I just finished reading Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One by Dr. Joe Dispenza. 

Joe Dispenza is a scientist, teacher, lecturer, and author. He was one of the scientists featured in the award-winning film What the BLEEP Do We Know!? He is also the author of several New York Times bestsellers. His works include You Are the Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter and Evolve Your Brain.

The first two section of the book are about the brain and how it works. Based on research conducted by others on the quantum field, it is a guide to optimizing the brain to make the most of life. What many people do not realize is how our thinking affects brain function and just about everything we do.

I’ve always believed the adage “You are what you eat.” But now, I’m also of the opinion that “You are what you think.” If I look back in time, negative thoughts have gotten me into a lot more trouble than chocolate cake or ice cream ever did. Negative thinking is a lot more insidious, too. At least when you overeat or indulge in a steady diet of unhealthy food, you see it on the scale or feel it when you zip up your jeans. But the impact of negative thinking can take more time.

How often have you pretended to be happy when you were seething with anger or frustrated beyond belief? When was the last time you said yes when you should have said no? Do nagging headaches, backaches, or other pains prevent you from enjoying your day? According to Dispenza, negative thinking can ultimately affect the body and spirit.

Try a little experiment.

For today, pay attention to your thoughts and see how often you are angry, critical, judgmental, insensitive, egocentric, dishonest, hopeless, frustrated, apathetic, or anything else that gets in the way of your happiness. According to Dispenza, our natural state of being includes joy, love, peace of mind, satisfaction, and contentment.

It’s easy to blame our discontent on others. But imagine if you were to take 100 percent responsibility for the quality of your life. And then learn how to maintain your equilibrium regardless of the circumstances that come your way. I know, I know: crazy huh?

If this seems overwhelming, don’t worry.

The last section of the book is a meditation course designed to help you change negative programming and unhealthy habits and create a “new mind for a new future.” If you’ve been struggling with negative emotions and want to do something about it, this book is definitely worth a read.

Of, if change isn’t your thing, you can always go to your closest Starbucks and order a White Chocolate Mocha with a Caramelized Apple Pound Cake chaser.

Whatever works.

 

 Jan Fishler, MA, is currently co-authoring a new book, Don’t Stop Now, Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life (DontStopNow.us). She is also the author of Searching for Jane, Finding Myself (An Adoption Memoir), and has written several articles about alternative health and PTSD. You can learn more about Jan at www.JanFishler.net.