visualization is an important technique in the art of self-hypnosis.

When you can imagine yourself exercising, before you actually begin to work out, you get tangible results, build better quality muscle and will find your performance levels will be enhanced. When you visualize your workout, make sure you go over all your sets, including your warm up sets, right on through to your maximum lift attempts, and cool down.

By getting your mind into your muscle, and visualizing the proper technique and movements, this could be the difference between a 70 percent success and a 95 percent success in your workouts. The more vivid your image, the more effective your workout. If you dream of success you will be successful.

Once you've finished your visualization, take a moment to enjoy your state of relaxation. When you are ready to come out, slowly count from zero to five. As you are counting out, you should be telling yourself you are feeling refreshed and filled with new energy.

You should practice this self hypnosis technique about twice a week for your life changing suggestions and for no more than fifteen minutes at a time. You should also use your visualization techniques right before your workout, going over your entire workout before you start to train. It should go without saying but I'm going to say it anyway, you should not practice self hypnosis while driving or doing any other activity that requires your full concentration.

You should also focus on just one or two suggestions per hypnosis session. Trying to concentrate on too many thoughts at once may dilute your results. When you give yourself a suggestion, you should visualize and imagine each suggestion as if it were real. See yourself in the situation you want to become and think positively. Avoid the word try. I will try to become more patient. You should be suggesting, I will become more patient.

Another technique that is effective is a technique called dissociation. It's essentially a form of controlled daydreaming, where you consciously direct your mind away from the task you are doing and onto more pleasant thoughts. Here is how it works. If you are riding a stationary bike, instead of thinking of your heart rate and exertion level and how much you hate what you're doing, think of something else... anything...Think of what you are going to make for dinner and how. Think of the names of Batman villains, you can even read a book. Before you know it, your exercise time will have been completed successfully and you can prepare yourself for the next workout level.

You should approach your weight control with confidence and enthusiasm, and anticipate that you will need time and practice before your lifestyle changes will be your new way of life. Remember old habits do not die easily. When you slip, don't be hard on yourself, and don't give up. Learn from your experiences.

The decision to change your lifestyle to include healthy eating and physical activity is a conscious choice that requires change. It's also natural that while working towards your goals you feel a strong desire to obtains these goals you also simultaneously feel a strong resistance not to obtain your goals.

Up until now you've probably focused on all the negative aspects of being overweight and wondered why you haven't been able to succeed in accomplishing any of your lifestyle changes. One reason for this is that you are comfortable in your old lifestyle and know where all the bumps are.
When you resist change, part of you wants to desperately move forward, yet part of you wants to resist the changes you are trying to achieve.

There are basically two types of self motivators, those that use words like, have to, need to, should and must. This type of person focuses on the negative aspects of lifestyle change and creates a resistance within themselves. The other type of self-motivator uses words like, choose to, plan to, want to and intend to. This person usually embraces change and moves forward in accomplishing their lifestyle changes.

When you choose to open your mind to all the possibilities of change, and see change as a challenge for growth, you will then begin to see options and alternatives where you once saw obstacles and frustrations.

Conventional diets often neglect one of the most important aspects of weight loss and that is the psychological. Remember all actions must first start out as a thought. There is even a recent theory that we are thinking ourselves fat. It comes from the differences between French and North American diets. The French have an obesity rating of about 8% while the North Americans have an obesity rate of 30%. Although the French have a higher Fat content in their diet they eat fewer calories than North American diets. The French view food as good and an enjoyable experience and only 12% would if possible replace eating with a pill. North Americans on the other hand see food as fuel and worry if it’s going to turn up as fat in their body and 26% would take a pill if they could to replace eating. So is it guilt and anxiety towards food that makes us fatter? I personally wouldn’t rule out anything when it comes to the powers of the mind.

In order to bring about a permanent lifestyle change, you first need to set goals, and goals that are specific. Saying you want to get healthier is too generic, you need to be more specific, like you want to increase your strength or aerobic level.

Your next step is to make a realistic plan to accomplish your goals. It's also important to learn from your past and make goal adjustments. Have you tried to obtain this goal before...what worked and what didn't? Once you've made the plan to obtain your goal, how are you going to maintain your goal. These are a few of the questions you must ask yourself. But perhaps the most important question to ask yourself is, why do you want to make these lifestyle changes. Forget what other people say, want and expect from you, why do you want to accomplish these goals. Write down all your reasons why you want to change and keep the list handy. It's good to read it once in awhile to help you stay on track.

Success starts with the setting, and planning of realistic goals, and a realistic weight loss goal to strive for would be to lose no more than 2 pounds per week.

You should also set a definite date for you to achieve your goal and commit yourself to obtain it. Wishing does not make it happen. You have to be committed to making it happen. You must come up with compelling reasons why you want to achieve your goal. You should also feel that success is so important to you that nothing can or will stop you. The idea of failing is so painful in your mind, that you will do whatever is necessary to succeed in achieving your goal. Remember permanent results are only achieved through permanent change.

One of the reasons people fail in making their lifestyle change is that when on their 'diet' they needlessly remove their favourite foods from their meal plans. The result is that they have intense cravings. As the cravings become more intense, the person may go on a binge and consume large amounts of their forbidden foods. This may lead to a self defeating attitude like...well now that I've blown it, I may as well really blow it...and continue to binge. This thinking is really illogical and what you really need to do is just stop the binging, promise yourself that you will do better and move on.

To achieve long term success you must learn to manage your favorite foods and not to avoid them. This unrealistic thinking about binging that I just mentioned is one of the classic problems and reasons why dieters fail. They view the world and dieting as either right or wrong, perfect or terrible, good or bad. When you have a set back and slip on your diet, you tend to beat yourself up for not being perfect. This will probably lead to you increasing your eating in order to soothe your injured feelings and help yourself to feel better.
When you make statements to yourself like 'I will never eat chocolate bars again' or I must exercise every day', you are creating a self defeating situation. By using absolute words like always, must and never, you are setting yourself up to either accept the statement or fail. When you think in absolutes you tend to focus on the slight imperfections and forget about your accomplishments. Instead of saying, 'I will never eat chocolate bars', you may want to say, 'I will eat fewer chocolate bars and if I have one from time to time, it's O.K.'.


Remember to take one day at a time, and if you have a set back, move forward. Forget about yesterday, now is what matters. If you believe in yourself and what you are doing you will succeed.

Mental muscle or mind power, can not only change your physique, it can also play an important role in changing your life. By getting better control over your thoughts and images in your mind, you will soon see the improvements in not only your physical structure but your emotional side as well.

[pbach]

Thanks so much Suze_c and Terridoodle. This is going to help greatly. I'm afraid I often succumb to negative thinking. At least, I'm conscious of it now and sometimes I even catch myself in the act.

[allison74]

The only way I have been able to acheive weight loss is thru affirmations and honestly believeing in my self and trusting myself to follow thru. At the bottom of my post you will see one of my affirmations that I have said a thousand times if I said it once. I have it printed on my recipe folder and I say it in my head all day. I leave no room for negative thoughts. I take time to focus on me and my goals. I am getting my family out of debt as well. I have found that success in one area of my life has led to success in other parts such as finances. I could not have done this WOL if I was bashing myself everyday. That is how I lived before and it only got me in deeper.

Bottom line is to truly find that bit of yourself deep down inside that really does want to be the best it can be and run with it. Once you find it and believe in it, it will grow bigger until that is who you are and you won't even remember the lazy self hating person you used to be.

[cre8tivgrl]

I have used meditation and visualization for years. But I admit I have gotten out of daily practice since the craziness of summer. So this is a great reason to get back into the habit!!

While meditation has always offered me a kind of inner strength, visualization and affirmations are very powerful in changing negative thinking which stops us so often from acheiving our goals. I remember reading a Zig Ziglar book where he talked about feeding positive affirmative thoughts to his kids not only on a daily basis but while they slept as well because he belived the affirmations would meet fewer negative obsticals while the kids were asleep. He would check them before he went to bed and tell them how great they were. How smart, how cute, how capable, how honest... and he really believes that it made a difference. I do too.

I've never been a real negative person but we all catch ourselves at times downtalking. I used to hate saying my affirmations. Not because I didn't believe them but because I thought they sounded corny. But eventually I found some that I loved and that empowered me and began to repeat them. I would write them on note cards and read through them out loud. I still write them in lipstick on my bathroom mirror (as well as my short term goals if they need focus). The one that is most powerful to me and spends the most time on my bathroom mirror is the belief that "I can do this." Great minds must affirm alike, Allison. ;)

Whether it's weight related or paying bills when the money seems tight... I know that I can do it. I can figure it out. And when it's on my mirror and I see it everyday... well, it speaks to whatever challenge I am facing at the moment.

[suze_c]

I had thought that I would be able to finish the article on meditation that I was working on... due to many projects about the house, getting it winterized, and a KaeLyn, who didn't nap today... the article is not finished yet... I want to tell you all about object meditation,... it is focusing on an object, to help clear the mind of anxiety, and other "clutter"... You see once this can be accomplished, it is much easier to focus on your goals... it can be thought of as taming your mind... here is a crappy analogy, but one nonetheless :lol: I know many of you have dogs... do you remember how you first started with training that dog to walk on a leash? It would not listen.. it wanted to go where IT wanted to go, would tug at that leash, and fight it all the way... but then... the dog learned...hey... this person will take me wherever as long as I stay on this thing attached to me... and stop when they want me to, and go when they want me to... it learned that being on task, instead of going all over God's creation, was beneficial when being on this leash... (I told you it was a crappy analogy heheheh) BUT... aren't our minds similiar to that dog wanting to wander? We try to focus on our goals, and a million things pull us in a million different directions... sometimes it seems all at once!! Once we learn that we can go farther, and attend to task, the task being focusing on our goals, and having minimal distractions...Personally, I KNOW of the benefits of meditation... I done what was called candle meditation for a long long time,... and I miss it... I don;t have the time to call my own at this point in time to do that... however, I do mini-meditate, and I will share with you how I do it... Also there is the power of affirmations.
Affirmations can be described as "mini-prayers", for it is in the words that we speak, and in the thoughts that we let go through our heads, that our lives are shaped. We all have mind-tapes, and there is not only material that you-yourself has on them, but also mixed up in the jumble, are the things that others have told you over the years... both good and bad... it does take some practice to implement a more positive mindset when the "tapes" have a lot of negative material on... but take :rheart: it CAN be done... I would like to offer a suggestion to help get started... whenever you notice a negative thought coming into your thoughts... say :stop: , even if you have to say it out loud... and then say I void that thought... I consider it null and void... that's right...cancel the thought!!! THEN replace that thought with something more positive... lets give an example.... let;s say that the thought comes...."I will NEVER lose this weight"... replace that thought with something like "I am losing weight at a rate that is healthy for my body", or "I let go of the excess weight that my body is carrying",or "I am losing any extra weight and am on my way to my healthy weight." THe thing is... WORD IT AS SOMETHING POSITIVE~ USE POSITIVE WORDS, PHRASES.... after all it is for YOU... so what if it sounds hokey to someone else... you are doing this FOR YOU.... got it? Come on now... did ya? Nod your head if you did :agree: ok... :lol: that's better...I hope that this post helped some of you who are coming here to check this thread out... VISUALIZATIONS AND AFFIRMATIONS CAN WORK.... VISUALIZE THEN INTERNALIZE THEN REALIZE!~ :thup:

[TeriDoodle]

Today I tried to pay very close attention to my thoughts and this is what I heard:

"I really shouldn't have this"
"I still look fat"
"I wonder if I'll really ever be able to drop these last few pounds?"
"I doubt I'll ever be a size 10"
"I'll probably gain all the weight back"
"I really need to exercise"
"I wish I could get motivated to lift weights again"

Ugh. Much work to do!!

And I really did consciously affirm several times today that "I am slim, healthy and have abundant energy. My metabolism is strong and burning my excess fat." But I probably only managed one good 5 minute session doing that. Mostly I paid attention to my thoughts and found that there wasn't a whole LOT of negative ones....but even one is too many. I tried my best to stay positive ...and to my surprise it flowed into other aspects of my day, too! I was cheerful and energetic all day! :sunny:

Tomorrow I will focus on choosing which aspect of my weight loss I want to concentrate on in my affirmations over the next few weeks, as it is wise to only pick one or two. Suze - maybe you can help me write a couple of good affirmations when I figure it out.

Possibilities for focus:
- Rejecting negative thoughts (I think this is a must have.... like a basic building block)
- Speeding up metabolism, making it an efficient fat burner
- Choosing healthy foods
- Choosing to exercise regularly
- Reducing appetite; controlling blood sugars (maybe I could make this a part of my metabolism affirmation?)
- choosing to eat less than 1700 cals/day

Hmmm... will have to give this some thought. Want to choose a logical priority.... I guess "rejecting negative thoughts" and "choosing healthy foods" are the best places to start. Once I see some positive changes taking place there, I'll then move on to focusing on less calories and choosing exercise. Then on to the more specific...metabolism, blood sugars, appetite. That seems to make sense.

I think I'll shop around for some tapes too.........

Anyone else take any proactive steps today??

[suze_c]

I Wanted to get my article done & put on here,my time restraints at home tho, I don't always get done what I want to... when I want to... such is life with a 1 y.o. :baby: heheheh... ANYHOW... I wanted to give you a good idea of what affirmations are, so I done some searching, and I think this is a great article about affirmations: It comes from the following; http://www.mjbovo.com/Affirmations.htm

Affirmations are statements of acceptance that one uses to allow the manifestation of your destiny. They are powerful and positive thoughts and statements sent out to the universe. To do positive affirmations, you need to eliminate the negativity around you. You must first believe that YOU CAN manifest your destiny. It must be a positive, powerful belief not just 'maybe I'll try and see if this works". Together with Visualizations, you can create the life you want:

Before You Begin
Decide what area of your life you want to work on and then decide what you want. There are several important points to know about affirmations:
Use the present or past tense. Do not use the future tense. You want your mind to know it has already happened
Be POSITIVE. Use the most positive terms you can. Never use negatives in affirmations.
Write them. As you are learning to do affirmations, write them down so you will remember exactly what you want to say. Keep them short and very specific. Personalize them with your name.
Believe. Always believe that what you are saying is happening. The more you believe, the stronger the affirmation.
Repetition. Being repetive and persisteant helps to set them in your head and in your unconscious being.
Time. Always have a specific time daily set aside for your meditations, affirmations and visualizations. This will help set a pattern for you so you will do them daily...(note:a lot of ppl do them in the morning & evening) HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF AFFIRMATIONS FOR HEALTH:
I have the power to control my health.
I am in control of my health and wellness.
I have abundant energy, vitality and well-being.
I am healthy in all aspects of my being.
I do not fear being unhealthy because I know that I control my own body.
I am always able to maintain my ideal weight.
I am filled with energy to do all the daily activities in my life.
My mind is at peace.
I love and care for my body and it cares for me

I am posting these so that any who are not familiar with affirmations can get a better idea of what they are. I would be happy to help anyone write some up, but there might be areas of a more personal nature, where someone might want to do their own. Any one wanting some help tho, just pm me, and we can work on them together~ :) Thanks for coming here~ and for checking this out~ it works... try it!!!

[cre8tivgrl]

I began yesterday with my affirmations again. Here are the ones related to health and weight.

** I am a healthy 144 pounds. I am active and adventurous. I am able to hike the Grand Canyon and feel great. I have muscles. I am living my dream life. **

I also took several moments (a few different times) to remember and visualize what I looked like when I was 144 lbs. I still have a pair of Levis from that weight and I can see putting them on and looking absolutely fabulous in them!!

In meditation I have two seperate practices. The first is similar to yours suze. I focus on one thing. Usually a ball of light whatever color strikes my fancy (there are some great sites to healing colors out there too).

The second one I do involves going to a special garden in my mind. In the past I've even taken an elevator down with guards when I didn't feel safe about things in my life and it worked.

I sit in the garden and relax. It's filled with plants and flowers and hummingbirds and dragonflies and butterflies and there is a creek with a small waterfall (aided by a fountain in real life). And I sit.

It is my very favorite and most productive unproductive meditation. And I mean that in a good way.
;)

[suze_c]

Thanks for sharing, all of you who have come here and posted. It is interesting to see the different visualizations and affirmations that we use... I think it is so important to get ourself out of the "woe is me I am fat" way of thinking. Yes...we have weight to lose,... that is something that cannot be ignored... but constantly thinking in the "fat mode", will not help in the process of realigning our thoughts, affirmations and visualizations as to what we want to achieve! If we say or visualize one thing... we are slender, then constantly have the "fat mode" in action, by things we say other than in affirmations, or thoughts other than those that are positive... it is going to cancel out the positiveness!! Does this make sense to anyone? The Bible says, that both DEATH AND LIFE, are in the power of the tongue. Ever think of it that way? Not many do... if we want to achieve positive goals in our lives, then turn around in the next breath, and are constantly putting ourself down, and bitching and complaining about things,... how is the positive even going to have a chance to work? Doing the visualizations and affirmations is a step of faith... we have to LOOK PAST of what is the present reality, and to what we want to be... to achieve,...to reach...instead of saying I AM GOING TO LOSE THIS WEIGHT, say I *AM LOSING* THIS WEIGHT. Make the words in the here and now... not in future tense... there is a motorcycle club here, and the name of it is FREE TOMORROW... and the motto goes on... "but tomorrow never comes"... How disheartening!!! We are NEVER promised tomorrow... we do have today though, this present moment... I am a procrastinator... I should be president of the procrastinator's club!! :lol: I know this... and it IS something I am working on... we all have "character flaws" so to speak... I think the important thing though, is to first recognize them, then determine whether they are affecting our life in a detrimental way... in a negative way... if they are... then perhaps it is time to do something about it...eh? Do I hear a yes? :agree: Well, I see lil miss KaeLyn has managed to get her little sweat pants off... and is very proud at having achieved this task :lol: I must close for now and go do mommy things~ Ciao for now~ :wave:

[Jimsgems]

Re-Imaging is sometimes more than an image it's a belief, I hope you enjoy.
http://www.jimsgems.com/AphorismIBelieve320.jpg

Ya all Be Well, Yah Hear. Jim

[TeriDoodle]

I recommend taking a look at Karen's thread here (http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=66669&perpage=10&pagenumber=1) . Excellent lists.

Everyone monitoring those thoughts?

[suze_c]

Teri, I checked out Karen's thread, and I copied and pasted it into my WORD *Chrysalis journal* and plan on answering the questions through the day. Another great place to check out is Dr. Phil's strategy for weight loss... the questions he has one answer aren't always the easiest to answer either!Dr. Phil's Advice/Strategy for Weight Loss(click here) (http://www.drphil.com/advice/advice_landing.jhtml;jsessionid=EUIWUOOZIN0TJLARAYFR3KQ?section=Weight) and sorry to cut this short, but I have to get Brendan fed, the timer is going off, and KaeLyn is still napping,so I am going to try to get Bren fed before she wakes up~ wish me luck~ Will be back laters~

[TriciaW]

I have started today. My main goals with this are:
*really work on daily positive visualization
*motivate myself to exercise more regularly because it makes me feel good
*be diligent about eliminating negative thoughts
*be happy and proud of my progress so far
*be patient about my progress
To begin with I will use car time to reinforce my positive thoughts for the day. This is the first time I have ever really tried this tactic so any input is welcome.

[Jimsgems]

TriciaW;

Not pickn' on you... Please know that, I am going to use what you wrote for and as an example of how it is possiable to fool ourselves.

If you are capable to bring me a pound of "Good Intentions", "Positive Images", and "goals", some others...

"*really work on daily positive visualization
*motivate myself to exercise more regularly because it makes me feel good
*be diligent about eliminating negative thoughts
*be happy and proud of my progress so far
*be patient about my progress"

You would be a millionare if that stuff was "real" and you could be the supplier to the world.

Now if you combine all that "Feel Good" stuff with a daily WOE that in our case is total participation in the Atkins WOE, then you will experience great results, then you will really have some pride and feelings of accomplishments. That can start on the very first pound by the way.

Other wise it's just BS and the "Feel Good" stuff waists time and acomplishes nothing in and about itself. I guess, I sound pretty negative about self talk and affirmation, that is as far from the truth as possiable, but I know you have to be the one who chooses what you put into your mouth and the world is so diluted but the 70's-'80's and '90's psyco-babble. All I noticed is when I stopped thinking positive thoughts and actually did something positive about my being 401 pounds, things changed, and in a very BIG way.

TriciaW, Thank you for letting me use what you write as an example and 'preach' a little, nothing personal I asure you.

I've seen many failures in my life and I couldn't find out why. I was a nice person, a caring and loving friend, I had a great belief and all the good stuff. When I took responsibility totally and without reserve, and took Actual ACTION, then and only then did my world change. I just wanted to say that.

My son, one of four, told me just the other day..."Dad, you have a thought and idea, you think the hole world needs to know it." I told him thanks you, what was his point? We both laughed.

[TriciaW]

Jimsgems,
I understand your point. Why talk about a problem when you can do something about it. I get that. My point in joining this thread is in addition to being dilligent about the food portion of this wol, I would like to change some negative habits I have. Specifically self sabotage and beating myself up over things. I figure it can only help my attitude which is directly linked to my overall happiness and success in life. No, I don't believe that I can "cheat" on this diet and by positive visualization stay in ketosis. I simply want to augment my efforts by increasing my positive outlook on myself and life in general. As I mentioned, this is the first time I have tried anything like this so input is welcome.

[suzon]

I'm in. Funny I was thinking about this, this morning, thinking it may be the only way for me to get a handle on my eating and then I find this thread. Co-incidence? I think not

[TeriDoodle]

That's GREAT Suzon!!! That's called synchronicity!! :D I'm reallyl starting to get into this and with just a couple days' practice have really noticed a difference in my thought patterns. I also am down one pound.... first time in weeks and weeks!! Very cool.

Coincidence? It think NOT!! :D :D :D

[suze_c]

I haven't been on the computer much today~ and this is my first visit here~ so I apologize for that~ Jim... I appreciateyou coming here... and I will answer your last post with this All actions begin with a thought, no matter WHAT the action is, or WHO does it, or WHERE or HOW... that is FACT! If visualization is not something that you are into, or want to do... then please do not come to our thread and bash what we are doing here.... Fact is... this sort of thing DOES work, and is based upon metaphysical law. A person's thoughts and words are very much a part of who that person is.Olympic athletes, famous athletes, celebrities,concert pianists and musicians all benefit from *seeing in their mind* their performances before they actually have the physical experience. It has been proven that this sort of mental exercise improves performance, and increases self-confidence. This thread is for *positive thinkers*, and those who are learning how to become positive thinkers... You are correct in that it has to be backed up with action... Other wise it's just BS and the "Feel Good" stuff waists time and acomplishes nothing in and about itself. I guess, I sound pretty negative about self talk and affirmation, that is as far from the truth as possiable, but I know you have to be the one who chooses what you put into your mouth and the world is so diluted but the 70's-'80's and '90's psyco-babble. All I noticed is when I stopped thinking positive thoughts and actually did something positive about my being 401 pounds, things changed, and in a very BIG way. That is YOUR opinion... we are all entitled to them... and we all have them... but fact here Jim, is we are NOT deluded... we KNOW what we are talking about here...and this is not psycho-babble... I do not WANT to STOP thinking positive thoughts like you say you done... I want to INCLUDE positive thoughts AS WELL as make positive changes in the "real world"... the positive thoughts just reinforces what I want to accomplish. You say you don't believe in such things... answer me this though... your car replica business that you just started... wasn't THAT an idea in your mind BEFORE it became reality? Didn't you THINK about how it would be, and the possibilities that the business might entail for you? That is what we are doing with this visualization thread... we are *seeing* our successes, our changes WITHIN ourself... we are making POSITIVE changes from the inside AS WELL as the outside... I am not saying that action is not important... though I AM saying that ALL actions begin with a thought... and even though you may not want to call it a visualization, or an affirmation... Faith and Hope are visualizations... and every prayer is an affirmation~

[suze_c]

That sounds like some positive things that you are doing Tricia, AND I am going to address your post, and *use* it so to speak, like Jim did... but I think that you will find that you will have an entirely different feeling to my replies...I answered yours in CAPS I have started today. My main goals with this are: *really work on daily positive visualization MAKING SOMETHING LIKE THIS A DAILY EXERCISE WILL HELP YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE *SEEING* YOUR RESULTS IN YOUR MIND...YOU ARE AFFIRMING THAT IT IS *OK* TO HAVE PROGRESS, AND THAT IT IS A GOOD AND POSITIVE CHANGE FOR YOU.
*motivate myself to exercise more regularly because it makes me feel good, REAFFIRMING TO YOURSELF ABOUT THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF EXERCISE, IS IN ADDITION TO THE GREAT THINGS YOU ARE ALREADY FEELING IN YOUR BODY. I WILL HAVE TO LOOK UP THE EXACT WORDS ON THIS SO I MAY BE A LITTLE OFF... BUT ACTUALLY *THINKING* ABOUT RUNNING CAN HAVE THE SAME SORT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON THE BODY AS ACTUAL RUNNING... YOUR *MIND* DOES NOT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE! THERE ARE STORIES ABOUND OF WORLD CLASS ATHLETES WHO OVERCAME HURDLES THEY COULD NOT OTHERWISE OVERCOME BECAUSE THEY SEEN IT IN THEIR MIND FIRST! (WILL LOOK FOR THE INFO ON THE EXERCISE AND MIND THING FOR YOU)

be diligent about eliminating negative thoughts-NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND NEGATIVE SELF TALK IS SOMETHING WE ALL HAVE DEALT WITH AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER... SOME OF US HAVE MORE NEGATIVE *MIND TAPES* THAN OTHERS... IT DEPENDS ON A VARIANCE OF FACTORS...

*be happy and proud of my progress so far- GREAT FOR YOU!! I THINK THAT TOO OFTEN WE LOOK AT HOW FAR WE HAVE YET TO GO, AND DON'T LOOK TO SEE HOW FAR WE HAVE COME... EVERY JOURNEY BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP... YOU HAVE TAKEN THAT FIRST STEP... YOU ARE ON A JOURNEY TO A *NEW AND IMPROVED* YOU!!

be patient about my progress -ALL OF US LOSE AT OUR OWN RATES AND IN OUR OWN TIME. I HAVE SEEN FAILURES BECAUSE I MEASURED MY JOURNEY TO SOMEONE ELSES... I AM NOT GETTING THE SAME RESULTS AS THEM... I AM A FAILURE... I AM GOING TO QUIT NOW... HOW SELF-DEFEATING!!! THE ONE THING WE ALL HAVE IN COMMON IS THAT WE ARE ALL UNIQUE, AND EVEN THO THERE ARE THE SIMILARITIES... WE SIMPLY CANNOT GAUGE OUR SUCCESS ON SOMEONE ELSES.

To begin with I will use car time to reinforce my positive thoughts for the day. This is the first time I have ever really tried this tactic so any input is welcome TRICIA... I THINK THAT YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR POSITIVE REINFORCING.. AND USING YOUR CAR TIME IS AN EFFECTIVE USE OF TIME AND DEFINITELY TO YOUR BENEFIT!~ and suzon.. welcome to this thread~ you will find more and more, as you apply positive thinking to your thoughts, and to your life... that things are *falling into place*... I read someplace a long time ago... Coincidences are just God's way of remaining anonymous~ the thing is... there is POWER in our minds... let's use it for the GOOD... let's harness the positive~ :yay:

[Jimsgems]

I'm really sorry about the tender spot I must have tread upon and I appologize if I offended but with that being said and I mean it, I'm sorry if I offended.

It however doesn't make it any the less true. I am also a realest and very pragmatic, strong willed and I agree that positive imaging is important all I'm saying is that if all you do is self image and do not put your feet in the street, you'll still be fat in another day. I just cannot make it any less true than that, sorry.

I think if you re-read my offending post again and read it from a positive POV, you might get it more clearly, I wasn't bashing, but I was calling attention that it takes more than kind thoughts to change anything.

About my car company , sure I thought about it, I studied what I wanted to do and then I did something about it. That is the only way it would have ever happened, no matter how much I "self-imaged" it, if I didn't do what needed to be done, It would still just be a dream.

Just like seeing myself at 401 pounds, getting it... and making the changes required to loose 140 pounds in 11 months.

I'll go away now and I won't be back here to bring you all down, I wish you all well and hope you all reach your dreams.

[suze_c]

Jim, the quote I have included here is the main jist of why I said what I did... you are RIGHT in that action has to follow... otherwise it is all just empty ideas and hopeless dreams... You are the one who said "All I noticed is when I stopped thinking positive thoughts and actually did something positive about my being 401 pounds, things changed, and in a very BIG way"... the thing is... here we do not want to STOP thinking positive thoughts... we want to use that energy to further propel ourself on to higher goals and aspirations! All the thoughts and affirmations in the world are not going to work if you keep stuffing yourself with carbage~! I think that we know that, and we are in agreement about that~

Other wise it's just BS and the "Feel Good" stuff waists time and acomplishes nothing in and about itself. I guess, I sound pretty negative about self talk and affirmation, that is as far from the truth as possiable, but I know you have to be the one who chooses what you put into your mouth and the world is so diluted but the 70's-'80's and '90's psyco-babble. All I noticed is when I stopped thinking positive thoughts and actually did something positive about my being 401 pounds, things changed, and in a very BIG way. And this is the reason why I answered in the way that I did... I wasn't putting you down... so I hope that it wasn't interpreted as that. And by the way~ I think your weight loss in such a length if time is GREAT~ and I congratulate you on your journey to a smaller you~ :dazzle: :yay: :clap:~ feels perty darn good eh? :)

[TeriDoodle]

I am also a realest and very pragmatic, strong willed and I agree that positive imaging is important all I'm saying is that if all you do is self image and do not put your feet in the street, you'll still be fat in another day. I just cannot make it any less true than that, sorry. If Jim interpreted something in this thread to mean that ALL you need is visualization to lose unwanted pounds, then others might have as well. So.... to make it clear: Visualization and affirmations are used as a tool to help one adhere to your chosen plan , make healthy food choices, begin or enhance exercise programs, adjust to new body images, as well as encourage the physical changes of speeding metabolism and releasing fat from the cells.

Thanks Jim, for helping us see that point needed to be clarified.

[pbach]

I think most will agree, in all due respect, that we are using this forum to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Nobody here is guilty of not "doing" in the guise of just thinking. Just look at their journals. Everybody here has already adopted this woe as a wol and the positive thoughts reinforce are actions and provide a vehicle for more actions. We picture ourselves doing things, we ultimately accomplish them.

With that said, your post is a reminder not to make this wol easier by thinking we can continue with just our thoughts. I said it somewhere else but an object in motion, stays in motion; an object at rest; stays at rest. Energy begets more energy. Same thing whether it's negative or positive energy. It's all in the energy we harbour and build. If our thoughts can produce more positive energy, we can all benefit from the positive energy created in our mind and produced through our body. If we succumb to negative thoughts, we will suffer from the self-fulfilling prophecy. Let me pose the questions then...What would happen if we replace negative with self affirming, positive, healthy thoughts? How would we fulfill our prophecy then?

[TriciaW]

All I know for sure is one day into my new commitment to positive visualization and I woke up early and did a 45 minute workout AND I am back down to my lowest weight this morning. I have been bouncing for about 2 weeks. Coincidence? I think not! Imagine the possibilities...... Have a wonderful day everyone! :wave:

[suzon]

Well, I had made plans to do the visualization before I went to bed last night.Guess I won't be doing that again....Fell asleep.
However all day when I thought about eating something I shouldn't I replaced it with a positive thought regarding having control over my eating

[Jimsgems]

Thank you for explaining that... I was aware that visualization and maybe equally important positive imaging and all that goes with it can in fact if mixed with action change not only your world and the worlds of others.

I am in fact greatly touched if the story is true of the teacher who realized after 9-11 that she wouldn't be able to help her students if she was called upon to do that becuse of her weight. She chose Jenny Craig, which is fine. This is an example of action. Seem, she saw what was needed and just did it. I guess that's my point. Just do it and let the visualization be a part of it.

I do think imaging and re-imaging can be effective, that we seem to be in agreement on and when you attach action to that, then we stand a greater chance of long term success. Be well.

[SummerYet]

I am going to jump in on this thread. I have been told that meditation, visualization, and "grounding" would be very helpful for me. This thread will help me learn as well as keep me on my toes. I am going to start thinking tonight, then come up with a "plan" tomorrow to submit for help :) Great idea Teri and Suze!
~Michelle

[suze_c]

Teri started this thread, and I applaud her doing so~:clap: :clap: :clap: I think that getting the right mind set is so essential in losing weight and being successful at it~ We need something to counter the negatives we sometimes throw at ourselves... things like I will never make it, I might as well quit... I have never lost weight before... yadda yadda yadda...get the idea? I think by setting realistic goals, and positive feed back to ourselves, that the goals we do set are attainable... and it's 1:30 in the morning... I am sleepy... :yawn: so forgive my ending this post... I am going to add some affirmations about more effective use of time~!! :agree: But I have been productive about the house... so I am getting things done... y'all keep up the great work~ and remember *VISUALIZE+INTERNALIZE=REALIZE*

[TeriDoodle]

Suzon - Actually doing your visualizations right before bedtime and first thing in the morning are the best times for doing so! Your mind is most receptive to "suggestions' at that time....because you are relaxed, I suppose.

You could even record your affirmations on a tape and listen to them as you drift off at night.........even better!

Actually, there's a cool gadget I'd like to get if I had $100 laying around doing nothing. It's called an "Affirmation Station" and it's a very attractive clock that has a recorder in it.... you record your own affirmations in your own voice into it and turn it on when you go to sleep. It repeats your affirmations every minute for an hour (I think) and the volume progressively gets lower and lower. Then in the morning it starts an hour before you wake up, with the volume very low and getting louder and louder until your wake-up time...then a chime rings. Isn't that the coolest??????

[cre8tivgrl]

Suzon... Teri beat me to it but I agree. Visualizing, affirming and meditating before falling asleep is great! Keep doing it and eventually you will stay awake through the process then sleep much better afterward.

As for me... I caught myself saying something negative about myself the other day. I can't remember it now but I told my husband that I thought it and immediately became accountable and changed the thought.

A funny way of dealing with negative thoughts...

I was once told that if you happen to have a particular trait that you see as negative you simply need to tell youself that it's so very unlikely of you to do or be that way. I'll use clumsy as an example. You trip (like everyone does) but instead of saying to yourself "what a clutz I am," or "good gravy, I tripped again, I hope no one was watching" you say "that is so unlike me to be clumsy." And you say it out loud whether there is someone with you or not!! And because you know you really are clumsy, you laugh as you say it. **AT FIRST** Just that act of laughing at yourself takes most of the negative out of your thought. Then after enough times you start to believe it. It seems silly but it's actually very powerful. Try it!! :D

[raharris]

Hi Teri --

Very interesting -- I didn't know you meditated. I have for years, and usually meditate between 45 - 90 minutes a day. Part of my routine is a "metta" meditation, that is, a meditation on lovingkindness. Before radiating lovingkindness (or "metta," in an archaic Indian language) to one's surroundings one expresses it for oneself. I can incorporate a weight loss element in that part of my overall meditation routine . . .

metta -- Vimala

[TeriDoodle]

Cre8tvgirl - Actually, that "technique" you talk about sounds familiar. I have a friend who used something similar when she quit smoking. Whenever she'd get a craving she'd say to herself, "Hmmm. Well isn't that funny that I should get a craving for a cigarette! I'm a non-smoker!! Why would I want a cigarette?!" She says that was a very powerful process for her!

raharris - So good to see you again! I must check your journal to see how you've been doing! I"ll drop by soon. I wish I could say that I've always had an active meditation practice....but I haven't. There have been periods in my life when I made it a priority and that was much more easily accomplished when I lived alone. I can confidently say that those times were the most "centered" I've ever been in my life....and I am grateful for the skills I learned then. I am trying like crazy to find a way back to a more disciplined lifestyle.... and struggling to do so.

I LOVE THIS THREAD! Thanks for everyone's participation!! :D

[Princesspp]

I just recommended this thread to Joan .. I believe that positive thought can do amazing things ... and the mind has amazing control over the body and it's workings ...

I also read through the thread and found it really interesting .....

You may just be stuck with me hanging around .. :lol:

Talk later ...
:reheart:

[suze_c]

There has been some mention of ppl using affirmations to stop smoking. I read of some several years ago...
1. My lungs are healthy and clear
2. I breathe in healthy air.

The premise was to do this even before trying to quit, and your body would get the message, and you would quit craving them. I use to smoke, but it was never really an addiction for me. I could buy a pack, smoke them, and not smoke another for years! I have friends who envy that. My hubby quit last November, so almost a year for him, and he used a nicotine patch... he tried that for 5 days, and then didn't put any others on... he smoked about a pack a day. He sold the rest to his sister and her bf, and they had quit for 2 weeks, and didn't think of any other way to combat stressors, so both of them went back to smoking!! :bash: :bash: Hubby and I knew there was going to be some stressors, and let me tell you, I bit my tongue more than once, just because I knew he was undergoing nicotine withdrawals! I am very proud of him though, almost a year, and I doubt it would ever be something he would ever do again~!! Will be back later after I look up some stuff~ Ciao for now~

[suzon]

TeriDoodle,your gadget sounds really neat but it would be really funny if there's more than you sleeping in your bed. Your spouse may wake up with beleiving he can obtain the figure your looking for

[SummerYet]

Isn't it funny how things happen? I think I said before I was interested in this but hadn't gotten serious about it...then I found this thread and it gave me the motivation....
Well that was yesterday, and today I had something pretty major happen in my personal life (forgive me if I dont go into detail). But to make a long story short, a lot came up about "self fullfilling prophecy...negative thoughts...and visualization. It was like the extra "slap" in the face.
I now know without a doubt that this is what I need to do...positive thinking is going to be hard. I can say it, but them it is almost like back in my head i am going "yea right"...does that make sense? I have to get rid of that little voice and TRULY let this work. I am exhausted, but I am gonig to try a little tonight, but IF I fall asleep, then tomorrow is a totally positive thinking day...I will try my best...see where I need help...and do a 30 min. meditation.
I am hooked on the belief that this is exactly what i needed...Teri...once again you are a life saver!
Thanks for letting me babble.
~Michelle

[DuPont]

Here is another website with affirmations for weight loss.

http://www.weight-dieting.org/

I have been using just one suggestion from this thread for the past couple of days, and that is replacing the word *try* with *choose* and that simple change in words has made a big difference in my everyday life.

I choose to live a low carb lifestyle.
I choose to be happy.
I choose to teach my kids.

I think by making these conscience choices the appropriate action has come naturally.

My problem is a husband who dwells on the negative.

[TeriDoodle]

Michelle - Don't worry about that little voice that keeps saying "yeah, right".... just keep turning around negative thoughts into positive ones and saying your affirmations. Pretty soon the voice gives up and goes away. Trust me on this. Just keep at it!

DuPont - Sounds like you need to add one more affirmation: "I choose to invalidate DH's negative comments." !! :lol: That might take some deep-breathing-counting-to-10 exercises, too!

Yesterday I did get off my butt and walked a mile... while I did I said out loud, "I make healthy food choices. I enjoy exercise." I said it the entire time I was walking.... and found that that "tape" got stuck in my head and said it to myself many times again throughout the night! Pretty cool! Whatever works, eh?

[plum]

loved reading all this
My personal aim is to stop obsessing about the woe, and just relax into it. So my affirmations are more in line with "Iam calm and relaxed " etc. suits me best. anything else sets me off lol.

I read somewhere.... and I think it was in the book... "Conversations with God " ( sorry cant recall author)..... about being careful what you ask for. If you ask "I want...." or similar.... then the universe will deliver just that. The wanting. Youve got what you asked for in full measure :)

so the most powerful word is... "I Am..." well it sort of makes sense :)

the other thing I find useful is when Im in a " oh it'll never work " frame of mind, is to actually say STOP out loud. ( careful who Im with o' course :) )

[raharris]

Hi --

As long as we are posting resources for meditation/visualization let me tell you about two very good books.

Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness by Jon Kabat Zinn. Yes I know that weight loss does not necessarily fall in the categories of "pain, stress, and illness," but all of these things can play roles in our lives. Kabat Zinn runs a stress reduction clinic in New England, and you may remember him from Bill Moyers series on mind/body health on PBS some years ago. He is a very good writer (even if his taste in book titles is somewhat suspect!) and covers a number of meditation techniques useful to people in all areas of society.

Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana. This book is more explicitly rooted in Eastern philosophy more than 25 hundred years old. Don't let the peculiar name of the author throw you -- he speaks better English than many of my American-born college students! He is one of my teachers and this is one of my favorite books -- I think everyone can benefit from his approach to meditation.

Metta,

[cre8tivgrl]

Plum... Conversations with God is an *Outstanding* book (and the sequels). They were written by Neale Donald Walsch and are so very, very insightful.

[TriciaW]

DuPont----I used the "I Choose" tactic to successfully quit smoking. I forgot all about that until I read your post just now. Funny how the mind works...
I was "trying" to quit smoking for months--found myself sneaking and "borrowing" from friends and co-workers. One day I was sick of my own excuses, so instead of avoiding cigaretts, I bought a pack and kept them unopened in my purse at all times. I saw them everyday and chose not to smoke them. It was a very empowering experience. My way of thinking changed completely at that time and I realized that by taking responsibility for my actions and choices that I was in complete control of the situation. While I am not ready to carry around bags of chips or cookies, nor am I saying that I will ever do that, choosing to eat well and exercise instead of trying to is a very big difference in thinking. Thanks for the reminder!!

Trying out a previously posted technique: "It's so funny how I did not want to get up and work out this morning. It's so unlike me!"

[TeriDoodle]

I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.
I choose NOT to indulge in Halloween candy.

[Kemss]

Teri -
That's pretty funny... I was sitting here thinking "what the heck - guess I will go ahead and eat some candy tonight.... not doing a great job on this diet anyways" THEN your message comes through :p

Guess I need to start chanting now " I will not indulge in Halloween Candy" to get me through this !!!! before I get home to the kids and begin Trick or Treating.

[DuPont]

I choose not to eat candy, popcorn, pretzels, chips or anything else in those halloween bags!!!!!!!

[TeriDoodle]

Synchronicity is a beautiful thing! :D

Oh and Kemss - change that "I'm not doing so great on this diet anyway" to "I am very successful in changing my eating behaviors!"

[suze_c]

Hate to burst everyone's bubbles here and be picky... but putting the word NOT within an affirmation, ACTUALLY turns it INTO A NEGATIVE STATEMENT!! Word things/affirmations so there is positive words in it...Something like:
My eating and snack choices are healthy for my body OR I ONLY put HEALTHY foods in my mouth and in my body.

The mind is a particuliar thing, and in putting NOT within a statement, it somehow overlooks the NOT part, as if it is non-existent. Focus on the positives, and you will go lots further!~

[melissa07]

Thanks TeriDoodle for choosing not to eat any Halloween candy. Glad I read that before work. I came into work tonight, and will be here from 6 til 6. They had a "fall feast" today, and there are tons of left overs downstairs. I got myself a heaping plateful....of veggies, melon, & strawberries. I will eat these veggies & fruit tonight (& my chicken wings) & be satisfied with that!

Positive thinking is the best!

:)

[TeriDoodle]

Suze - Thanks for reminding me of that!! I knew there was something NOT right about that affirmation! :lol:

[suze_c]

When this thread was started, I said that I would write some articles concerning things and information that I had learned in my metaphysical teachings. Time being as it is, I don’t always get things done in the time frame that I set for myself, and I apologize for that. The following is the first of several articles over materials that I have in the coursework that I have done. I hope that it will be enlightening, and help those on the inward and outward journeys!

Psychic Control Over Words and Thoughts (first meditational article)
Many times people do not watch what they say or think, with the assumption that it is not going to have any effects upon them. Not only should you be aware of “what you are saying”, you should also be aware of “HOW you are saying it as well.” Be careful of the words that you are using to choose what you have to say. Negative words should be avoided, as they set up and also attract negative vibrational frequencies, in the same respect, the same goes for positive: positive words attract positive vibrational reactions. The words leaving your mouth are a direct psychic current of vibrational energy. Have you ever thought of it that way? If something unpleasant must be conveyed, pause and think of words that will be psychically beneficial, instead of psychically harming. Listen to yourself speaking, and practice your thoughts being put into positive words. Volume and pitch of your voice also convey positivism or negativity, maintain to the best of your ability a voice that is harmonious, and pleasant. Smiling and pleasant facial expressions can also increase the positive vibrations of what you are trying to convey. Negative curse terms are to be avoided when speaking or thinking about others and their conditions, as usage of the negative will only attract the same towards you. If you feel you HAVE to curse someone, take the opportunity to bless that person or situation, and this helps increase the positive in a potential negative situation, and also attracts positivism into the situation and/or person(s) involved. If for some reason negative or destructive words are uttered, say, “I nullify, or void the word(s) I just said,” and then bless the situation. Do not discuss your every goal and desire with everyone, as keeping silent about them helps build psychic energy towards that goal/desire within your mind, and gives more magnetism to your psychic thought currents that are ‘traveling into the creative [psychic medium of the Universal Mind’. Speaking only when necessary will help propel these thoughts/goals/desire more efficiently towards this. Do not talk just for the sake of talking… there are too many on this Earth who speak simply and solely for the purpose of hearing their own voice. If you conserve your voice in this manner, you will build up a psychic energy force, which will give vibrational power to your spoken words. (Paraphrased and summarized from Meditation Dynamics by Dr. Paul Leon Masters copyright 1973, by Dr. Paul L. Masters. ((P.S. The next article will be on Psychic Thought Control Principles & Control Practices)

[Cheryl R]

I'm only on page 2 of this thread... I am in... I will do a few of the breathing exercises tonight before I go to bed... I need help sleeping and this could maybe relax me enough to fall asleep... if the trick or treaters ever stop ringing the door bell... but we are turning our lights off at 9:00.

I'll finish reading the thread when I am not so sleepy... I've been on the computer for hours now...

[suze_c]

Increasing Your Frequency Article and Losing Weight (http://www.stewartswerdlow.com/archives/articles/jaincrease.htm) The above url, and the following is from an article by Janet Swerdlow. It speaks of how we insulate with fat, against the outside world. I invite all to read the whole article from which I take this excerpt:

"The mind-pattern behind excess weight is needing to insulate against the outside world. Specific places of weight gain represent the part of your life that you are insulating against. For example, excess weight on the stomach represents not digesting what your life is giving you; weight gain on the hips are childhood issues; weight gain on the buttocks represents carrying your past with you.

Some people eat very little, yet still cannot lose weight. This is a perfect example of how strong the mind is–it can create weight from virtually nothing! Weight gain from water retention is a perfect example of this. Water has absolutely zero calories, yet many people retain excess water as a way of insulating against life. Of course, cutting down on food does not reduce weight, because the excess weight is not from food–it is from water–and the strong mind-pattern that holds it there! See how powerful you are??

To remove excess water weight, you can take astragalus capsules and eat raw apples. Women may need more progesterone, available in wild yam capsules. This could also be a function of your digestive tract–drink peppermint tea; or spleen or gallbladder–cooked greens will support these organs. Also eat foods that take water out of your system rather than hold it in, such as dried fruits. Avoid foods that put water into your system, such as melons, dairy products, white flour, white sugar, and salt. Water weight may also be the result of suppressed, unshed tears. Sometimes water weight represents issues of others that you hold onto yourself. So now, your strong mind-pattern is creating weight from other people’s stuff! Pretty incredible how strong you really are!!

Just because a body is thin does not mean that it is healthy. It is important to look at the cellular structure. Often a body is thin, or too thin, because the mind-pattern of the soul-personality operating within it says that it does not deserve to live. People who are bulimic and/or anorexic have this mind-pattern. A part of them does not feel like it deserves to have a body and live here on the Earth.

Rather than overfeeding the body, the body is underfed and/or undernourished. Your stomach can be full while the body is actually hungry. White flour and white sugar will make you feel full, but neither contain enough nourishment to adequately maintain a healthy cellular structure. Or you can eat foods that are mismatched for your frequency. They may be nourishing foods, just not nourishing foods for your particular physical body.

You may want to use one or more of the following affirmations to help you in the process:

I easily cleanse and release all, old unnecessary mind-patterns from all levels of my being.

I easily cleanse and release the need to insulate.

I deserve to exist.

I create a healthy relationship with the physical consciousness of my physical body.

I increase the frequency of my soul-personality operating in and through my body consciousness.
Personalize any of the above affirmations in a way that work for you. Write them and put them around your home or office for easy viewing. Carry cards with your affirmations written on them, or place them under your pillow while you sleep. Or, simply write them in a journal and/or notebook.

The above work is about knowing yourself on all levels, gaining self-control, and increasing your frequency that in turn increases your Oversoul and God-Mind connection. Yes, this is work, but with an end result that is worth your time and any discomfort that you may encounter. It does not really matter where you start, it just matters that you start.

[suze_c]

Glad to see you on here~ I was getting Brendan into bed, and working on the previous post at the same time... then there is KaeLyn... Miss Climb-Happy :daze: She is a busy lil girl... whew! She is a good lil girl though as well... thank dear God above for that! Cheryl, I think that you could definitely use affirmations to help in sleeping: Some suggestions;
*I fall asleep easily and without struggles.
*My sleep is peaceful and relaxing and I wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized.
*I release all stress and tension from my body and mind.
* My body gets the proper rest it needs from the sleep I get.
These are just some suggestions for affirmations, feel free to use them, personalize them, change them,... create your own... as the following articles have said... remember to keep them positive. and keep them in present OR past tense If a person keeps saying I am going to... in the future... one is simply giving the body/mind the permission to put off the intended goals/affirmations.Anyhow~ nice to see you, AND THE REST who have joined this thread~ and Teri... I truly thank you for giving me this opportunity to use some of what I have learned and to help others with it~ many blessings to you for your generousity~ :agree:

[TriciaW]

Yesterday I read through the link that DuPont copied, http://www.weight-dieting.org/ and I started yesterday with "I am 140 pounds" and "I am a slim healthy woman". I chanted in the car, before bed and right when I woke up this morning. I happily refrained from any candy last night and was .5 pounds down this morning after a LONG time at my previous weight. I choose to be healthy, slim and positive! :wave: I am getting the hang of this :D

[bsayne]

Terry, Suze and everyone else who contributed to this inspiring thread...Thank you!

This is an area...that I have known needs attention for a while and it is also very much attached to my last crash and burn during my HB's accident in February...adopting a Titantic view of life while in crisis has been such a killer for me. I need to go back and read in detail but I just wanted to say Thank you for starting something that really needs to be focused on ... changing the old tapes and giving my mind something positive to attach to the new view of me!

Personally, I realized some time ago that due to events in my past I had attached an unhealthy fear of losing wt... as if the weight I was when the traumatizing events occured had somehow contributed to the severity or was at the very least dangerous and my fault. In my child/teen's mind it was always my fault.

Thank you again for taking the time and doing the research and for sharing this priceless information!

Positive affirmations to all!
Beth

[SummerYet]

Hi All-
I stared doing viualization and affermations Thursday...yesterday I had a horrible day :( I was so proud about surviving halloween, then I had a horrible stress binge yesterday.
I am going to let it go...think positive and move on...I can't beat myself up. I have already thought of ways to prevent it from happening again, and I CAN do it. I stayed the same this week. With TOM lurking in the shadows, and the bad day yesterday I am satisfied (and disappointed at the same time if that makes sense)...but I am taking a lot of time for ME today and I am going to work all this out. I WILL do this!
I have started getting compliments a lot lately...and it is my pattern to start eating again once people start noticing...not really sure why...but it IS a pattern I am breaking as of RIGHT NOW! :rolleyes:
Thanks for listening...
~Michelle

[cre8tivgrl]

Good work everyone!!

So much of all this is purely paying attention to ourselves. Noticing what we say about ourselves, how we react to things (emotionally, mentally and physically) and even how we hold ourselves. It all works together. We feel stress or an insecurity and we tense up. As our physical tension grows it feeds the mental tension and also causes pain which in turn adds a new tension. It's a negative spiral that often is accompanied by negative thoughts.

One way to help is to check your physical tension and release it. A good relaxation (and basic meditation) technique is to go through all of your body and relax each part by muscle group. But this doesn't have to be just when you are quiet or trying to relax. Notice your body right now. What is tense? Your shoulders from typing? Your legs from the way you are sitting? Your jaw? Your torso? Your tongue?

Try it when you are driving, watching tv, cooking, working... you'll be suprised. We wonder where our headaches come from until we realize that we clench our jaw or tighten our shoulders even when they don't need to be.

When I asked myself just now "what is tense?" I found that I was sitting in such a way that I was tightening both of my ankles to the point that one foot was falling asleep, my jaw was clenched and one hand was in a fist. I was sitting so that my shoulders were tight and my neck was working overtime to support the posture.

What about you?

[Carianne]

See, I'm talking positive already! I had to pop in over her the other night to see what all the fuss is. I read almost the whole thread! I knew right away I had to start doing this. I have been very hard on myself, saying (thinking) harsh things about myself. Very negative thinking about how I look and who I am as a person. Carrying my past around - and yes! My butt is where I carry much of my weight! AH-HA!

So, to make a long story short, I was feeling down lately about LC'ing and had to "regroup". I had to "give up" for a few days and I just ate whatever I wanted. I kind of had to hit rock bottom in order to see why I chose to do this whole LC thing to begin with. I got to see how carbs effect me physically and mentally. It's just ugly.

So, keeping this thread in mind, I started to tell myself some positive affirmations as I drift off to sleep the last two nights. One thing in particular that I said was "I love the LC WOE" and " I feel healthy when I eat LC". I had planned to keep up with my carb binging this whole weekend. I even bought brownies with ice cream and choc fudge syrup and I was going to just let myself gain weight, feel terrible and hit rock bottom because that's what I thought I needed to appreciate LC'ing all over again.

But an odd thing happened... when I woke up this morning I just didn't even have the desire to eat anything with carbs at all. All I wanted was eggs with bacon and cheese. And for lunch, tuna! I really think that I woke up thinking that because I was telling that to myself before I went to sleep the last two nights. Anyone else think that too?

Carianne

[TeriDoodle]

I'm really excited to see this thread is helping so many!! Thank you all for letting us know how visualization is helping you!

Michelle - Keep up the good work, girl. You've won 1/2 the battle by just recognizing that beating yourself up is sooooo counter-productive!! Bingeing is just a sign for you that there's more work to do....so just brush yourself off and affirm often that you enjoy your thin body!

Cre8tivgrl - Good points!! Just take a deep breath, close your eyes and take a physical inventory from head to toe to find which muscle groups are tensed up. With a little practice one can acheive a much greater relaxed state in very little time. But the FIRST step is to pay attention to what's going on! :thup:

Carianne - I think you'll find all kinds of amazing things happening when you make a practice of positive affirmation and visualization.... not only in the area of your WOE, but in your outlook and the way others treat you as well. Positive attracts positive..... good things start to happen in many different areas. We're really glad you posted!
**************************

We have many classes at my church around these subjects....and I've met a couple of really amazing people that I'd like to tell you about briefly.....each "cured themselves" of "incurable" diseases with the power of their mind.

Barbara was a 48 year old mother of two grown children, with a new grandbaby and was diagnosed with leukemia. After 2 years of the standard medical treatments by the best doctors and hospitals the Texas Medical Center could offer had failed, she found herself in the hospital isolation unit awaiting a bone marrow transplant....the last resort. Her son was to be the donor and the surgery was scheduled for the next day. She had an overwhelming feeling that this wasn't going to succeed and that she had the power within her to overcome this illness. Prior to this she had no education or training in the area of meditation or visualization... she just "changed her mind" right then and there in the hospital that she was going to take charge. She declined the surgery and (against all advice from her doctors) was discharged the next day. Her family was frantic. She spent the next few days submerged in the subject of mind/body connection and began praying and practicing these new visualization techniques. Within 3 months she was totally cured, with no traces of her illness anywhere. Her doctors were stupified and could not explain it. But she could!! I met her 8 years later....she's a strong and vibrant, beautiful woman, inside and out....and of course, cancer-free.

The other man I know from church who cured himself is John....who was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder which is a very severe manic depression, considered "incurable". John was diagnosed at the age of 42, at the height of his career, but this disorder and the treatments put an end to that.... he was totally disabled by this disease. He was taking 46 different pills per day. He can't explain why, but he was drawn to our church one Sunday where the minister's message had somehow given him hope. That day he set up camp in our library and book store where the clerks helped him find the books that would help him in his quest for control over his illness. Within 6 months he was down to ONE pill per day and back at work full time. His psychiatrists were so amazed by his progress that he was invited to lecture at medical schools across the country and take part in a unique study which would wean him off that last medication. He's done so now and is completely "cured". Oh, and by the way, he's given up his career and is studying to be a minister.

THAT is the power of positive thinking.

[suze_c]

Hey all of you ppl who have come over to check out this thread~ firstly, we are happy that you have decided to give it a look-see... Now what are you going to do with what you have seen? We can't "make" you practice anything you have seen here. We can only testify what it has done in our lives, and in the lives of others. We can smile and be happy as we see the power of affirmations and visualizations working for others, as they discover that there is actually power in them... there have been books wrote about this for many many years. Norman Vincent Peale's book, The Power of Positive Thinking is actually using the power of thought. I know there are many who do not think this is "Christian". Wasn't it Christ who said, " As one thinks in his heart, so is he?" and it is said that it is with the heart that comes our thoughts, and it is "out of the mouth that the heart speaks". Some years ago, there was this guy who was going out with a friend of mine, they still see each other off and on. He had and still has the filthiest mouth on him, and it is worse when he is drinking. I tried to avoid him when he was like that, but one day it was necessary to go by his house to get my friend. Tom started his usual tirade of filth, even making fun of the cross around my neck, and then commenting on my body... I looked at him, and said, "You know in the Bible it says out of the mouth, the heart speaks, and I sure would hate to see your heart from the filth that comes out of your mouth." He was speechless... never had I seen him without anything to say, and even in his state of intoxication, did he realize the truth of what I had said.Do some observing... watch how ppl talk, and yourself as well. Listen to how many times ppl say things like "My ________(fill in the blank) is KILLING me, or I would give my left arm(or whatever body part) to own something like that,or "when I am old,they will have to take care of me... just a few examples...before you say something... try to keep it in a positive light... is it easy? You will find out just how often negative things are spoken, and I will let you in on a secret... as you become MORE aware of how speaking positive affects things for the good, you will become more and more vigilant as to how others speak... things like, oh I will never lose this weight, we never have enough money to do what we want, we ALWAYS do this or that... or whatever it is... NOTE how it is being said... turn it around! SPEAK POSITIVE!! I can "hear" many of you saying, you just don't know how it is for me... how can I say something that is not so? Even in the Bible, it says that one must have faith... and what is faith? "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,for the conviction of things not seen."Hebrews 11:1, what does this say... Faith is BELIEVING that one will get what they ASK FOR, and BELIEVING it WILL come about, EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT SEEN WITH THE EYES! If something is not seen... then it is believed... and what is a belief? It is a THOUGHT!.... and this morning, that is where my thoughts are... maybe it doesn't mean anything to some,... but I think for some... it is what needs to be heard... the *aha factor*... the Oh I get it now factor... and that, is my two cents worth~

[Jenjenjazz]

I am SO new to this. :confused: I like your idea of using meditation to prepare yourself to control eating habits during your day. It makes sense to me. However, I have never meditated and will need all the info I can get to get myself started. I have copied some techiniques from this thread. Thanks for the help. :)

[MarieB]

I'm in:)
I agree that actions speak louder than words, but when you are so full of self doubt and negativity, that can often make actions impossible.
My affermations:

I LOVE MYSELF!
I AM BEAUTIFUL at any size (and I look in the mirror and really believe it!)

I really enjoy looking at my body in the mirror...I sometimes get a little down about the fact that I have cellulite...but I am really enjoying watching my body change into something amazing. I am already the smallest I have ever been since I was about 13 years old...I have always been a big girl.

Is it okay to spend my time on the cardio machine, using that as my positive thinking time? I love to crank up the tunes, I even lip sync to them, even though the people around me probably think I am a freak:) Is that okay, or should I set aside some really quiet time...I'm not much into sitting still and meditating, my mind tends to wander....I know it will improve with practice but I guess I prefer to be more bouncy and happy when I am giving myself affermations. Please let me know what you think! hugs

[melissa07]

I've been doing some positive thinking as I am going to sleep at night, & also some random times throughout the day. I also do positive thinking during exercise, since exercise always makes me feel positive about myself anyways. The "mantras" I've been using so far have been: "I am lean, I am healthy, I am strong. I am 165 lbs, I am a size 10." I usually do these before bed, in the shower, sitting at work, or anytime I find myself with a free moment. Just find out when works best for you.

[MarieB]

AWESOME! Then I am on the right track.
I find that when I have a crappy day, if I force myself to go to the gym, I always feel at least somewhat better mentally than I did before I started!
The endorphines and adrenaline rush might be the cause, also I know that I am doing something good for myself, and that is a GREAT feeling!

[cre8tivgrl]

Marie... you can do your affirmations and visualize at any time. The more the better. ;) If you need quiet time you can add meditation.

The one thing I truly believe is that affirmations work much faster and more effectively when you are passionate about them. If you feel energized and passionate while on the cardio machine, by all means, do it.

By the way, I have to agree... it's really hard to not feel like you are making a difference while you are exercising. :)

[Carianne]

I'm glad someone else mentioned that it doesn't matter where you are to do your "affirmations". I was standing in the pantry last night and, being one day 2 of induction all over again trying to flush my system after my binge last week, I was fighting the cravings so bad I could have BURST! I don't know how in the world I had the presence of mind to think to do it, but I must have stood there for 20 minutes, first thinking, if you want it that bad, eat 2 eggs first, then, if you really want it still, you can have it. Then I thought I don't want the eggs- just the chocolate! :devil: HA! So, I started telling myself right there in the food closet "I MAKE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES...I AM HEALTHY AND I LOVE LOW CARBING", over and over and over again until, well, I got bored and I gave up on the sweets! It was a battle til the end though.

I'm so glad I fought the cravings with the affirmations. I woke up this morning 1 pound down! YESSS!

Does anyone do yoga? I have a Yoga for Weight Loss tape (from Walmart) that is really good. EASY- no standing on your head! But a work out too. And it lands you at the end in a meditation state (relaxation pose). I like it because the gals on there aren't all skinnies! Plus, it always works out my back pain for me!

WE ARE HAVING A GREAT WEEK! (-see, positive affirmation! :D )

[MarieB]

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!

[Carianne]

Marie, I have to say, I was so MAD before I started my chant. It's hard to believe, but I was just angry that I was having such horrible cravings. -Kind of like my toddler standing in there pointing to the top shelf for his plastic "pumpkin" that holds his Halloween candy! - Just after I told him "no more", ooo, you should see the fit sometimes! :D

[plum]

lol, everyones doing so well !

I have difficulty visualising my self as slim. But I can imagine the words and they are powerful to me ( if that makes sense to anyone lol)

So. I choose my affirmation " I Am a Healthy and Slim 10 stone woman "

But the words that come out of my mouth are " I am a Slim and Healthy 10 stone woman"

Logically I put healthy first as the most important. But my old subconcious already knows I am quite healthy, my real issue is the weight bit. Try as I might I cant get it the right way round ! So decided my subconcious knows best and going with it. :cool:

[TeriDoodle]

Carianne! Thanks for sharing that! I am so impressed that you were able to use this tool to resist your cravings!! It does seem like we are wrestling with the devil sometimes, doesn't it?? Now you believe that the affirmations work, which makes them even more powerful!! When I'm doing my walk and chanting I can feel myself walking faster and faster, standing more erect and my body becomes infused with energy....hey, that can't be a bad thing! Oh, and MAJOR congrats on the 1# loss!!! YIPPEEEEEE!!!

Plum - Just keep at the visualizations. Perhaps you could even get a picture of yourself at an ideal weight if you have an old one lying around and carry it with you.......... look at it while you say your affirmations........ "This is ME and I'm a slim 10 stone woman!" Or, you can even get a (realistic) picture from a magazine and cut and paste your head on top!! Using all the parts of your brain is helpful.... seeing it physically, saying it mentally, and saying it out loud....all help to solidify the idea in your subconscious.

[Yesican]

This thread is terrific!

I have used visualization to help myself make good food choices.

I am working on the positive self-talk. Amazing what you hear yourself say to yourself when you pay attention.
Ouch.

So...Today I am being kind to myself and loving myself and feeding my body wholesome food.

Because...I am SO worth it!
:)

Have a great day everyone!

[cre8tivgrl]

:cheer: Woohoo Carianne!! :cheer:
Way to put the chocolate in it's place!!!

[TeriDoodle]

Just wanted you all to know that I received my guided imagery weight loss tape in the mail (finally!) and listened to it last night as I was drifting off to sleep........... it truly is WONDERFUL! Side B has affirmations....again, WONDERFUL!

This company has been around for a really long time and they have an extensive catalog of tapes. Their website is also very good, allowing you to hear "samples" of the tapes. :thup:

Here's the web link: http://www.healthjourneys.com/catalogue.asp?view=item&cid=30

[cre8tivgrl]

I used to have a guided imagery relaxation tape. I loved it too.

The funny thing is the tape included subliminal messages and in the back of my head I always wondered if they were real or were they telling me to buy Doritos and Sony?? :D Hmmmm....

[arnie]

I'd like to join your group! I am so in need of circle of positive people that believe in visualization. If you can see it, you can achieve it!---I know, I know the saying worn out, but so true.

Arnie

[TeriDoodle]

We're glad you're here!! This is a great group of people here with tons of positive energy!! Welcome!!

As a matter of fact, you've reminded me.... I'll take a moment right now to say a little prayer and visualize all in this thread having a wonderful, energetic day!!

Health and vitality to you all!!

[scotiagrl]

I keep thinking I must get away from this computer and do something else today, but it was fate that I found this thread. I do believe in positive thinking, even though I don't always to it, and this will help me to stay positive. Thanks to all of you who are there for support and prayers.

[piggypiggy]

I'm soooooooo happy I found this thread.

A friend recommended the book "Creative Visualizaton" to me, because I am a very negative person, but find it very hard to stay positive. But now that there are others who will be doing the same, I think I'll go and re-read the text.

Thanks for the motivation!

[Carianne]

Hello Everyone,

Piggypiggy you referred to yourself as a "very negative person". I am curious to know in what areas, like when and where you are usually negative (that you are aware of). And, what (if any) positive affirmations have you started using?

I'm really looking to make some changes in myself. I have a pretty good start, but I'd love to "compare notes" with someone else that has experience being negative. I think I'm positive most of the time, but seems like a few days of the month (maybe pms) I'm pretty negative and I seem to do a lot of damage during that time. The proverbial bull in the china shop. It's gotten so bad at times that I have actually had to ISOLATE myself to keep from saying things that I don't really intend to hurt someone with. I can be my own worst enemy.

This thread is really helping me to gain a new perspective.

[peg921]

Carianne,

Good for you on resisting temptation! You mentioned a yoga tape from Walmart that is really good. What is the title of the video and who is in it?

Peg

[TeriDoodle]

Carianne.... It sounds to me like you have the same experiences we all do! No one can be 100% positive 100% of the time! So you say that, in general, you're a fairly positive person.... that's better than some can admit! I definitely have super-negative thoughts during PMS and they can be disturbing to one's peace of mind indeed! It has helped me to recognize that it's more about PMS than anything and I reassure myself that it will pass as quickly as it came and to just hang on for a few days.

In general terms though, I can say without hesitation that I'm a more positive person than I was say like 10 years ago. In that time I've studied a lot about metaphysics and spirituality. I've taken classes. I've learned to meditate. I've chosen positive-thinking friends and said good-bye to the negative ones. When I get upset, I truly try to think things out, look for the lesson and turn it into a positive experience. I breathe deeply, close my eyes and try to relax....and reassure myself that ALL IS WELL. That's a good little phrase to help me remember to be grateful for what a wonderful life I have and the good health I am blessed with. Gratitude seems to be the best tool in turning things around in my mind when I'm feeling blue or upset about something.

Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to start your day.... just list 10 things every morning that you are grateful for. They can be as simple as "the smell of coffee" or "the feel of soft cotton sheets against freshly bathed skin". I find that thoughts like these go a long way toward helping me stay centered and in a good place.

Just my $0.02.

Love to all!

[cre8tivgrl]

Teri: In a stress management course that I took a few years ago they mentioned, as you did, to eliminate or at least limit the time you spend with the negative people around you. I have to say that is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. It's easier to create space between yourself and a friend who is down on everything but when that negative person is a mother, a sister, a DH... that's another story. My hubby is wonderful in every way, but he tends to be negative first and then slowly accepts the positive. He says it's because he was raised to not expect too much (and his parents are that way). However, he at least recognizes it in himself and really works on it now.

--------

One tool that I learned in that same course is to change your negative thoughts into questions. Instead of saying "I am overweight" say "what can I do to change the fact that I am overweight?" Instead of "I am always broke" say "How can I make more money?" or "what can I change in my budget to allow for more money at the end of the month?" I think this is covered in the Conversations with God books as well. When you state a fact, negative or positive, you get what you state. When you ask a question, you open yourself up to a universe ready with answers.

:) :) :)

[Sandylee]

Great thread, Teri. :) Sorry it has taken me so long to get here. I printed out your post from October 24 about meditation and visualization so I could have time to really read it and savor it. We all know we are supposed to do these things. We know we should think positively, that good things will happen to us if we will them to happen. Why do we choose to wallow in negativily rather than think positively and improve our lives?

Why don't we do it!!!!?????? For me, so many times it is easier to wallow in negativity. Negativity is my comfort zone. There have been benefits to negative thinking. First off, is sympathy from others. Everyone needs attention, and sympathy is a form of it. And hey, sometimes I'll take attention any way I can get it. Secondly, it has often been beneficial for me to get into a deep despair. In rising out of the gloom, I have often found many answers. I paint and write poetry. Some of my best work has been done when I was really depressed, or rising out of depression!!!!!!

Why don't I remember to be grateful for what I have, instead of dwelling on what I don't have It has always changed my outlook from negative to positive in a flash to find things to be grateful for. Even little tiny things. It always works, but I don't usually remember to do it. I know that I am not happy with my life the way it is. I have known that for a long tiime. I have been procrastinating making a change for years.

Reading the articles you posted on meditation and visualization helped me realize that visualizing what I do want instead of dwelling on what I don't want is the only way I can change my life. Clear my mind, by meditation or exercise, to find out how I want things to be. THEN, dwell on those positive aspects I want for my live, visualizing how I want things to be.

My goal is to get in the habit of positive thinking, instead of it being a flash in the pan idea, to be forgotten next time I get depressed.

One small step:
I'm working on visualizing the fat on my tummy dissipating away, with little construction workers pounding on the fat to dissolve it, so that it turns brown and is liquid enough to just dissipate right out of my pores. I really think it is working!

[Carianne]

Gratitude seems to be the best tool in turning things around in my mind

Teri, when I was at Women's retreat that was one of the main topics. As the speaker put it "Gratitude is the roots joy". Further explaining that you just can't go through life being truly happy unless you are truly thankful.

Peg, that yoga tape is "Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss" with Suzanne Deason. Good for all levels. When I realized that when you do yoga, you just do it the best (farthest stretch) that YOU can. Not that you have to do exactly what the instructor is doing (or you could just hurt yourself). In this video (set amongst the red rocks of Utah- so pretty!), there are 4 women who are at 4 different levels and they show each woman for each pose and you can follow the one you are most like. I wasn't as good as the heaviest woman when I started, but my flexibility and balance have greatly improved. And at the end I feel so "alive all over". I highly recommend it.

I would love to take a course on releasing negative people from your life.

My hubby is wonderful in every way, but he tends to be negative first and then slowly accepts the positive.

My hubby is the same! And his parents as well are negative, and all his brothers. Just always dwelling on how hard life is and how it will always be that way. At one point I really started to think that my hubby was killing my spirit. Then I realized I was letting him. I guess, in a sense I had to kind of step back a bit so as not to be effected so directly. He's had to tone it down some too. :D

I have been trying to stay true to some of my daily affirmations (Anyone remember Stuart Smalley from SNL?) - I've been doing pretty good, but I forgot yesterday. I was so preoccupied with my son being at his grandma's that I forgot. And then what happened, I kind of went over my carb limit. I made a not so good choice. Not really a cheat, but not induction legal either.

[Cheryl R]

I've been meaning to make time for this tread since I was told about it last week... but with having surgery on Thursday (just the removal of a gall bladder and a few stones) I haven't had time to look until now... well, actually I've had time.. but should have made it sooner.

I did use a few tips from this thread for my surgery. I told myself over and over that I would be fine.... It helped the night before concentrating on being fine instead of worrying...

I haven't read the whole thing yet... but before I back track and read pages 3 thru 6--- that's where I left of last week....
I want to do something I just read... I want to say 10 things I am thankful for... I want to say them out loud to all of you if that's ok.

1. I am married to Darrell. 2. My 23 year old daughter is happy and healthy and spent the day with me yesterday. 3. I have a good job. 4. I have a roof over my head. 5. I have stuck to low carb for 10 weeks today. 6. I came through the surgery well, and am feeling great for 3 days out. 7. I have this great on-line support group. 8. I have good pain pills to manage the pain in my belly. 9. I have so really great friends. 10. I have lots of happy and healthy neices and nephews.

OK... that's a start... I will do this every morning when I wake up.

I will go read the beginning of the thread now...
Thanks to whoever started it... and I just want to say also, that I had been very depressed for the last month or so, I had a falling out with a friend at work... the falling out came from someone telling her I was tired of hearing her bitch and gripe all the time... That was true... but I and others had tried to gently tell her that she was bringing us all down with her... and that she needed to lighten up. I had quit going to lunch with the gang because of it..although I still talk to some of them now and then.. none of them are going to lunch at the same time/same place anymore. It was just hard... but in the long run, it's turned out for the best, I started taking 1/2 hour lunches instead of 1 hour... and that gives me more time after work to go to the gym where I work before the crowds get there.... and not going to the hospital cafeteria has helped me not be around the high carb foods I was eating before.

Sorry this post is so long... put it's got me pumped.

[scotiagrl]

I have spent the last couple of "work days" at home and consequently lots of time lurking here. Found this thread on Friday and have tried to encorporate some of the tips in my life the past few days. I will continue to read posts and hopefully, No I WILL continue to meditate and keep positive thoughts.
The little men are at work in my body pounding away at the fat cells making them easier to expell from my stomach and any other place they are hiding. :wave: :thup:

[cre8tivgrl]

I love Cheryl's idea to post some gratefulness here. I was in the midst of a negative moment (I have another excessively negative person in my life who I get to deal with for the next 9 years). I allow myself to get mad about him and often have to really relax and visualize myself out of my anger at this person. Gratefullness helps emensely. :)

Here are 10 things I am greatful for.
1. My family is healthy and happy.
2. I am incredibly lucky to have my husband and his wonderfulness.
3. The trees are yellow, red and orange and beautiful.
4. I have a love for myself that allows me to overflow and spread it to all those that I love.
5. I had coffee in the house this morning. :D
6. I am halfway done Christmas shopping.
7. I have found a sense of strength and control over my eating.
8. I remember my dreams.
9. I can sometimes sing and dance away my problems... at least for the moment and then they don't seem so big.
10. I have this great forum to share, learn, teach, give, get and just hang out sometimes!

[Carianne]

cre8tivegirl , I did my thankful list in my journal last night and when I read yours I thought I'd come post it here. You have made me look in some new directions to be thankful. - and I'm thankful for that! :D

I'm thankful for...
1)A healthy family-including me!
2)A simple life.
3)2 paid off cars.
4)Low mortgage payment.
5)The rain today.
6)My treadmill.
7)My homecooked meal - and my not so picky husband to eat it.
8)REALLY THANKFUL for a good eating son! Not picky either.
9)This computer- and access to this website!
10)Being able to talk on the phone to my sister and Aunt(the good one) in Florida.

6. I am halfway done Christmas shopping.

We could start a whole new thread on that one! HAHAH! :lol: Way to go!!!!

[Cheryl R]

3)2 paid off cars.
I can't say that... but I'm thankful to have a job so I have the money to make the 2 car payments!!!!! and morgage payments.!!! LOL

[Cheryl R]

I forgot to say... I am working on a possitive affermation statement that I will be reciting to myself several times a day... I will type it and hang it on my refridgerator, the bottom of mycomputer, in my bedroom, on the bathroom mirror etc...

Here's what I've come up with so far.

I Cheryl have the power to control my health, I am able to lose weight, and I can be patient about my progress. I have been successful in changing my behaviors.

What do you all think?

[scotiagrl]

That sounds good! Maybe I will print it and use it myself. Probably need to change the name. LOL

[TeriDoodle]

hey Cheryl!

The only suggestion I have is to make these statements more "active"..........

"I successfully make choices that improve my health. I am losing weight. I am patient."

....If you just say that you are "able" to lose weight....then you are stating your abilities, not your activity. See the difference? It's best to keep them to no more than 2-3 suggestions at a time. Stay with this affirmation for several weeks now.

Mine is very simple (so that this old brain can remember it easily): "I make healthy food choices. I enjoy exercise." And I listen to my tape at night before sleeping. Hey, last night I dreamed I had a tummy like Brittany Spears! Something must be working!

[cre8tivgrl]

See, Carianne, what good it does to post what we are grateful for here... I didn't even think to be grateful for a paid off car. :D

I am thankful for the rain too but everyone here in Oregon thinks I'm nuts. I keep telling them that I could still be in Wyoming where it's snows and the wind blows 365 days a year... my nightmare. ;)

[arnie]

I am so grateful that I found this thread. I read it almost every day to get new ideas to keep myself positive in my journey. This is what I've come up with so far. Prayer, exercise, and positive readings and affirmations go hand in hand for me.

My affirmation is:

I make healthy food choices. I love to exercise. I am enjoying this journey to a healthy, fit body.

Any suggestions would be appreciated, also does anyone have a problem "seeing" themselves with a fitter body. Everytime I try to visualize someone else pops into my head. How do I combat this?

[Cheryl R]

OK... how about this for a word change....

I'm leaving the last sentence alone...because it's something I've already prooved to myself I could do... and it makes me feel good to say I did it.

Her goes.

I have the power to control my health, I am losing weight and I am being patient about my progress. I have been successful in changing my eating behaviors....

I plan on sticking with this until after Thanksgiving, when I should get my go ahead from my surgeon to move on with exercise. I will be going to the base gym... and one of the docs I work with has a guy (maybe a gal) who wants to help me get started. She told him/her about my struggles and how I have lost some already with out exercise. I keep mentioning it to my husband every day so I can get him geared up to go with me. We both get off work at 2:30 and we can get to the gym before the rest of the people on base get off work.... anyway... what I was trying to say is that I'll add a possitive statement about exercise too the existing one.

Cheryl

[SummerYet]

Hi Everyone...
am really greateful for finding my way back here. I have been having a rough time of things the past week or so. I have lost my drive for everything. Teaching, socializing, everything. I don't want to be bothered. I think I am so overwhelmed that I am shutting down. I have been classified as a depressive in the past and I am on antidepressants (although since low carbing i have been slowly decreasing my dose and the response has been great!). I almost feel like I am going into one of those depressions from the past, but I dont know why.
I need to bring the positives back in my life and I need your help. I took a "mental health day" to take care of myself today and that is what I am going to do.
I am going totry to start with what I am grateful for even though I feel so crappy.

1. My boyfriend who has become very supportive and loves me for who I am
2. Fall weather, my favorite time of the year
3. Having a job I usually love
4. Being able to support myself, even though things are tight sometimes
5. My family who is always there when I need them
6. My friends who understand my crazy life and still stand by me
7. My new kitten who I absolutely ADORE
8. Having my LC friends and this support I know I can turn to and not be judged
(Getting hard now...)
9. My weight loss and finding LC, which I always thought was BAD
10. My Goddaughter and "nephew" who I can enjoy and still give back when they get feisy!;)

Any words of advice would be welcome. Thank you.
~Michelle

[cre8tivgrl]

Michelle... great list. Having been depressed and on anti-depressants in the past, I understand. I don't ever want to get back to that dark, dark place that I was. A counselor suggested that I create a happy list.... things that I love to do. Actually he suggested it for all the time, not just when I am down. I look at it and remember that I LOVE bowling and haven't been in awhile or that my toe nails need painting and get out my bath salts for a full-fledged pedicure. Lacking energy?? Go to a salon for a pedicure. They range from $15-30 and are totally worth it.

The other very wise thing he told me is that as adults we are taught that it's bad to cry. It's weak. So we don't. We hold it in and it manifest in other ways. Stress, illness, zits, depression, fights with loved ones. Sometimes it's good to have a mini-pity-party and get it out of your system. I, personally, start picking little irritation fights with my husband. And when I do this I know it's time to take a solo pity party and leave that poor man alone. If I can't cry, I will take a nap or do something off of my happy list instead. It's become routine.

You said you love fall. Perhaps just a slow walk to collect leaves to send to a loved one or distant friend in a card. :)

[SummerYet]

Shelly...

WOW. I can't tell you how much your post hit home. And that is a good thing. I was told at one time about the "happy list" I had forgotten all about it! I am going to do that today. I am going ot make a "Happy Jar" and pick one out when I need a pick me up! What a great idea.

I usually don't have trouble crying. Especially when TOM is around! LOL But lately I dont think I have, that I can remember. And I have a rash on my chin that I dont know what it is, and a cold sore that just popped out under my nose. Hmmmm....

OK...I think I am almost ready to get back in the game here.

I AM MAKING TIME FOR ME
I KNOW I DONT HAVE TO BE SUPERWOMAN
I AM A HEATHY EATER
I EXERCISE REGULARLY
I AM NOT PERFECT AND THAT IS PERFECTLY FINE

OK I will start with that, opinions and recommendations welcome. Thank you so much Shelly...you can't imagine how much better I felt after reading your post. Really.

~Michelle

[kimberlina]

Michelle,
i am sending you a big HUG!!!!!!!!! :bhug:

thanks for sharing from your heart. i too know what you are saying and Shelly gave some great tips. i know that with the time change, and the days getting shorter lends itself to depression easily. light deprivation is a big factor.

i have decided to hit a tanning salon once a week for some artificial SUN!!!!!!! and today i recommitted to some daily exercise.

hang in there, i am pulling for ya!
kimberly

[piggypiggy]

Hi,
Well I really want to loose weight, and do everything possible to do this, ie:LC, exercise. But I haven't gotten to my goal weight, and my boyfriend always tells me it is because I'm so negative. I am a very negative person, and tend to give up on things, especially myself. I honestly try to over come this feelings, but the past and the tapes playing over and over again in my head, won't let me. How do I erase the tape? I was once told that the only thing standing in between my dreams and me ...is me. I have been feeling really horrible these days, but after reading the thread, I feel so much better. I think that when ever I feel 'negative', I'll come see you guys. So I guess you'll be seeing alot of you.

does anyone have any suggestions for me...I really can't do the affirmations. Because I feel like I'm just talking nonence, because I don't believe what I'm trying to affirm. I guess I just have to keep re-affirming myself until I believe.

Hope to hear from someone soon

[TeriDoodle]

I highly recommend www.healthjourneys.com as a source for guided imagery tapes. They have a large selection, many having to do with very serious health issues, but some just for "general well-being". Piggy , I would recommend this as a very good place to start for you....along with some reading material about this subject of "positive thinking". Simply educating yourself about the importance of correcting your thoughts can be a very powerful tool to help shape your entire future.

Give me a little time and I'll come back with a reading list that might help...

[TeriDoodle]

The visualization GURU of our time is the author, Shakti Gawain and her book Creative Visualization was a national bestseller. I buy all my books on half.com because they're just too cheap to resist. Here's a link for this particular book: Creative Visualization (http://half.ebay.com/cat/buy/prod.cgi?cpid=220898&domain_id=1856&meta_id=1)

Here's another link, The Power of Positive Thinking (http://half.ebay.com/cat/buy/prod.cgi?cpid=200974&domain_id=1856&meta_id=1) by Norman Vincent Peale. I've never read it myself, but it was a humongous bestseller also...probably a bit more "mainstream" than Gawain's book.

If you want to get really deep in the matter, there's an entire branch of metaphysics/spirituality that deals with the idea that we create our reality with our thoughts.... that we are co-creators of our universal experience....a gift, so to speak, given to us by God. Now, if you want references on that subject, LOL, I can give you a list as long as your arm! But the idea is that the Universe is made up of nothing but energy.....and the underlying physical principle is that negative attracts negative and positive attracts positive. So that, you see, having negative thought only attracts negative experiences....until you learn that it is only by thinking at a higher energy frequency (positve = Love) will positive experiences manifest themselves.

You create your reality.

You create it with the energy of your thoughts.

If your thoughts are negative, that is the level at which your reality will resonate....and vice versa.

Does that help?

[Sandylee]

Originally posted by TeriDoodle

If you want to get really deep in the matter, there's an entire branch of metaphysics/spirituality that deals with the idea that we create our reality with our thoughts.... that we are co-creators of our universal experience....a gift, so to speak, given to us by God. Now, if you want references on that subject, LOL, I can give you a list as long as your arm! But the idea is that the Universe is made up of nothing but energy.....and the underlying physical principle is that negative attracts negative and positive attracts positive. So that, you see, having negative thought only attracts negative experiences....until you learn that it is only by thinking at a higher energy frequency (positve = Love) will positive experiences manifest themselves.

You create your reality.

You create it with the energy of your thoughts.

If your thoughts are negative, that is the level at which your reality will resonate....and vice versa.

Does that help?

Teri, that is right up my way of thinking. That really rings true.

[TeriDoodle]

Sandy, I'll never forget the day I began reading my first book on this subject. I sat it total wonder as I read the pages, even at times shedding tears of joy that I had finally found something that made sense to me. What a wonderful day that was!!! I've read another 100 books since then and found a church and thousands of other people who support these beliefs as well..... but up to that point I was really, really "lost".

........so I understand what you're saying.


I learned a lesson at tennis last night.... my coach was teaching us beginners about serving. I kept joking around and telling him, "Oh, you only THINK you've seen sucky tennis....wait 'til you see me serve!" And after about 10 REALLY BAD serves I started to get a few over and in.... Dave said, "I thought you said you couldn't serve?? You can serve! You're doing fine!" I realized that I had been negative!! ... even in my joking.... and I said, "You're right, I CAN serve!!" (I can serve I can serve I can serve I can serve.....) And you guessed it! I started making 4 out of 5!!

[cre8tivgrl]

Michelle... your words mean a lot. I think it really helps to have someone who's been there... and trust me, I have. I have never posted to this board, but I've posted to another in the past. I would get back the best ideas. Things that I hadn't thought of or hadn't remembered. The internet is so very wonderful in that way!!

I loved your idea of the jar. I think I will do that too!!!

Teri: I wanted to thank you. Your links are fabulous. You've taken me to places on the net that I hadn't found yet and the information is just awesome!!

I, too, am finding that I joke negatively about myself. Sometimes even when I don't believe it. Do you think we do that because we are seeking that positive affirming remark from those around us? I know I do with my husband and he gives me compliments all the time anyway. Regardless, I am glad to be catching myself. Maybe when I catch myself next, I can focus on giving someone else positive feedback instead at that moment. ??? :)

[TeriDoodle]

Shelley......... did you know we have the same birthday??? :D

[piggypiggy]

I actually own the book u recommended. A friend recommended me it. I'm just tooo negative to believe it. I just need to be reassured that it actually does work for real people...like you and me.

I'm going to go reread the book.

thanks bunches.

I want to get re-connected with God, can u help?

[piggypiggy]

The last message I just wrote is for Terri

sorry!

[piggypiggy]

Originally posted by TeriDoodle
The visualization GURU of our time is the author, Shakti Gawain and her book Creative Visualization was a national bestseller. I buy all my books on half.com because they're just too cheap to resist. Here's a link for this particular book: Creative Visualization (http://half.ebay.com/cat/buy/prod.cgi?cpid=220898&domain_id=1856&meta_id=1)

Here's another link, The Power of Positive Thinking (http://half.ebay.com/cat/buy/prod.cgi?cpid=200974&domain_id=1856&meta_id=1) by Norman Vincent Peale. I've never read it myself, but it was a humongous bestseller also...probably a bit more "mainstream" than Gawain's book.

If you want to get really deep in the matter, there's an entire branch of metaphysics/spirituality that deals with the idea that we create our reality with our thoughts.... that we are co-creators of our universal experience....a gift, so to speak, given to us by God. Now, if you want references on that subject, LOL, I can give you a list as long as your arm! But the idea is that the Universe is made up of nothing but energy.....and the underlying physical principle is that negative attracts negative and positive attracts positive. So that, you see, having negative thought only attracts negative experiences....until you learn that it is only by thinking at a higher energy frequency (positve = Love) will positive experiences manifest themselves.

You create your reality.

You create it with the energy of your thoughts.

If your thoughts are negative, that is the level at which your reality will resonate....and vice versa.

Does that help?

[TeriDoodle]

Piggy..........I'd love to try! I'll PM you with my email address, and we'll go from there, OK?

Ooops.... I just tried and you're not able to receive them yet. My email address is terridoodle~aol.com (note there are 2 R's).... why tell me a little about your spiritual life up to this point and we'll get a nice discussion going!

[piggypiggy]

Teri, what do u mean by Micheal Vincent's Book being more mainstream?

[piggypiggy]

I'm new what do u mean by "pm"?

and and how do I quote things...

Sorry! :D

[TeriDoodle]

Well, I suppose I mean that it's written in a style such that the average joe can relate to it in a real way and use the principles regardless of the spiritual or metaphysical beliefs behind them... he probably supports his ideas with psychology rather than metaphysics. Keep in mind that I haven't read it, I'm just guessing. Gawain's book (as I recall) is written from a metaphysical perspective, which may require a deeper understanding of those principles to fully appreciate her message.

Does that make sense?

[piggypiggy]

Terri,
I just sent you an e-mail.

Thanks,
again

[TeriDoodle]

Ok, I'll retreive it when I get home tonight! Have a great evening!

[cre8tivgrl]

Wow, Terri, very cool on the birthday thing. :D

[cre8tivgrl]

Where is everyone?? Out meditating?? This thread was being threatened of falling off the page. ;)

I am drining my green tea and telling myself that I will not get this cold that is going around and threatening me now. I am healthy and cold resistant!! :)

[kimberlina]

guess everyone is busy out there.

this positive visualization thing is cool. saturday i had the opposite. my dh said a "negative" comment about my job situation, and all day long i fought that off. and i had an awful day. i did talk to him later about it, and of course i "over" interpreted what he said. oh well.......

today i am making healthy choices for my body! and i feel great!

hang in there! :thup:

[Carianne]

Cre8tivgrl- I think that I have been waiting for "something" to happen. I've been doing my affirmations, and I've really been trying to picture sculpting out myself in my mind as well. But it's so hard to remember, it's not in my nature to think so positively all the time.

PMS is upon me and I had that "black cloud" over my head. I felt like a nasty wicked person with some of the things I ended up thinking about a certain person. (That person being someone who represents a bathroom supply company that was going to replace our tub- ended up he's a weeny and kept passing it to other people and then just decided he doesnt want to help - just hinder!) So, that whole thing combined with PMS sent me into a tizzy. I felt MAD all morning. I had to get out of the house and take a drive to kind of work myself out of that feeling.

Realizing recently, that when things are so far out of my control and I'm struggling to get them into the realm of what I see as acceptable, it's just my weak point. (am I making sense?), and when I get hormonal like this, I feel so out of control. There is now another man that is suppose to help with this situation and I'm afraid to call him because I fear I will get so frustrated I will cry and look like a blubbering idiot. Anyone else have this problem ever?

[scotiagrl]

I DO try to stay positive and that little green man sitting by my shoulder keeps his ugly face telling me I can not do this. I am discouraged. I am going to exercise this morning and start a new day :wave:

[TeriDoodle]

Scotiagrl - You should just keep trying.... say your affirmations many times a day (whether you believe what you're saying or not) and eventually you'll find the ugly green man gets bored and goes away!! :D Big changes such as these do not happen overnight or in a week.... so just stay with it, ok? You're doing fine!

[piggypiggy]

I sometimes feel the same way you do, Scotiagirl. I want to get rid of my little green guy too. if you want we can try together.

Or if not, just remember that there are people here to listen and help u out.

have a good day


PiggyPiggy


p.s. Terri===Thanks for everything

[cre8tivgrl]

I think we'd all like to see dramatic "results" from our affirmations. Immediate results would be even better. But to be honest, it usually doesn't happen that way.

What does happen is that one day you realize that you don't talk so negatively to yourself anymore. Or something will happen and you'll respond pro-actively instead of reactively.... and you'll be amazed. After awhile you'll notice subtle changes in how you think. It may not happen tomorrow, but it will happen. :)

[raharris]

I think we'd all like to see dramatic "results" from our affirmations. Immediate results would be even better. But to be honest, it usually doesn't happen that way.

In meditation we don't assume that results are going to come immediately.

Skill grows with time and patience, and the best results occur when we eliminate striving.

Cheers --

[SummerYet]

Hi All-

I love reading this thread and learning so much...

I ma having trouble SAYING my affermations. Not that I don't want to, but I guess since I am not used to it, I just forget. Then later on when I am reading it it reminds me, but then I feel like it is futile because it is the end of the day.

Does anyone else have this problem? Does anyone have tips for getting into a routine for affermations? I have been thinking positive on the way to work...that much I have remembered, but I need more help than that! LOL (Is that negative?? :daze: )

Thanks for all the help. This is new to me and I really want to make it work!

~ Michelle

[Cheryl R]

I'm trying so hard... I really am...
but I told myself I wasn't going to get a cold... and I did anyway.

Now seriously... I'm not having a good start... I have my possitive affermations in front of me now. I will try harder.

I need to go get some reading materials on this subject. I went to some of the links... but I don't like buying over the internet... had a bad experience. So Friday I will go to my favorite book store.

[TeriDoodle]

To help you remember to say your affirmations, I recommend putting them on sticky notes .... tack them to your bathroom mirror, your refrigerator, your front door, the dashboard of your car, in your wallet, on your computer, on your desk at work, etc., etc., etc!!!

The greatest reminder of all, however, is when you hear yourself saying negative things to yourself! "I hate salads." Turn it immediately into "I enjoy eating healthy foods." and say it 10x. "I don't feel like exercising" .... turns into "I LOVE to exercise!" and say it 20x! "I look so FAT in this dress" turns into "I shed excess weight easily."

Get the idea??

LISTEN then affirm!!

[scotiagrl]

Thanks all for the support. I will try try try again. Did pretty well yesterday. I think I'll try Terri's suggestion about the sticky notes. I have my refrig full of pictures, I'll replace them with positive affirmations. Was that redundant, Positive affirmations. Oh well!

[plum]

well I have been "affirming away " and I wonder if this has brought me unexpected results.

my affirmation "Iam a slim and healthy 10 stone woman"

"working in mysterious ways " comes to my mind.

Ive been doing Atkins since August. Believe it 100%.Committed 100% Nothing would have shifted me. Nothing. Determined to see it through.

then a series of ? coincidences have led me to try out CAD. Its early days. But I feel terrific and positive as never before :D :D

my point is .... keep at it..... maybe you'll bring yourself unexpected results along your path...... but hopefully will prove right for you.

[cre8tivgrl]

I think I wrote this before, I write one affirmation on my bathroom mirror in lipstick. "I can do this." I see it in the mornings, evenings, everytime I'm in there. It gets me thinking while I brush my teeth or wash my face. Plus it's whimsical in a way. It's lipstick. My husband rolls his eyes and jokes "I CAN do this... I can wash it off the mirror." It makes it light. But only because I know he's joking.

The rest of the time, it's there and it reminds me. :)

[SummerYet]

Where IS everyone???

I am POSITIVE that everyone will come visit this thread today :D ;)

~Michelle

[Lessara]

I had a long talk with my Mother about our mutal need to lose weight and I watched a show on TV about Obese people. Needless to say, I feeling very sad and upset about my weight.
(You can read more in my journal). I want a positive attitute!
I just can't see success at my weight battle.
And to make it worse I just read that if you yo yo'd dieted before weight loss is even more differcult. :eek:
Sigh. :(

[cre8tivgrl]

Lessara... I haven't been to your journal yet so I am shooting in the dark. Are you struggling with low-carb? Do you lose slowly? Are you stalled? Do you exercise?

I guess I can only use myself as an example about weight loss and positives. The positive with me is that I know by low-carbing I am taking action. I know that any activity more than I do now is taking action. I have control. I might get stalled but I still feel better. It's a solution to my weight problem.

You can do this. You are working on it by being here. That's a solution! And a positive one at that. You will lose the extra weight. You will feel better. I know it. Now you know it. :)

[melissa07]

I know you probably already know this, but since you've started at the gym, your body is building some muscle tissue. Muscle tissue growth is usually accompanied by some water retention. I know how you feel, I've been having a hard time staying motivated lately as well, but believe me, although it takes time, sticking with your exercise program will become easier. Your body just needs a little time to realize that it actually does like to exercise!

If I start to feel down I try to remember that if I had never found LC, I'd probably still weigh 223 (or more :eek: ) and feel 10 times worse than I do now. Have faith in yourself because you CAN do this.

Good luck!

[eebee]

Hi I have just come back after lots of months backsliding. I have been catching up with this thread and printing bits out. I have recently been using affirmations myself as I decided it was time to lose some fat. One idea I had is to make some affirmation cards on my imaging software and tranfer them to my Palm. Its great because no on else can see them and when I have a minute to spare I can turn them on. People have no idea what I am doing!

So if you happen to have a Palm try it out. The Palm will run it as a slide show, or you can just show one card at a time, using the software that came with it ( MGI photo Suite Mobile Edition) . I was a bit embarrassed about the idea of sticking affirmation cards around the house and having everyone see them. This way I can keep it to myself. I think it must be working too because since I began I have revived my motivation and started eating low carb properly again. now I just need some exercise affirmations!!
eebee :)

[eebee]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jimsgems
[B]TriciaW;


Now if you combine all that "Feel Good" stuff with a daily WOE that in our case is total participation in the Atkins WOE, then you will experience great results, then you will really have some pride and feelings of accomplishments. That can start on the very first pound by the way.

Other wise it's just BS and the "Feel Good" stuff waists time and acomplishes nothing in and about itself.


Hi Jim- I know this message is a month old but I just arrived today! I have to say I would have totally agreed until a few weeks ago. I just thought how silly it all was. But I was on a business course recently and quite incidentally learnt something new about it that did make sense. The process is that you say the affirmations and the saying and repetition changes your behaviour. You start doing as you say. I could consider that as a possibility. It makes some sense dont you think? I thought it was worth a try and lo and behold suddenly I am back here again after months and months of lack of motivation! I guess it could make you a millionaire too if it got you to start managing your budget and not take too much retail therapy- not by magic though. eebee

[TeriDoodle]

Glad to have you back "on board" eebee!! Your idea about the palm is really great!! :thup: Maybe I'll ask Santa for one this Christmas! :D I have been a really, really good girl!

Best of luck to you as you re-start your LCing.... if there's any way I can help, just gimme a whistle, OK?

Glad you found the thread useful!

[Suzali]

Great thread :thup:

I haven't been around the web site for a good two months. This is amazing, I was just talking to a friend about affirmations and positive thinking. Coincidence or what? :) I just started reading

"You can heal your life" by Louise L. Hay

It's all about restructuring one's life and finding self-esteem and self-love. I think we all could use help in this department in order to be successful. Anyway I'm a late starter to this thread, but I'm in :thup: Haven't had a chance to read all the threads yet but I sure am inspired!!!

Keep up the good work! :cheer:

[Jimsgems]

Hi eebee;

How are things when you are upside down, (sorry eebee, just a little Southern Hemisphere joke, like you’ve never heard that one before.

I have been staying away from this string because I think I was seriously mis-understood or I said what I meant poorly, or maybe I'm just wrong. I’ll try again...

I think affirmations, positive thinking and positive self talk are enormously helpful. The hypocrisy of it is when well meaning people expect that just saying something in a positive statement by itself, almost like a mantra if you will, this of and by itself without putting that affirmation or affirmations into action and then wondering why they fail.

Positive imaging and self affirmation are very powerful tools, I’ve used it myself for years and what it is that I’m trying to say is… “if you expect words (alone) without actions to make a difference in you life, in your weight, or whatever, it is just like wishing for the “Good Fairy” to do it for you.” Now, I probably just made the “Good Fairy” people mad at me too.

Now, to another subject… what part of New Zealand are you located, North Island or South? I’m heading to Auckland in a few weeks on business I’m really looking forward to the time there. I really like NZ, I hope to get South while I’m there if not this trip, maybe the next. I’m hoping to make about two trips a year, some of us in America know what a beautiful country New Zealand is and some of its history too. I’m also bringing my camera, some of the vistas are in a word… incredible. Well, I’m going to go now, I hope I cleared my thoughts up a little, or did I fail again. Maybe I should just avoid the forum and this string in particular, seems I always upsetting folks, so… I’ll go now.

[eebee]

Hi Jim. I think we all have the right to speak as we see. Why should that offend anyone? The western world and all its freedoms are founded on that aren't they?

I live in Dunedin, in the South Island of NZ

eebee

[piggypiggy]

I haven't been on the thread in a while. I have been reading the posting, just not posting anything myself. School is absolutely crazy right now with exams and all my time to devoted to school....and I'm leaving for Europe in a week. Too many things to do too little time. Anyways, I have really been focusing to do everything I do in a positive manner. I swear. I feel much better. It was hard at first but I'm taking little steps.

Anyways, I was having a postive day when someone from my past (who I had a very bad relationship) said some negative things about me. I really just want to have nothing to do with this person, but think it is unfair that they won't leave me alone. How do I not let the negative things others say about me, affect me? How do I not give this person such power over me?

Suggestions. please.

Terri--I'm working on that list u gave me.

On a briter side, we just got 8 inchs of snow, and it looks so beautiful on the farm I live on.

[molly1844]

I always thought of myself as a positive person but I have noticed that in the past couple of years I have slipped into some negative thinking patterns.

I work in an environment that is filled with gossip and general hatefulness and have even found myself beginning to contribute to that. Not like me at all!

And although I have lost a substantial amount of weight I feel so discouraged. (I expected to look much thinner at this weight than I do.)

So I need to get myself back on track ... I'm on board! How do I start? Visualization? Meditation? Affirmations? What is the best way to begin?

molly :)

[piggypiggy]

I meant brghter side... :D

[piggypiggy]

Molly...check out page 2 of the thread....Terri gave an excellent start for everyone new to the thread and postive thinking.

[Suzali]

Molly,

Your doing a great job with your weight loss, you should feel proud of your progress :cheer:
As far as the workplace environment, that kind of negativity and gossip is good for no one. Really try to avoid it. The book by

Don Miguel Ruiz called "The Four Agreements"

is great in offering a 'powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness and love' ( I took that from the back of the book, it sums it up beautifully)
As far as not being happy about the way you look after your weight loss I really do believe that a "before" picture does wonders. You can compare and really see how great you do look. Another thing, look in the mirror and concentrate on the things you like about your image. For example, maybe you really love your smile or your eyes, tell yourself that each time you see yourself in a mirror. This, in time will help your image of yourself change. We tend to always just see the things we don't like, instead of seeing the things you like. I'm just starting to do this myself.
Remember to take that photo. (preferably in a bathing suit) You'll be amazed at just how far you've come. And how great you really do look at your new weight! :thup:

Good Luck

[Jimsgems]

Dear Molly;

All your answers are here. Keep searching and believing and enjoying this way of life and then it's only a matter of time. We didn't gain "tons" of weight over night, it may have seemed that way, but it's just not true, give your self a break, relax and gain the perspective to realize your wonderfulness and beauty.

We are all set up the same, God made us in His image and with a mind and free will, but I also know that if I ask you to not think of an orange, you must think of an orange. We are just wired that way if you didn't think of an orange, how would you know what not to think of? Just a thought.

It's all there where you live, you already have the tools and answers you seek, just listen to your internal dialog and sit back, and get it. Be well. J

[SummerYet]

Suzali-

Things work SO mysteriously! I was signing on here SPECIFICALLY to report on a book I just read... THE FOUR AGREEMENTS!!! My jaw dropped when I read your post. Isn't that wierd??

The book is amazing...long story short...BF had the COMPANION book in his car, I read the back and thought it sounded interesting...we went to Barnes and Noble last night, picked up the book. Well I couldnt put it down....I fell asleep readin it and woke up and finished it this morning. I thought it was GREAT. I am starting the Companion book today.

It is based on 4 "agreements":
1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don't take anything personally
3. Don't make assumptions
4. Always do your best

Very quick read and I highly reccommend it, it makes a lot of sense!!

I am on a new course...a positive, self loving one, and if anyone knows me from here, this sounds odd coming from me...I am not even used to it yet...but look out happiness...here I come!!!!!!

~Michelle

[TeriDoodle]

Hello everyone! It's great to see you all doing so well!!

Michelle - Wow! What an attitude change! It's wonderful to hear you so upbeat. I really do think that becoming AWARE of your thoughts has done wonders for you....it sounds as though your positive thoughts are at least outnumbering your negative thoughts these days, hmmmm? Good job!

Piggy - It IS very hard for anyone to deal with insults and harsh words. I once had a very verbally abusive BF....and when I broke up with him of course he became even more abusive! For one thing, you shouldn't even allow the conversation to take place! If you don't desire contact with him, then why is he able to contact you? (I'm not looking for the answers, I want you to answer these things for yourself.) But that's really beside the point, anyway.... how can you not allow the words to affect you? I used to focus on thoughts like these, "He has so many life lessons to learn and it appears his soul has chosen a very difficult path wrought with hate and judgments. I forgive him and will pray for him." In other words, I would detach myself from the incident and see that the situation is really about HIM and not about ME.... that his need to spew insults were the result of his fear.

In any situation we all choose to act from a place of Love or Fear....and only those two emotions. Think about that for a moment and it makes complete sense. The more often you choose Love over Fear, the more peaceful your life will be. Love your "enemies" and you'll find that negative emotions dissipate. It sounds difficult, but continuing to foster the negative emotions is far more difficult and destructive.

Does that make sense? I don't explain things too well sometimes :rolleyes: Too early in the morning!

[Jimsgems]

I have put what I preach to the test... When you put the visualization and positive self talk to work, well I've been blessed by the results.
http://www.jimsgems.com/NewJimNewandOld.jpg

[eebee]

WOW Jim well done. That is very inspiring. How long has it taken you? Did you have any stalls? Do you have a journal here that I can look at? :thup:

[cre8tivgrl]

Great job, Jim!! And I agree with you, thinking on it's own doesn't usually get you where you need to go. Action is required. But some people just are so caught up that action is impossible. And the funny thing about affirmations and visualization is that if repeated, action is almost inevitable. I once read that if you write your yearly goals down and look over them daily, after the year 80% of them will have been obtained. You just automatically begin to take action when it's in front of you every day. Your mind believes that this is what should be and it creates (or sees) opportunities and steps to that next level. :)

eebee... welcome. I had a friend in Dunedin at one time. I don't even remember his real name... we all called him Junior. I hear it's beautiful in NZ. Definiately on my list of places to see.

[Jimsgems]

eebee and anyone else...

12 months to the day, I 've lost the weight quite rapidly at first, then about 100th pound it stopped, but I didn't. I just kept on doing my plan and about August, I started dropping slowly, now I was getting to the point to where on the 365th day, I'm loosing a pound or three a week. If you consider what I've just put my body through, I should take a little time to loose the rest.

One thing I have personally experienced is... "if I hadn't desided to do something a year ago, where would I be today? I can guess, but I don't want to think about it. I like it the way I'm becoming."

[SummerYet]

Where is everyone?? Going to B & N tonight to check out some books...

~Michelle

[molly1844]

Just wanted your opinion on the three affirmations I have chosen.

1) I have abundant energy and vitality.
2) I choose to eat only healthy foods.
3) I lose weight easily.

The first two are pretty self explainatory but the third one is because I have this mental picture (borne out by physical evidence) that I am a sloooooooooow loser. I want to send myself a new message. Maybe I can get out of this "turtle" mentality.

Hope everyone else is doing well.
molly :rheart:

[SummerYet]

Hi Molly-
I am very new to this...but the affermations sound good to me. I am sure one of the better experts will be along to help you more!

I got a book last night that I am almost done with already. It is called "Be Your Own Best Friend" by Louis Proto. It has many sample affermations and visualizations for different topics, and explains things in easy to understand language for the most part. It was only $5.99 too, which is helpful for us on a budget!

I have been struggling with the positive thinking...but I will prevail. I miss the discussion of the board...hope everyone comes back soon!

~Michelle

[Lessara]

I think my new mantra should be "I can be patient about my weight loss" ;)

[SummerYet]

Where IS everybody? :confused: :tears:

[scotiagrl]

Hi, I have had computer problems, so haven't been around much. Also with all there is to do for the holidays it's hard to take time to visit places I REALLY enjoy. Should settle down in just one week and I will be back renewed and ready. :)

[ndelacourt]

I am in as well. I have numerous self hypnosis tapes...books on meditation/ positive affirmation......

I definately need help conquering this weight!

Natascha

[peeps]

This is a great thread.
I used hypnosis to get me started, and I am dabbling in meditation. I can't believe how well it works!
I'm also practicing yoga now.

[SuNNy6]

I am beautiful; I have long lean muscles and I am healthy!

[lee]

Advice from a few sources, including my shamanism teacher and anotehr metaphysist: in affirmations, consider the simplistic, subconscious reaction to words when choosing affirmations.

For example, instead of "I am losing weight," try "I choose to be thin." But ex., in Russian, there is a homonym for "thin" that has negative connotations. Maybe "My body is lean."

The other suggestion is to make the affirmation in the present tense, and feel the reality of that statement. Say "I am lean" vs. "I am becoming lean". Else the subconscious thinks, "Oh, not lean yet."

Actually my teacher suggests the word "choose". I choose for my body to be lean. I choose to be thin.

As for the word "want". He says, "Who are you to want?" I loved when he said that! As Jesus said, "You are gods."

[lee]

If you happen to be Russian, then "thin" is not a good word to use. It's your individual subconscious that matters.

[bobbi3]

:wave: Hi
Stumbled across this site and decided it was exactly what I needed right not in my life...I have been plagued by negative thoughts and comments for most of my life! some my own doing, some,just other people putting me down, which I let them do. :( Anyway, I was into positive thinking at least some time in my life, I remember slightly..so when I came to reading the posts here, I thought, Hey, I CAN do this again...I have had some serious setbacks for the past 2 months...but I intend to turn that around this holy christmas season, and set my sights on my goal...a more healthy life and better feeling about myself..I need to get a few minutes before work and do some mini-meditations and I have made myself a goal of at least 5 minutes every morning...I lost my dad 2 months ago, and this christmas season is so hard for me..on the brighter side, he did live for 91 years and was happy and satisfied with his life...told me that he had accomplished everything he ever wanted..had a wonderful family, his health,(until the last several months before he passed on), loved his sweetheart, they were married for 64 years! I am missing him terribly right now, but I will concentrate on the happiness and good times we had...and I will make it my goal to REACH my goal and to be sure to keep those negative thoughts our of my head.
Coming back to check this site and reading and re-reading your messages will help and give me the strength to accomplish this.
Thanks! A very blessed Christmas to all and a most Happy New Year :thup:

[molly1844]

I found a great site about meditation this evening. Lots of good basic "how-to" stuff. Plus an excellent discussion of the different types of meditation. You can find it at:

http://1stholistic.com/Meditation/hol_meditation.htm

I also wanted to share a visualization technique that works well for me when I am stressed.

I visualize myself completely surrounded by a transparent bubble.

Inside the bubble I am safe, secure and calm. No one and nothing can touch me or harm me.

When negative thoughts (or people) try to reach me they are gently deflected by the bubble. Negativity simply can't invade the serenity of the space inside the bubble

I can attend to my daily tasks without stress or fear. Confident in the knowledge that the bubble will shield me.

I use this to prepare myself for stressful days at work or as a means to "gird my loins" when I am dealing with folks who are a challenge to be around.
It has helped me a lot.

I haven't tried it yet with Foods that are off plan and "calling my name" but I think it would work for that too. hmmmm...I can just see those nasty little carbs bouncing harmlessly off of the bubble! :)

molly :rheart:

[bobbi3]

Hi Molly
That's one great idea! I'm going to borrow it and try it out, thanks.

[rtjdk2]

Im up for a shot at it... I belive what we think is what happens. If we think we will be overweight for ever then it will surely happen. If we think hey im thin eventualy it will happen.. Sign me up for the Meditation.

Tammy

[kachookat]

Hi Teri -- You've got a great idea and thanks for posting it. I'm a believer too but have not been using my meditation & visualization skills to great effect on weight. I started Atkins a while back and have dropped 3/4 sizes - which is terrific. I found myself feeling like I was in a visitor's body, being slender and lighter, and sure enough the weight loss has been stalled for several months. Now that the holidays are over perhaps the new resolve plus meditation and visualization can turn around this mindset and make it OK to lose the next round of weight.

I'll subscribe and look forward to the posts.

Kachookat
Texas

[lee]

Woo, Kachookat,

3/4 sizes!

Listen, I have the same problem with not believing my body image, and feeling uncomfortable, but unfortunately in reverse. I had always loved my body until the weight gain in recent years. Simultaneously with the gain (chicken, egg, ??), I stopped loving it the way I used to, stopped giving it attention, but now I am determined to take the time to express that love again.

I remember that I used to lolligag in the tub and look at and touch my legs, my stomach, breasts, arms. Enjoying things like the dribbling of water on my stomach. I admired my body- I just always loved it. I'd look at my body in the mirror a lot, because I enjoyed seeing it. I enjoyed the feeling of all my movements, the tightening of muscles, stretching, dancing. I was aware of and enjoyed my body as I walked. I always thought my body was the best body around!

So now I have recalled my attention to my body. I am looking at my legs, and touching them. I notice how my body feels during the day. I correct my posture, touch my hand or arm, etc. A re-acquaintance.

Practicing yoga, dance, sex, etc, increases my awareness of body. It might do the same for you.

I really think that getting that love feeling back will make my body healthier.

This practice might help you feel comfortable with and love your "new" body.

[jaddles]

The plan I'm on reccomends meditation & visualisation, but no offence to anyone, but I just dont beleive in that sort of thing. I find I become more positive & self aware just by knowing I'm looking after my body with LC & exercise :D

[SummerYet]

You have to do what you are comfortable with, if you don't believe it, then it definately wont have any impact. I am just curious why you felt you needed to post that on this thread?
~Michelle

[judi]

Teri,
Thanks for your posting on positive thought. I have lost a lot of weight, but put it all back on and more. I just started the PP again and am determined to stick with it and succeed this time. I printed a copy of your posting so I can read it regularly.
Judi :wave:

[lee]

Originally posted by jaddles
I find I become more positive & self aware just by knowing I'm looking after my body with LC & exercise :D

Your holding this idea in your mind is a type of meditation and visualization. Like a friend of mine says, "Man, this shit works! It's earie." I'm glad it works for you!

Call it voo doo or whatever, we create our lives with our minds. Even "science" agrees.

[cbcb]

There are times when the body hangs onto weight and times when it lets go of weight... not all of these are well correlated to a person's nutritional intake and exercise patterns.

Has anyone found they got a woosh of needed weight loss when they started clearing unneeded things out of their lives? (I'm not talking extra exertion.. more like getting rid of old things, having a big garage sale, feng shui'ing the apartment etc.)

The whole idea of chi and moving energy around and excess weight in some cases maybe being representative of blocked or clogged (okay, stored) energy...

Would be curious about any musings on this topic.

Then there's the issue of being around stress or negative people. My weight's gone up (despite healthy, modest eating habits) since having to be around a very difficult person... I call it the airbag effect. Wish for some enhanced ability to deflect that kind of stress.

[J.K.]

testing.. testing...

Is this thing on? ;)

I noticed that the post before cbcb was a bit dated. I thought nevertheless that I'd ring a bell here and add something you may like. In essence it's "How To Become Your Own Thermogenic."

A bit of background....

As you may know the Yogis of Tibet are a bit different from the Yogis of India in that their contortions are ones of the mind. Also, living in the isolated mountains of the Himalayas they faced great odds with regard to cold. There's very little fuel there to burn for heat and even with a fire burning in that environment a fire will only go so far with regard to providing body warmth.

As a result, the Yogis of Tibet developed their own method for generating body heat. It is said that an accomplished Tibetan Yogi would be so good at this that sitting down in in a pile of snow and going into this trance he would melt the snow around him for several feet.

How do they do it?

Well, for centuries the techniques used by the Tibetan Yogi were considered secret. However, with China now having taken over Tibet and their cultural tradions a bit in danger they are now relasing some of the information. Moreover, the technique used for increasing body heat is detailed in this video..

http://spider-food.net/pics/body/yogi.jpg
Film Review - The Yogis of Tibet (http://www.spiritualityhealth.com/newsh/items/moviereview/item_5656.html)

If I may also add, Garchen Rinpoche (http://garchen.com/teachers.html), who is the one who demonstrates the technique in the documentary (although he doesn't speak English) is also the one who gave me my vows as a Buddhist, and also my second name - Konchok Samten.

-------------

Anyway - the technique is simple in terms of the mechanics of it. I guess though the word 'simple' is a bit misleading. Like reaching 'no mind' or the state of emptiness it takes a lot of practice. Again, the Yogis spend years in isolation developing their mind and medatative skills so we can't expect the same result. We can, however, know today the fundamentals of how they do it.


------

Thermogenic Meditation

First, do whatever it is that you do to calm your mind. I'll give you a few things that I do, but again to each his own.

The right way is the way that works best for you. :)

1)
Make sure your mediatation area is your special place just for that. Also, do not make it your bed unless it happens to be a brand new one and you are the only one who sleeps there.

Most find this easiest to do if done early in the morning, but any time of day is okay.

2)
Get everything perfectly quiet. We don't want any background tapes playing - no music or anything like that. Dim the lights if you can. Sit upright in a comfortable posture with your spine straight but not rigid. Make sure your hands are relaxed. Sitting on the floor atop a large (high and firm) cushion works best for me. Sitting directly on the floor will produce fatigue rather quickly.

3)
If you are spiritual or religious it helps now to make an offering. If you happen to be athiest, however, you can still do the same thing. Just envison your offering going to 'the truth.' I like to light a candle. My offering is usually several very small cups of water that I've perfumed. I light some incense. I also offer a flower picked from the yard but a blade of grass will do.

Money has very little to do with the value of our offering. What is valuable is the sincerity in which it's given. Do not do it for your benefit but for the benefit of another. Try to be completly altruistic.

Dedicate any merit you might receive from making an offering to the benefit of others.

Envisoin that the offering has been received with with great joy. We're developing humility here as well as compassion.

4)
As you sit there in the quietness then just calm your mind. No matter what happens to be going on in the day just remind yourself that this is your free time from worry or stress. We can come back to the troubles of the day later. For now we're going take a break.

5)
Next, let's get in touch with whatever emotions happen to be there. Emotions are just like people. They will leave you alone for a while if you ask them but they do want to be recognized for being there.

I should add also that suppressing our emotions makes us sick which is why this is such a healthy part of the exercise. If we supress an emotion even if we are not aware of it at the time the emotion will be fighting back for recognition. Again, that's one of the primary things that makes us ill - both mentally and physically. This is our time to recognize them then -whatever they may be.

With your mind calm and at peace just ask to yourself, "Okay gang, who's there?"

Let each emotion rise one at a time - whatever it may be. Realize that there is no such thing as a 'wrong emotion' or a bad emotion. An emotion just is. Recognize it then - whatever it may be. Tell it that you understand it's there. Then gently remind it that for just a moment this is going to be your time. We're not in any rush. Let it know that you'll be back after a while - then let it fade away.

If it does resurface just ask it.. "Is there someting else you want to say." More often than not it won't be much if anything. Just recognize it again then let it fade back away. It will let you have a moment of peace after a while as long as it knows it's been recognized.

6)
Start focusing on the breath coming out of your nose. Feel it not just through the passages of your nose but on the inner,outter tip of your nose. Watch the breath leve you then come back - traveling out then in. See your breath - it flows back out - then comes back in. Keep your back straight and relaxed.

7)
Focus on your forehead. With your eyes closed or slightly closed look up to the center between your your eyebrows then just above that. Continue relaxing. Don't try to "Seek" anything - just let it come and go be what it may be. We're not trying to visualize here we're just letting what happens happen as we focus on our forehead. Find the energy there. Feel it. Become aware of that energy. Center in it.

8)
After doing this for a while you may start to experience gaps in between your thinking. It's akin to almost falling asleep. What we want to do is extend that time when there is no thought. When a new thought or an old one rearises just relax with it and let it go. This is what we're looking for.

Once you get into it it's kind of like riding a bicycle. You'll look up and all of a sudden 'you'll be doing it.' - (i.e. extending those moments where you are in no thought. Feel peace and continue to relax.

9)
Enjoy your self for a while now. It may help even if your eyes are completely closed try to find one small point in the darkeness and focus on it. Watch the space in between thoughts. You're doing it just like riding a bike. It comes naturally. Just let it be.

10)
After you've enjoyed the peace for however long or short a time you like, you can begin your body heating visualization.

From your solar plexus area picture a red bubble inside you or a red balloon. It's glowing red and filled with air. As you breath in see it beginning to expand. The bubble is filling with air. As it expands it also increases in heat and glow. Feel your body bask in the warmth. When fully inflated you and the bubble exist in unison with one another. If you desire expand the bubble even further - beyond you. While basking in the warmth see it dissolve. Experience the state of 'no sepereatness." Everything is one and the same. Recognize the non-duality. Your moving closer to your essential nature. You are boundless and unlimited by concepts of space. There is no beginning or end here. You recognize that no matter what you do you are always living in an eternal state of "now." Feel your own infinity. This is who you are. .......

Smile.. :)


-------------

Anyway - that's about it. I also want to add one more tip for breathing that you may want to use while you are relaxing your mind.

As you are stitting in the upright position imagine a source of energy at the bottom of your spine or in your erogonous zone if you desire. As you breath in see that energy rise up. As you exhale see it fall back down. Each time you breathe in it rises a little farther up your spinal column. Each time you exhale it goes back down. Continue doing that until the energy reaches the top of your head and all your energy is aligned in the pure white light.

For those of you who are interested in Tantra - yea - that's part of 'playing the inner flute.' ;) It's also a great way to get into a deep medatative state.

Anyway - hope that helps. Good luck to everyone who's added meditation to their program. I think it's a good idea but a good one even if we happen not to be on weight loss.

om mani padme hum :)

[cbcb]

JK,

Wow, what a timely response - thanks! I was just over the past few days contemplating the general concept that you went into detail about... had started reading up on Ayurveda and tending 'agni' the digestive fire.

Started a new thread about that kind of thing here:
http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?p=2335302#post2335302

Visualization is one of the things I'd like to incorporate, and will be giving the method you suggested a try. (As someone with chronically low body temps, this is particularly interesting!!!) :)

[J.K.]

Hey ya CBCB..

Nice to meet you. :)

I have not really studied 'Ayurveda.' Thanks for mentioning it though. It might give me something new and interesting to look at.

Also, best of luck with your meditation practice.

And cheers!

[Duparc]

If autosuggestion worked we would all be Kings and Queens of the Castle; we'd all be happy, healthy, successful, rich, and long-lived, but, we're not. Shakespeare recognised this human frailty in the 16c, when he wrote, "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in ourselves that we are underlings".

The French psychologist Emile Coue (1857-1926) is probably nearest to the truth. Recall that he coined the saying, "Every day in every way I am getting better and better" and it works, but, it only does so on the emotional level and not with what's between your ears. It is what we believe to be true and not what we think is true.

The emotions have an intelligence of their own but few recognise this. In most people the emotions are like an untamed animal that can take charge of one; like the proverbial 'tail wagging the dog' concept. The analogy is a useful one as the emotions are, indeed, like this untamed animal and our task in life is to train and tame it. Few are able to perceive this and fewer still are able to do it successfully.

I am not religious in the orthodox sense so my recollection of the bible is poor, but, recall when the good Lord was passing through the crowd and a woman touched his robe and cried out that she was cured? Didn't the good Lord say something like, "Thy faith is within you"? It was not the intellectual level that brought about her faith; remember the Nazerites recognised the Lord as just being the carpenter's son and she too must have known this, yet apparently, she was cured. Her faith could only have arisen from her belief, which is an emotional feature.

You all know the truism which says, "We are our own executioners" and how true it is. We crucify ourselves by how we feel and not by how we think. Thoughts reflect feelings; feelings do not reflect thoughts.

Additionally, if your emotions are out of whack so too will be your bodily chemistry, and if your bodily chemistry is out of whack, guess what? You're not going to 'feel' like positive thinking!

You can spend your life dreaming but unless you are going to get into the world's rink and start boxing you are not about to get far in this society of ours. It is action that succeeds and dreams will always be where they've always been; in fairy tales.

To try to provide a topical example of the application of effort with regard to relationships; in my own life I am into my second successful marriage. The success did not stem from my wishes or dreams but came from effort. The effort to recognise my 'needs' (emotions) and to do something practical like always courting my wife and filling her life with surprises. Guess what? In return I have a happy, contented, and loving wife whom I care deeply about and that provides me with the feeling that my 'cup is running over'. What else do, or can, I possibly need?

To feel good about ourselves we have to believe in ourselves. This cannot be achieved by the use of the 'will' or the words, 'I will'! It can only be achieved by allowing ourselves to 'try' to believe which is done through our feelings about ourselves. There is no gimmickry involved. It can be done anytime, anywhere, and is achievable without effort. Okay, so there exists some correlation between the mind and the emotions but, guess which rules, giving the opportunity to do so?

Taming and training our emotions is what is required, but, this option is of our own choosing. We need to cease projecting blame outwardly for our own inadequacies. When we do this, our circumstances will improve.

[Kegan]

: altho I truly doubt I will be able to find a 30 minute block free... I can "mini-meditate" so to speak~ ~

One of my favorite quotes goes something like this: " ....I meditate a half hour a day, unless I am particularly busy or stressed, then I make it an hour....."

Offered with a grin. And yes, meditation and positive affirmations absolutely work!

[Duparc]

In the psychological arena it is recognised that overt behaviour is compensatory. Through meditation, what are we trying to do or achieve; as Dr Phil would say, "What's the payoff"? If meditation works, then why are we here? If a better or more appropriate diet can make us feel good about ourselves then why squander time conning ourselves? Just by believing in ourselves we will feel better. There is no magic nor ritual about it, it is a simple matter of a change in attitude and that is all it takes, but, interestingly this change can be brought into effect through our imagination. All that is needed is to see ourselves the way we would like to see ourselves but in our imagination and that 'dream' will seek to manifest itself without effort on our part. If we harbour doubt about this then the doubt will manifest itself and become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The doubts are the devils within us!

[skinnyRay]

Other wise it's just BS and the "Feel Good" stuff waists time and acomplishes nothing in and about itself. I guess, I sound pretty negative about self talk and affirmation, that is as far from the truth as possiable, but I know you have to be the one who chooses what you put into your mouth and the world is so diluted but the 70's-'80's and '90's psyco-babble. All I noticed is when I stopped thinking positive thoughts and actually did something positive about my being 401 pounds, things changed, and in a very BIG way.



This was posted a looooooong time ago but when I read this I knew i had to share my thoughts.

You attract what you think be it positive or negative!

I woke this morning realising that my focus re my weight is often quite negative. I believe in the power of thoughts & it occured to me that an affirmation is an affirmation plain and simple be it negative or positive, prompting me to make the choice to become more aware of my thoughts and choose more wisely. (funny i should find this thread)

I believe if you affirm positively it's what you attract and visa versa. I have had proof of this time over. What occured to me is you were quick to dismiss the idea that your thoughts can manifest but... think about this - what was going on in your head to get you to 401 pounds in the 1st place? Was it self love and praise, or self loathing and what I like to call 'the brain bully'? Doing something positive comes first from a thought. That is essentially what an affirmation is. This is what you did anyway when you took action because action follows thought! ;) (btw congrats on your loss, you look great)


I think some people don't realise the power of their words/thoughts. Have you ever wondered why some people seem to attract dissapointment, dramas, pain, illness etc? If they honestly check their internal dialogue they would see it's because they put it out there with their negative affirmations. When you point it out to then they often dismiss or deny it - denial is the biggest form of self sabotage. Instead they say - I knew that was going to happen as if they possess some insight into why they are universal victims. It's a condition of the human mind, a self made illusion that you can be negaive and rightly so.

Consider the other half, the envy of negative souls, the people who always seem to attract success, opportunity and joy. What do you think they focus on? Negative people choose to be there and often curse the so called 'lucky' people. Anyone can attract luck!! :wave: (I win heaps of prized btw since i started affirming that 'I am lucky". Definitely not a waste of time)


Mumbo jumbo.......not for me. I've seen the proof. I hope you find a way to open up because when you do you will discover universal magic.

:wave: All the best.

btw thanks to the originator of this thread. :thup: It has reminded me to refocus on what i want not what i don't want. I feel happier just thinking about what i want :lol:

Count me in! :D
cheers

[skinnyRay]

There is no magic nor ritual about it, it is a simple matter of a change in attitude and that is all it takes, but, interestingly this change can be brought into effect through our imagination. All that is needed is to see ourselves the way we would like to see ourselves but in our imagination and that 'dream' will seek to manifest itself without effort on our part. If we harbour doubt about this then the doubt will manifest itself and become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The doubts are the devils within us!

here here :agree:

[WH1968]

Awesome thread.. this needs to be bumpted to the top.....

T-man

[pennink]

I do this all the time in everything I do in life.

When I used to show horses, my coach/trainer told me that even when I wasn't riding I should envision the process.

It works completely. I now spend time envisioning making the right choices at restaurants while losing and in maintenance. I see myself at goal weight often and it makes it much more attainable for me.

I highly encourage this. It keeps you thinking positively and taking the steps towards your goal.

[WH1968]

The power of negative affirmations can be devistating in its manifestion.... Simply saying "I must lost 40 pounds" or "I need to lose 40 pounds" simply affirms that you have 40 pounds more.

Visualizing yourself at the weight you choose to create yourself at is a postive affirmation of that size.

A POWERFUL tool in manifestation.

Timothy

[MorganMac]

Wow! I am so excited to find this thread! :D

T-man, great post. Many in the field of manifestation get bogged up in the "I want" affirmations and can't imagine why the techniques never work for them.

"I AM" healthy, abundant, thin, etc.. never "I want to be.."

I do daily meditations and visualizations of myself as a thin person. I also have a "treasure map" that is up on the wall where I will see it all throughout the day. Upon my treasure map is a collection of images from magazines, photos, etc.. that show what my life will be like when I reach my goal. Ballet dancing, bike riding, hiking, a new, sleek bathing suit, all of that great stuff!

One of the things I've learned recently (from the Hicks series) is to monitor how I'm feeling emotionally about something. For instance, I was pondering having a "cheat day" for my birthday coming up - but when I thought about it, I felt stressed and worried and concerned - all negative feelings. That clearly told me that it was not a good idea and not in line with everything I am manifesting, so I'm not gonna do it, lol.

I'm just thrilled to see this thread - sometimes I feel like the only "crazy" person who thinks this way, lol.

Morgan

[WH1968]

Wow! I am so excited to find this thread! :D

T-man, great post. Many in the field of manifestation get bogged up in the "I want" affirmations and can't imagine why the techniques never work for them.

"I AM" healthy, abundant, thin, etc.. never "I want to be.."

I do daily meditations and visualizations of myself as a thin person. I also have a "treasure map" that is up on the wall where I will see it all throughout the day. Upon my treasure map is a collection of images from magazines, photos, etc.. that show what my life will be like when I reach my goal. Ballet dancing, bike riding, hiking, a new, sleek bathing suit, all of that great stuff!

One of the things I've learned recently (from the Hicks series) is to monitor how I'm feeling emotionally about something. For instance, I was pondering having a "cheat day" for my birthday coming up - but when I thought about it, I felt stressed and worried and concerned - all negative feelings. That clearly told me that it was not a good idea and not in line with everything I am manifesting, so I'm not gonna do it, lol.

I'm just thrilled to see this thread - sometimes I feel like the only "crazy" person who thinks this way, lol.

Morgan

Mamma always said.. PMA not PMS... Positive Mental Attitude

[pennink]

I once was fortunate to talk to Patch Adams... he seriously believed that a lot of depression could be alleviated by having a postive outlook. Often people 'awfulize' their lives and situations.

I believe in hope, happiness, curiousity and knowing if you set your sights on something you will move toward it.

Morgan, good for you about that cheat day. I am going away on vacation and instead of thinking about all the carbs I can't have, I'm thinking about how wonderful it will be to come home after a week and see the scale because I'll stay on plan.

[MorganMac]

"There is nothing you cannot do, be or have." Abraham

Including, for me, a size 6 body.. lol. Though a size 8 would be fine too.. I'm not that picky, LOL.

Having this mindset - positive thinking, forward manifestation, "The Secret" - this time around (as opposed to my previous attempts at weight loss) has made ALL the difference in the world.

For me, its accountability. I cannot ask the Universe to aid me in my quest while cheating and snacking on foods I should not have! I will receive all the help I need as long as my choices, decisions, actions, thoughts and feelings are all pointing toward the same goal.

Choosing to eat off-plan, deciding not to exercise, allowing myself to feel "fat and dumpy" - are negative things that show the Universe that I am not serious about this.

The hardest thing to deal with so far has been my own personal dislike of my body. That had to change. So now, I do things like go to the salon for "spa day", I bought some new clothes, I do my hair and makeup before leaving the house, even just for grocery shopping! I bought a lovely bottle of perfume and have my nails manicured.

When dressed nicely like this, I FEEL better about my body, no matter what size it is, which truly helps me to maintain a positive mindset.

Of course, watching that scale go down, even a few ounces every day.. really, REALLY helps. lol

[purnois]

I haven't posted in over a year, but felt the great need to join your conversation. I hit a TWO YEAR plateau and then just threw in the towel.

Then, after gaining everything back, I took a whole new path and it has included visualization and positive thinking. Oh my, what a difference! I have read so many books and feel so good about this. I began last August and am slowly heading to my goal. I keep my goal in front of me. For a long time I kept my goal weight on a small stone in my pocket. I weigh once a week and have been progressing at a steady rate.

Thank you for reopening this thread!

Kathy

[WH1968]

I once was fortunate to talk to Patch Adams... he seriously believed that a lot of depression could be alleviated by having a postive outlook. Often people 'awfulize' their lives and situations.

I believe in hope, happiness, curiousity and knowing if you set your sights on something you will move toward it.

Morgan, good for you about that cheat day. I am going away on vacation and instead of thinking about all the carbs I can't have, I'm thinking about how wonderful it will be to come home after a week and see the scale because I'll stay on plan.

I actually like that word "awfulize" their life... I'm going to adopt it....

I totally agree...


My amazement is people who give their power away... "God will help me with this".... "I'm praying for God to help me"....
I understand it and it's a form of respect and you believe all your strength comes from God.... But then when YOU fail... do you blame God? Doesn't it just become easy to have no accountability at all and pass that onto God?

My affirmation is:

I AM all powerful in my life. I can Think, Feel, BE and Choose whatever I wish.

Timothy

[MorganMac]

Have you seen the film "What the bleep do we know?"

It was a fantastic look at quantum physics and manifestation, put into laymans terms, very interesting.

I don't really want to go into my personal beliefs when it comes to "God" or Goddess or All-That-Is or "I AM" here, as I tend to shy away from controversy, LOL... but I agree with T-man

I AM all powerful in my life. I can Think, Feel, BE and Choose whatever I wish.

I AM - definitely :)

[purnois]

Great film!

Breathing techniques and overcoming negative thoughts (even RECOGNIZING negative thoughts) are outlined in Ten Zen Seconds by Eric Maisel. Great read!


Kathy

[pennink]

I remember when The Secret was starting the buzz and I thought, "this is a secret?" I've been doing this my whole life!

Everyone I know always comments on how I have a good attitude (I'm cynical about a lot of things, though, don't get me wrong... I get the diff between naive and positive)

And yes, T-man, I totally agree about your entire post. Reminds me of the joke about the person praying to win the lottery... over and over... nothing happened and he got mad at God... God said, 'psssst, buy a ticket.'

[MorganMac]

The first time I heard anything about "manifestation" or positive thinking was from the Seth books - when I was about 13. My mother was always into "odd philsophy" type reading, go Mom :)

Then I found a few more sources, though primarily in the "newage" genre, which were decent.

But then I discovered Ayurveda and Deepak Chopra. I was able to attend courses he taught in Mass. before the big split and he went on his own to make his mark in the world.

He always talked about mind / body connections and the quantum universe, I think I was just too young or preoccupied to really digest it, as it were.

Thankfully now, in my OLD OLD age :grin:, I'm getting it! Sure is nicer this way, hehe.

Like attracts like.. and right now, I'm liking my new smaller bathing suit, woop!

[WH1968]

I hear ya.. I remember Seth too.. actually saw him one time many moons ago...

I have followed Ramtha for a good many years with the formulation Consciousness + Energy = Reality

Timothy

[lizzyLC]

Hiya,

I read Seth back in the 80's. Where did you see him Timothy? And what was it like if you don't mind elaborating.

I'm familiar with Abraham, Dyer, Chopra, Shakti, What the Bleep contributors etc., etc. I haven't seen The Secret because I thought it's just a rehash plus I heard the blonde (sorry - don't know her name) kinda ripped off the Abraham folks.

Ten Zen Seconds sounds pretty interesting - I like Maisel.

Catch ya later-

[purnois]

Here is the Ten Zen Seconds website: http://www.tenzenseconds.com/

and, word is, that Eric is planning on doing a Ten Zen weight loss trial :D


Kathy

[ewinpa]

Great thread, thanks for bumping it T-Man. :agree:

I have been reading a lot of Abraham-Hicks and listen to their archived shows on Hay House Radio.It's made such a difference in some areas of my life. Now I am trying to learn to use it for health and positive body image.It's been sort of one step forward, two back but everyday is an improvement over the one before.

[MarieB]

I saw Abraham-Hicks in March in Toronto. It was awesome:)

Has anyone tried the Holosync meditation program through Centerpointe? I'm getting it for my birthday:)

[suze_c]

I have a program on my pc called Subliminal Power- it has msg. preloaded, or one can load their own.

And glad you "found" this thread T-man :lol: *nudge*nudge* :lol:

[MorganMac]

I heard the blonde (sorry - don't know her name) kinda ripped off the Abraham folks.

Just wanted to clarify, Esther Hicks is prominently featured in "The Secret" and has most of the "on air" interview time.

however, The Secret is merely a rehash for those who are familiar with the materials already, nice though :)

Thanks for the Zen link, haven't seen that one before!

Just out of curiosity, anyone familiar with Lazaris? :)

[MarieB]

Morgan Mac: actually, Esther was taken out of the Secret. The one that is available in stores now does not have her on it, and they changed the 3 steps of the asking and receiving, and also slightly changed the emotional range model. I've seen both versions and I've heard a few different stories as to why Esther backed out of it. Something to do with copyrights and money, I think.

[lizzyLC]

MaireB is right - there are two versions. The NY Times has a pretty in-depth article about the whole thing. They interview both parties.

[MorganMac]

Morgan Mac: actually, Esther was taken out of the Secret. The one that is available in stores now does not have her on it, and they changed the 3 steps of the asking and receiving, and also slightly changed the emotional range model. I've seen both versions and I've heard a few different stories as to why Esther backed out of it. Something to do with copyrights and money, I think.

No way! That's terrible! Guess I saw the old one where she was very heavily involved.. Blah, why is there drama involved even in a project like that? Ah well, thanks for the info!

[WH1968]

I have a program on my pc called Subliminal Power- it has msg. preloaded, or one can load their own.

And glad you "found" this thread T-man :lol: *nudge*nudge* :lol:

Hehehe glad you sent it to me... I'm curious of this program for your PC.. can you send me the info pls?

T-man

[suze_c]

Hehehe glad you sent it to me... I'm curious of this program for your PC.. can you send me the info pls?

T-man
Do a search for subliminal-power, and should get you to their website. It did cost me- I've used it for over 3 yrs. now if memory serves me right. Also a suggestion- to go to somewhere where one can downloads applications to try- and type in either affirmations or subliminal- there are some free ones out there as well.

[MarieB]

lizzyLC: I'd love to read the article, do you know if it's online? I'm going to Google it:)

[MarieB]

Okay, I found this article, which was supposedly copied from the website of www.abraham-hicks.com

Copied from the Abraham-Hicks website:

THE SECRET
The Television Movie
From Jerry & Esther



Dear Friends,

Nearly two years ago, while on-board our Mexican Riviera Cruise, Prime Time Productions did an interview with Jerry and me, and with Abraham, in response to an agreement that we had all carefully crafted together for a television show that was to be aired in Australia called "The Secret." We were told that "The Secret" would be based on our work and that they would seek out other teachers who were in alignment with our work. We reviewed, on DVD, two other projects that had been created by this production company and found them to be beautifully done, and good-feeling pieces.

Since Jerry and I had never before stepped into the public forum in that way with our Abraham work, we followed the advice of our publisher, who introduced us to an intellectual property rights attorney who assisted us in drafting the agreement which would guide our involvement with this project. He explained to us that although he had included in the intellectual property rights license agreement that we were to receive a small percentage of the net profit from this project, and 10% of direct video sales, that it was very unlikely that (from his experience) we would receive any substantial compensation from our participation, and we were not unhappy with that arrangement. Our decision to do it was not motivated from the idea of making money from it, (unless there was profit to share) but because we were stimulated by the excitement of this beautiful producer, and when we met her and her beautiful crew, we easily loved them all.

As time went by, it became apparent that the television network that we had been told would air "The Secret" was not going to do it, at least not right now, and so the production company began seeking other ways of marketing their beautiful project to recoup their very large investment. While Jerry and I were uncomfortable with what felt to us like a rather aggressive marketing campaign (just not our style, nothing wrong with it) we stayed focused on our busy schedule and really had very little to do with what was happening with "The Secret."

Eventually we received an email from the producer of "The Secret" lovingly explaining (we never have received correspondence from her that was anything other than extremely loving) that the contract that we had all agreed upon and signed was no longer sufficient for their further distribution of the project in the areas they were now seeking to distribute the project, and that it would be necessary for us (Jerry and Esther) to relinquish our intellectual property rights in these areas forever and redo our contract or they would have to reluctantly edit us out. It was clear, from the lovingly written email that they did not want to edit us out, but after conferring with our publisher, and then our intellectual property rights attorney, and finally with Abraham, allowing them to edit us out was the path of least resistance. Abraham's words were very clear and easy to understand: "Whenever you are given an ultimatum that says, 'if you don't do this, then we will have to do such and such,' it is best that you just let it go and move on. Otherwise there is always another, and this, and this, and this?"

Now, it seems there is quite a firestorm surrounding our dis-involvment with "The Secret". We are receiving so many emails and letters and face-to-face questions from disappointed people regarding this, so we want you to understand how we feel about it.

We think that "The Secret" clearly and beautifully presents Abraham's Law of Attraction in a way that is easy to understand. It is filled with stunning beauty and beautiful people, many of whom are our personal friends. We love the way "The Secret" moves us, and we feel joy rise within our hearts every time we watch it. We feel the power of it, and the clarity of it, and we love "The Secret".

It is our desire that, rather than being upset that our part of "The Secret" will be omitted in future offerings of it, that instead you enjoy the original Abraham version, as it is, at this time, and that you look forward to what other incredible things these talented people may bring to you. These are people who clearly care about the planet, who want to be of value, and who, in our opinion, are of tremendous value.

Financially speaking, we have been very well paid for our participation with this project? which has amounted to a staggering amount of money. And if money were the most important factor, we assure you, we would have found some way of staying involved.

So, we're out here doing our thing, enjoying the incredible expansion of the message of Abraham, and are so looking forward to the wonderful things that are in our future. Abraham says to us and to you:

It is our desire that you be easy about all of this. There is nothing that has gone wrong here. Everything is in alignment. The Universe will offer a steady stream of uplifting avenues to all of you.

There is great love here for you, Abraham.



Our love,
Jerry & Esther

[MorganMac]

Wow, amazing.

I'm so glad I saw the original version, as it led me to google "Esther Hicks" and eventually to the Law of Attraction series.

Kind of sad though that even a community such as that can't work without the drama, alas.

But, as with all things, take the good and leave the rest.

I've got the Law of Attraction CD's that I listen to routinely and the Secret was a one time viewing (as I thought it was very much limited to an "introduction" to the world of manfiestation and not something that I would use on an ongoing basis).

I think I'll make it one of my goal reaching rewards to attend an Abraham-Hicks event! That would be lovely :)

[MarieB]

I think you would really enjoy it:) The energy is amazing. A woman sitting behind me was taking photos with her digital camera (which you aren't supposed to do!) and she took a few photos of Esther when she was channelling Abraham, and there was a light moving into her that I could see on the LCD screen of the camera. Pretty neat:)

[MorganMac]

Very cool! I'm far more attracted to the Hicks energy than say.. Ramtha, though I did read all those books :)

I was able to attend several Lazaris workshops with Jack Purcell and just had the most wonderful time.

So.. that's definitely added to the goal rewards list :D

[suze_c]

Found this in my papers, and thought I would share it.

Input à Process à Feelings
á

Subjective Distortions from the following three Filters:

* Past experience

* Present needs

* Our Values



17 Mindbenders

Here’s 17 ways you can distort your perceptions and bend your frame of mind:

1. Reading Minds – believing that you’re particularly perceptive about others and that you know what they’re really up to


2. Blaming – trying to hold other people, places and situations responsible for your current behavior

3. Ruling – trying to impose rigid, inflexible regimentation on yourself and others

4. Weighing – believing that you can impose legalistic balance and fairness on your relationships with others

5. Deferring – deferring too many present enjoyments to some distant time when everything is just right.


6. Selecting – seeing only one aspect of a person or situation and ignoring everything else.


7. Dooming – seeing only terrible, worst-case outcomes and then alarming yourself.


8. Affecting – relying only on what you feel at the moment to discern the truth about another person or situation.


9. Informing – insisting that you’re always right even in the face of contradictory evidence or inconclusive information.


10. Relying – believing that the only person you can ever count on is yourself.


11. Charming – believing that other people will never act in your interest unless you first charm and manipulated them.


12. Name Calling – inflicting people with global names, labels and stereotypes which may contain a morsel of truth but are based only on a single observation or incident.


13. Defaulting – feeling helpless because you believe other people and circumstances have control over what you can and cannot do.


14. Overgeneralizing – forcing big conclusions from little observations.


15. Personalizing – believing that everything that occurs is related significantly to you.


16. Controlling – assuming you have omnipotent power and control, and that you’re responsible for everything and everybody.


17. Polarizing – seeing everything that happens in either/or extremes.

[LondonIan]

http://smileys.gotsmiley.com/Images/Emotions/Happy/Applaud.gif
______
I I

[pennink]

Such a great post. Thanks Suze!

nobody's comin' with your life in a suitcase... ya gotta pack it yourself, you know?

I LOVE making cool things happen for myself!

[MarieB]

Great post, suze:)

[suze_c]

I thought it was relevant to the thread- have more once I find my backup dvd's- not sure if they are at the house or in storage. Here are some of the affirmations for losing weight on my subliminal power program:

I drink plenty of water
I exercise often
Losing weight feels good
I enjoy varieties in food
I enjoy eating healthy
I achieve my desired weight quickly
I accept advice calmly
I am determined to lose weight
I give myself rewards for losing weight
I can workout with others
I am healthier at my target weight
I control my appetite
I love and improve my body
I change diets when needed
I can see myself at my target weight
Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better.
I eat right and exercise smart
I lose weight easily
I have a positive self-image
I enjoy losing weight
I am attaining my target weight
I eat healthy and nutritious foods

[Jillibean]

i love that.

[MorganMac]

Those are fantastic! Thank you for posting them :)

[suze_c]

I am motivated
My motivation comes easily
I get things done early
I complete everything on time
I start every project early
I am happy working
I see the benefits to my work
I am motivated by my own will to succeed
I reward myself for finishing projects
I love my work
I am motivated for every goal
I improve my relationships
I do outstanding work
I am inspired from within
My motivation is greater than the ocean
Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better.
I am enthusiastic
My success motivates me further
Success is my driving force in life
I prepare for everything
I learn fast
I love applying what I learn
Money comes to me easily and effortlessly
I now feel happy and blissful just being alive
I am a radiant being filled with light and love
Everything is coming to me easily and effortlessly
Day by day in every way I am getting better and better
I find time to relax and be me
I set goals and achieve them easily and effortlessly
The light of God is creating miracles in my life here and now

[suze_c]

I accept how I look
I love my body
I accept my body wholeheartedly
I feel good with how I choose to look
I welcome comments on how I look
I love myself more and more each day
I embrace and accept my physical self
My looks express my inner creativity
I express my creativity with my appearance
I love who I am
I love how I look
I have confidence in my physical self
I control how I look and present myself
I always present myself in a positive manner
I reflect my strong confidence in myself
My stature improves every day
My sense of self extends mentally and physically
I accept all of my body
I am beautiful
I show love to myself and others
Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better.
I am more than enough.

[suze_c]

I love every aspect of myself
I love people for who they are
I accept who I am
I understand my abilities
I love myself more and more each day
I love learning new things
I express who I am
I remember to smile
I present myself as a role model
I am inspired
Every day I love myself more and more
I love myself above all others
I care for myself
I make beneficial decisions
I make friendships easily
Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better.
I think positively of myself
I love myself more than others love me
I eat healthy foods
I listen to my body's wants
I listen to my emotional wants
I listen to my mental wants
I listen to my physical wants
I keep myself healthy
I choose my looks
I release the water retention/insulation caused from my suppressed tears.

[suze_c]

I decide what I remember
I learn from my past
I let my past go
I am free from unwanted memories
I define myself in the present
I appreciate my past as a learning tool
I accept the decisions I have made
I make decisions I am happy with
I control my memories
I let go of all regrets
I am the pilot of my mind and memories
I understand people can change over time
My past is only my past
I share my memories wisely
I plan my future using past experiences
Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better.
I keep happy memories
I release all grudges
I feel good forgiving people
I think about the present and the future
I live in the present
I release all unwanted memories

[suze_c]

These are just some of the affirmations that I have. If anyone wants any in a particular area, let me know- I may have them. Or can help with creating them.

[xochitl]

thanks suze

[WH1968]

Awesome affirmations Suze..... tell us again the software program you have that give you these affirmations.

T-man

[SissyPoo]

I would love to join you. How do I meditate? just relax and let my mind rest or think of something relaxing and soothing?
I sure could use some relaxing these old sore muscles of mine. I was told I have fibro but I think its just due to tension and stress.
I don't sleep good at night time either and I feel meditation might help me with that problem.

[MarieB]

Hey, sissypoo. You can meditate and visualize a variety of different ways. One way is to focus on your breathing. Another way is to choose a word, like love, peace, "om", relax, health, "one" or some other simple word that means something to you and helps you relax. You don't have to say it out loud unless you want to. Just something that you can focus on so you don't have other thoughts going through your head.

There are lots of other things you can do as well. Stare into a candle flame or into a crystal, for example.

Since you mention your sore muscles and difficulty sleeping you might try thinking the word "relax" or "sleep" on the inhale and the exhale.

Just a few ideas to help get you started.

[purnois]

Hi SissyPoo! Have you by chance read A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle? I haven't watched Oprah in years, but tuned it in when my favorite author, Louise Hay was on. During that, I learned about Eckhart Tolle. I am using Tolle's techniques for being calm and in the "present" and trying to use it with my eating and sleeping. Oprah and Eckhart did a ten week class by internet on the book (a chapter a week). It is available free on her website if you are interested. Nice meeting you!

[MarieB]

:) Purnois, have you read "The Power of Now"?

[purnois]

I just bought it after finishing A New Earth, but haven't started it yet. Have you read it?

[Fauve]

Great books... both of them!

[MarieB]

purnois, yes, I've read it. My friend's mom was his first publisher, so I read it a long time ago:) Really good book.