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I wish you enjoy!

Cris

Positive tip for a Monday

If you're anything like me, you summon all your positive energy to confront... yet another week at work - spending your time not doing something for yourself, but for somebody else, to get money. Phew.

To keep your spirit up and high, give this positive tip for a Monday a go: do something different. It could be taking a different route to work, go for an icecream after work, have lunch at a different location, wear something you would not normally wear, hold a conversation with someone you don't know.

Give it a twist, introduce the unexpected, and let the flow of this new energy make this Monday a different one.

Have a brilliant day!

Congratulate yourself

How many times do you stop to say to yourself, "Hey, well done, you've handled that situation really well", or "Good job on keeping up with life daily"?

If you do not normally congratulate yourself, acquire this wonderful habit that will make you feel more optimistic towards life. We all do an excellent job every day sorting all types of little challenges and being there for ourselves and for the people around us.

You know what, you're doing really well - Congratulations! Now it's time that you pat yourself on the back. Well done!

Her stroke of insight

Make some time today to watch this moving story from Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroanatomist who suffered a stroke and lived it from the perspective of both her right and left hemispheres of the brain.

She tells exactly how she experienced it, and though at some times funny, at some times sad, the final message is one of hope and joy for living reality as it is.

Check it out!

Positive Affirmations

Discover why it is important that you use positive affirmations.

Changing gears

Mind, body, emotions and spirit are all connected. Thus anything happening to one of the areas affects the rest in one way or another.

You can use that to your advantage, obviously. For instance, when you feel stuck emotionally or mentally you can change gears and let go of being stuck by making a change in your body.

It is as easy as physically moving to a different space (you don't need to leave the country, just go for a walk) or getting on to doing a different activity (cleaning happens to be very productive, in this sense). This releases the pressure you may be feeling internally and allows for a different energy to flow into your emotions and your mind.

It is likely that you will then feel better, and you may even come up with a solution for whatever it was that you felt stuck about.

Relaxing

The frantic way of life we live in brings so many things we "have to do"; we spend time doing this and doing that, and we even believe we "gain" time by thinking of what we have to do next while still busy doing something else.

I know you can easily see through this lifestyle and understand the stress we put ourselves under when going from doing to doing without rest. I invite you today to just...

...RELAX.

Stop it. Calm down. Take if only one minute to empty your mind from it all, to simply sit somewhere and do nothing. Just BE. Experience what it is to simply be alive - no additives. When was the last time you stopped, did nothing and relaxed your mind completely?

Take your time. Take it easy. It is your right.

I Already Am

Have you ever felt like you wanted to change a certain aspect of yourself or your life, but that you were not "quite there" yet? Have you lived a type of situation over and over, acting in a way that was not helpful to you, wanting to change your behaviour and not knowing how?

If so, the "I already am" technique may be just what you need to effectively make it different.

Let me give you an example. Let's say that you are always nervous when speaking in front of more than five to ten people. All that attention to your words makes you uncomfortable and unsure of how you are saying things. Ideally, you would like to be completely self-confident and even enjoy the attention you are receiving.

With the "I already am" technique, picture yourself already being that self-confident. Say to yourself "I already am self-confident and I enjoy talking in front of people" (or whatever applicable). Feel it inside you; imagine it or play make-believe if needed.

This technique works, for the simple reason that it is true that you already have the value you are seeking, being self-confidence, courage, calm, or whatever.

You are like a Pandora's box and you already have inside you all the tools you need. You simply forgot along the way; reclaim your power and your power will be yours.

You already are.

Look again

Bored? Tired of having the same scenario, talking to the same people, doing the same things over and over again? Then, my friend, look again...

...because this particular reality you are living is the result of a unique combination of atoms and molecules, only happening at this particular time and space, never to be repeated again. And you are that lucky to be present to enjoy it!

You know, everything is wonderful and it deserves to be appreciated the way it is. A different combination of atoms, and none of this may have existed.

Now, please look again, and re-discover the magic of the reality you live in.

Music to your ears

I tend to work quite a lot over the Internet and thus I spend a lot of time at the computer. If you're anything like me, you'll probably appreciate having good music to listen to while you work, as in background music or to help you get moving doing what you want.

I found a while ago a fantabulous resource... it's last.fm, a 24/7 radio channel through which you can listen to your favourite artists, to similar artists (will shuffle) or to a certain type of music.

It's not only great, not only free, but it also gives you the opportunity to listen to new music on the line of what you like and discover more good music.

Check it out!

Free like an aeroplane

Today I would like to share with you "the aeroplane technique" to deal with a stressed mind. This fun way of letting go of worries will only take you a few minutes of your time!

Sit comfortably somewhere from where you can see a vast portion of the sky. Imagine an aeroplane, as large or small as you like, in whichever colours you like. Imagine that the aeroplane represents your mind. It is a beautiful mind.

Now, imagine the aeroplane flying freeling on the portion of the sky that you can see. It may do loops, fly very high, or in circles. You see? Your mind is just as free as that aeroplane; your mind is never bound by thoughts, but rather you choose the way it flies.

You are the captain of your mind.

A positive shift

Have you realized how quick we are to feel upset and frustrated when something doesn't go as we expected, when it doesn't go our way? Here is a quick way to change your mood and put you on the bright side of life.

Rather than approaching life with an attitude of "What can I get from the world?", thus leaving room for disappointment if your wants are not met, let's turn it 180 degrees. Let's say you choose to switch to an attitude of "What can I give to the world?" instead.

This shift alone makes the stress generated by our wants melt. It also starts up something magical: your opening to the world and giving the gift of You.

What is it in You that you can bless the world with today?

A joke

John goes out for a walk. He meets his friend Harry, who is holding hands with a penguin.

'Hey Harry, how are you doing, what's up with that penguin?'

'Hi John. I just found the penguin, and I don't know what to do with it.'

'Don't be silly, man, take him to the zoo!'

'Sure, what a good idea, I'll do that'.

They both leave and the next day John meets Harry again, who is still walking around with the penguin.

'Hey Harry, didn't you take the penguin to the zoo?'

'Yeah, I sure did, and we had such a fun time that we're going to a club tonight!'

Healing Affirmations

Help yourself to good health with these healing affirmations.

Being Thankful For What You Have

Find out more about the importance of being thankful for what you have.

A song that touches your heart

Calling all hearts with this touching song by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole...

Serious, this song, coupled with the video, makes me feel communion with mankind; it makes me understand and feel deeply what it means to be human. Check it out!

Haiku - Thank you

A while ago I received this note from the Thoughts of the Universe notes...

The daily notes from the Universe are a real inspiration... check the TUT community out by following the link! A whole new Universe awaits you.

Living By Zen

Open your eyes to a new way of understanding life and relationships with Brenda Shoshanna's "Living by Zen".

Blissmonger Bracelet all the way from the US

A few days ago I received my custom Blissmonger bracelet, as made by my friend Deb in the US...

Deb has a shop in Etsy in which you can browse for different styles of bracelets. Have a look at what she has to offer: real blissmonger bracelets.

Have a shiny day!

30 Days To Positive Habits

Find out how a regular cycle of 30 days to positive habits works.

Zen Habits Handbook For Life

Discover how you can declutter your life and live in a simpler and happier way with "The Zen habits handbook for life" by Leo Babauta.

SMART Goals

Find out exactly how SMART goals can help you create a permanent positive habit.

About Me

Find out more about me and the birth of The Benefits Of Positive Thinking!

Get going with some music!

It amazes me how great the power of music is to uplift us and make us see life with a different set of glasses on, after we've heard one of those songs that make us smile...

Com'on, put on your smile and your holiday gear, and follow me...

...to an island in the sun.

Wishing you a relaxing day!

A gap in the map

I sometimes feel the buzz of modern life as a form of stress, rush, an on-to-the-next-thing pace. This hurry in which we live makes us feel exhausted and like there must be something else to life than running around dealing with a number of things.

The best technique I have found to de-stress from this rush is to simply stop. Yes, that easy. I like stopping for a few minutes, simply breathing and focusing on my breath. Sometimes I choose to mentally repeat the word "gap" while breathing slowly; it certainly is like a gap that we create for ourselves, to feel what life really is.

Take a break for a few minutes, follow your breath, let thoughts come and go without engaging with them, simply observing them.

You will feel energized, more relaxed, and more clear-minded to go on.

Give yourself a gap. You deserve it.

Move about!

For a quick boost of energy that will also contribute to lift your mood, move about for five minutes: run on the spot moderately, stretch your back muscles, stretch your legs.

It is amazing the difference that just five minutes of running softly can make in our outlook on life. Try it for yourself!

Stopping time

Check this video out - how cool is that!?

Stop at Grand Central station

Wishing you a superb day, where you also get to stop for a while, if only to dissociate from the frenzy current of life we're normally in, to be able to see yourself from a larger perspective.

The Science Of Religion

A spiritual book on how to attain bliss, "The science of religion" by Paramahansa Yogananda has a different message than the Law of Attraction.

Remain Positive In Negative Circumstances

Discover a variety of tips and advice for how to remain positive in negative circumstances.

The Mastery Of Love

Let "The mastery of love" by Don Miguel Ruiz show you some truths about love and how to have a loving relationship.

Thankful day

Make it different today: make it a thankful day.

I bet you go over a number of repetitive actions and things daily. Do something fun today: stop at any point and take the time to feel thankful for anything related to what you are doing at the moment.

For instance: the fact that you have access to running water to brush your teeth; the shop assistant who smiles at you; your eyes that allow you to perceive a marvellously varied world...

...And the point of the game, as you realize, is not to account or number all you have, but rather create in you a feeling of appreciation for things that you normally take for granted. Do it a few times, and realize how good it feels to appreciate anything.

If you're still hungry... follow the link below for more information on how to be grateful.

Quotes On Being Positive

Find solace in these quotes on being positive.

Everything I Have Ever Done That Worked

Find the gifts that "Everything I have ever done that worked" by Lesley Garner has for you.

Stuck? A technique to get out

Having thoughts of feeling stuck in a situation? Want to move forward, but don't know how? Not a problem! Start by asking - and you shall receive an answer.

Ask yourself: 'How can I...?'. For instance, 'How can I feel better?', 'How can I move forward?', 'How can I refocus, gather my calm, and go ahead?'

The principle that makes this work (and believe me it does) is that when you ask yourself a question, your brain starts working looking for an answer. You don't need to do anything else; just wait until the answer comes. Which from personal experience, it does come, and in surprising ways.

Have a refreshed weekend.

Dealing with negative thoughts

As zillions of thoughts run through our minds daily, some of them are pleasant and make us smile, while other thoughts are negative. If we dwell on the negative ones long enough, we can get to feel pretty miserable and depressed.

We can deal with negative thoughts successfully when we look at the fact that thoughts come and go all the time. Take the negative thought that you have as if you had received a piece of mail and decide how to deal with it. For example, you can choose to discard it, or to turn it around and find something positive about it. Whatever you do with it, after it's done you move on - you do not need to hold on to the negative thought any longer.

This is rather liberating, as you can choose to let go of any thought and focus on any other that brings you more pleasant feelings.

Transmuting negative energy

The other day I went to buy some crystals to transmute anger into positive feelings.

As I was talking to the shop assistant, he said, "You know, anger is not necessarily negative. You can use the energy of anger".

I guess the secret is to pause. When we are angry we tend to react emotionally according to the old patterns we have always used.

However, if we pause for a moment when we are angry and we realize our feelings, we can choose to leave aside that which causes anger in the first place, and use the energy we are feeling for something more constructive.

It is difficult when you do that for the first time, but it becomes increasingly easier in very little time, and it is very rewarding.

Let me know your experiences of how you deal with negative feelings and thoughts through the Contact Me form.

The Benefits Of Positive Thinking Search

Find what you are looking for at The Benefits Of Positive Thinking Search.

The Benefits Of Positive Thinking Results

Find what you are looking for at The Benefits Of Positive Thinking Results.

Slowing down for positive thinking

Sometimes, specially if we are tired, angry or feeling under pressure, our response to a certain situation may be the automatic one we have always played: the easy reaction, the negative response that only escalates the situation.

Realize that you can slow down mentally from anything and then choose a more appropriate response to any event in your life. When you are calm and have truly slowed down you can see clearly many aspects of a situation that you would have otherwise overlooked.

How to slow down? The quickest, easiest and healthiest way is to breath deeply. Relax for a few minutes, and breath slowly and deeply, really feeling the air coming into you and going out. After a few deep breaths you will realize how you are, actually, slowing down in the mental realm.

Slow down, enjoy the walk through life, and feel good.

To your greatness.

Positive thinking about yourself

At the end of the day, and no matter what has happened throughout the day, you can choose to go to bed in a pleasant state and therefore increase your chances of waking up in a positive mood the following day.

Before going to sleep, pick the things that you know you have done well during the day and say to yourself "well done" for them, one by one.

It may be helping out someone else, being patient when you didn't feel like it, even just going through what you are experiencing and still manage to maintain your smile. You know what it is.

This little exercise will make you feel better towards yourself and more aware of your capabilities, and it will take you less than five minutes!

Just for existing, well done!

The Power Of Positive Habits September 2007

Get an update on the use of this positive program: The power of positive habits September 2007.

Recovering your energy

Throughout the day you live many different experiences, presumably talk to a lot of people and have many thoughts. By the end of the day you may be tired (understandably).

Make room every day to have time on your own, so that you can recover your energy (even better, do it several times a day). Sit quietly at a place of your choice, where you won't be interrupted. Relax and simply be. You don't need to think about anything in particular, just enjoy simply being silent, not having to do anything.

These slots of time are very valuable, as they restore your energy and bring calmness to our normally hurried lives.

Have a peaceful day.

New beginnings

Everything that comes to an end in your life is also a new beginning.

I know how it feels when anything ends (a relationship, a job, living in a certaing place, whatever): there is fear and a sense of risk for the unknown, and sometimes things look so muddy that we only see uncertainty.

However, you have gone through several ends in your life. And those stages were also wonderful new beginnings.

Face the ends that come to you with the trust that there is a new beginning, which will bring you even more happiness than the phase that you are leaving.

Just trust. Everything is all right.

Lightheartedly

Looking at what surrounds us is a wonderful way to stop negative thinking and come back to the present. And who knows, you may discover something unusual...

...like a fantastic symbiosis between a post box and a tree. Wonder who reads the letters left in that post box?

Have a good day!

Goal Setting: The Hidden Keys

Discover what it is that makes Susan Minarik's "The hidden keys" a turning point in your way to achieve goals.

Building momentum

When you feel positive and that everything is going well, it's the time to build momentum.

How do you do that?

Say to yourself "This moment is beautiful" (or fantastic, or brilliant, or superb, or whatever ticks you). The more you appreciate and are fine with the present moment, the more chances you have for the next moment to be brilliant too.

Build momentum, for that also makes you stronger and less vulnerable when negative emotions arise.

Have a fantastic time!

September 2007

Find out the two new bits I've created for TBOPT in September 2007.

Free Positive Thinking Magazine

Subscribe to "Dare To Play It Big": a free positive thinking magazine in your inbox every month.

It's all fine

Whatever your circumstances, it's all fine.

Actually, you can start to feel better just right where you are. Check Pema Chodron's great advice on "Start where you are".

Through this book, Pema Chodron gives out the message to lighten up. Think about any issue you may have now as if a week had passed, or a month, or three years. Does it look so tremendous?

Lighten up gorgeous, life is beautiful!

The Romans were telling us...

Have a superb and full-of-pleasant-thoughts day.

Relaxing into now

Life is much more enjoyable when we live in the present. Forget all your worries about the future and what will happen with this and that, as you're missing the present when you do that.

Perhaps you prefer to take a leap of faith and live now fully, trusting that the future will unfold for you in infinite nows that you will always be able to handle.

(Say worst case scenario, you won't be able to handle a given situation in the future; what is it going to do to think about it now? You're still missing the present!)

Free yourself now and choose to enjoy the present.