The Power of Positivity
Positivity is a word thrown around casually in the modern world, but often it feels like an unachievable goal. Between stressful days in work, babies that won’t settle, or school exams that seem never-ending, it is easy to get caught up in a cycle of negativity; you act poorly, speak harshly, and may cause people to react badly to you. However, there are ways to break the cycle.
Positivity can bring change. As quoted by the Buddha: "The Mind is everything. What you think, you become".
Following this teaching, what we think, we attract and how we act, people react. Waking up in the morning and giving yourself 5 minutes to meditate can give you a great starting point to not only experience a positive day,but a positive and happy life.
Follow these simple steps to begin a Mindful Meditation focussed on positivity:
1) Find Your Space
As soon as you wake up (even if you have to wake up 15 minutes before your partner or children) go to your safe. Simply a quiet and peaceful space where you won’t be disturbed and, if you want, set a timer on your phone for 5 – 10 minutes.
2) Sitting Position for Perfect Chi
Sit comfortably on the floor – or a chair if you prefer – and ensure your tailbone/lower back is connected to the floor and your back is straight with your chin tucked into your chest. This ensures that the chi (energy) is following correctly through the spine.
Pop your hand onto your knees with palms facing up or, if you wish, you can bring your hands in the ganesha mudra position. This pose is known as the remover of obstacles and performing this mudra opens up your heart chakra and dispels negativity and breaks through blocks in your life.
3) Set Your Intention
Now, set your intention for the practice. What would you like to achieve in your practice today? How would you like to feel? This can be anything you want; no one can hear you and there are no right or wrong answers.
4) Positive Affirmations
Now, repeat in your mind:
Today, I will speak words of kindness. Today, I will act with compassion. Today, I will radiate positivity and happiness like sunshine in summer.
Don’t simply say the words in your mind, feel the words. Let the emotions of joy, happiness, peace and positivity flow through your body all the ways to the tips of your fingers and out the ends of your hair. In this moment, smile to yourself. No matter how strange it might feel, smiling releases endorphins into your body.
5) Simply Be
Spend a few moments soaking up the affirmations. Simply sit and breathe. Inhaling through the nose and exhaling the nose. Think of nothing else besides the feeling of happiness, joy, peace and positivity in your body and the sensation of breathing in and breathing out.
If any thoughts come into your mind, of the day ahead or things to do, just let them float back out again, without judgement or disappointment. If this happens, simply bring your attention back into your body, your breath, and the present moment.
Spend as long as you want here. When you come out of the meditation, have a glass of water and take on the day with all that positive attitude!
