Mindful May: Day Two - Negative Thoughts

No matter how much you try to think positive thoughts and be optimistic about your future, negative thoughts will still arise. You can't avoid them, it doesn't help to try to talk yourself out of them, and there is no point in pretending they aren’t there.

Your mindfulness meditation practice can help you look at these negative thoughts with curiosity. You can learn to allow them to be present without letting them overcome you.

Today's mindfulness meditation is a practice in letting thoughts go so that you are better able to do it in the moment, when negative thoughts arise.
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Day Two: Dealing with
​Negative Thoughts

Close your eyes and breathe deeply, feeling yourself supported by the chair or cushion.

Pay attention to the experience in your mind. Notice any thoughts as they arise, and try to identify any emotions that go with them.

Pay special attention to negative thoughts, and note what you’re feeling or thinking. Try to avoid the word negative, and instead identify each feeling as sad, unpleasant, irritating, painful, or otherwise. Continue for five minutes, noticing thoughts and feelings.

See each thought and acknowledge it as it passes. After five minutes, return to the body for a few deep breaths.

Keep in mind that thoughts come and go. You don't have to believe them.
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