How to stop thinking negatively

[kuroda]

Since I knew that '' we become our thoughts '' and I often think in the negative way and become so worry like if there will be something bad will happen to me moreover I'm living in Egypt which makes the situation worse for me in my mind, Always worry about the future, Always fill my brain with questions like ( What if ... ?) and always think negatively,

I meditate mostly twice a day and after that i beome so quiet but fastly the bad thoughts come to my mind again,

What can you tell me about this ?

thanks a lot

[plwk]

Ever watched how clouds pass by in the sky? Do one feel the need to grab at them? If not, why grasp and grab at passing thoughts? Just watch & let go...
But yes, I understand how the cat feel the need to take a swipe at a passing bird but that's what the training is perhaps about, just watching and letting go

If the above makes no sense, feel free to have a cup of tea

[plwk]

One's own mind

[Barney Fife]

hi
i posted a reply recently that relates to this. it is on the "Wellness, Diet, and Fitness" forum. the thread is called "What to Do When Depressed?". here is the link:
http://www.dharmawheel.net/viewtopic.php?f=110&t=13500

good luck!

b.f.

[Konchog1]

Just because you think something doesn't mean that it's true. Or even worth paying attention too.

Say hello to the thought and then say goodbye.

[lobster]

You might try reframing:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_reframing

http://feelhappiness.com/reframing-your ... f-happier/

[JKhedrup]

It is also worth understanding the various afflictions and their antidotes, and also understanding the difficult situations one faces are impermanent.

[emaho]

What do you mean with "negative thinking"?

I hope this doesn't sound harsh, but if the situation around you is troublesome and negative then recognizing it as such is just realistic. Practising Buddhism doesn't mean that you have to deny reality.

[DGA]

phpBB [video]

Pretty good advice overall.

[Matt J]

Personally, I think the first step is to follow the precepts. You can start with the 5 lay precepts, they are fairly easy. Here is my paraphrase, there are many others:

1. Refrain from killing.
2. Refrain from false/harmful speech.
3. Refrain from taking what is not given.
4. Refrain from inappropriate sex.
5. Refrain from intoxication.

This will go a long way to easing the mind. Later, you may wish to cultivate an attitude of kindness.

Second, remember that meditation is not something we just do on the cushion. You should develop attention, presence, and mindfulness in daily life.

Third, learn more about Buddhism and join a sangha (Buddhist group). There are online sanghas as well, and online teachers. This will help develop the "view" that helps understand the process.

Unfortunately, I have found no quick fix. If you want flowers, you need to plant them, tend them, weed them, and let them grow on their own.

[kuroda]

Each reply is awesome thank you so much guys, i think I must to practice to live the moment never think about what is coming and forget the past and like the last video said just ''Stop it ''

thank you so much

[kuroda]

Personally, I think the first step is to follow the precepts. You can start with the 5 lay precepts, they are fairly easy. Here is my paraphrase, there are many others:

1. Refrain from killing.
2. Refrain from false/harmful speech.
3. Refrain from taking what is not given.
4. Refrain from inappropriate sex.
5. Refrain from intoxication.

This will go a long way to easing the mind. Later, you may wish to cultivate an attitude of kindness.

Second, remember that meditation is not something we just do on the cushion. You should develop attention, presence, and mindfulness in daily life.

Third, learn more about Buddhism and join a sangha (Buddhist group). There are online sanghas as well, and online teachers. This will help develop the "view" that helps understand the process.

Unfortunately, I have found no quick fix. If you want flowers, you need to plant them, tend them, weed them, and let them grow on their own.

Matt J

that's absolutely right i'm totally agree

thank you so much )

[Alfredo]

At the risk of being a little facetious, one could argue that the Buddha was all about "negative thinking." Sarvam dukham and all that...

Of course this is only one side of the coin, and Buddhism makes use of positive language as well: ajātam, abhūtam, akatam, asànkhatam... (Okay, that's grammatically negative, but you see what I mean.)

Would it be a terrible misapplication of the "Middle Way" principle to apply it here?

[dimeo]

One's own mind

Wonderful! I like the examples and comparisons... like this part:

Just as when a person whose turban or head was on fire would put forth extra desire, effort, diligence, endeavor, relentlessness, mindfulness, & alertness to put out the fire on his turban or head

Hows that for motivation... I can just see someone running around freaking out with their hair on fire... suddenly you'd REALLY care about the state of your head. How many of us will typically go on, day to day, unconcerned and unmotivated to deal with the unhealthy state of our heads?