Our overall state of mind shapes our journey, everyone has a "way they think". Some thought patterns consistently lean toward the positive, some - not so much. When the deep limbic system is overactive, it sets the mind's filter on "negative." Our thoughts are like super powers, to contribute to our good -or our demise. Maybe a little dramatic but not too far off from the truth.
Dr. Daniel G. Amen describes negative thought pattern as being overrun by ANTS, Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are "cynical, gloomy, and complaining thoughts that just seem to keep coming all by themselves".
Thoughts are powerful. They can be the determining factor of our health. Every cell in our body is affected by every thought. Negative thoughts are very limiting. For one thing, negative thoughts play a significant role in in how we feel (a deep limbic function). Every time you have a thought, your brain releases chemicals. These chemicals lead to physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension. Some physicians think that people who have a lot of negative thoughts are more likely to get cancer.
The problem with most negative thoughts is that they sometimes arrive on the seen unexpectedly.- automatically. That is why Dr. Amen refers to them as "Automatic Negative Thoughts" or ANTs- invading our lives as ants invade a picnic. More ants = more misery. Healing the deep limbic system requires a person to heal their moment-to-moment thought patterns.
Stomp out the ANTs before they ruin your picnic!
1. notice them
2. write them down
3. respond by correcting negative thoughts, take their power
Thoughts can lie, making our circumstances seem worse than they are.
Truth is a powerful ANT repellent! Know your thoughts, be sure that they are taking you places that you want to go!
Reference:
ANT Therapy: How to develop your own internal ANT eater...by Daniel G. Amen, M.D.
