This kind of follows the idea that, If you are told not to think of a white bear for the next minute, you will absolutely fail at that task. Telling yourself to be happy falls into the same conundrum,you think of all the ways you aren't happy and the result is that you fail at being happy. This is why all those motivational talks you go to never work.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FThe-Antidote-Happiness-Positive-Thinking%2Fdp%2F1480527300&ei=DjopUueJF8biqgHVqYGQCw&usg=AFQjCNEzY37iH_DPXctNhXmJBDpF42I24g&sig2=usM9lxXM4JCLbuusLUTW0w&bvm=bv.51773540,d.aWM
Read it and see if this counterintuitive approach makes sense to you.
I don't see a link...and I think the reason positive thinking "doesn't work for some people" is not because it doesn't work....it's because dome people are to stubborn/rigid to allow themselves to change their thoughts, and/or they are not motivated to actively practice the tools that will eventually retrain their brains to think in a different way. It doesn't just spontaneously occur. You need to work on it, practice at first. Write lists, keep notes, post things around the house. Its the same as changing any habit....how bad do you want it....what are u willing to change to get there?? I think in stroke recovery this should be first? And people that are not working on this changeable component are missing the boat. Don't waste ur time repeating a million exercises that will probably not work until there is an attitude shift. Change the attitude then do the exercises....it's part of the magic.. the future in brain recovery....mark my words!!
ReplyDeleteNo link because its just a book
DeleteOh. That makes sense, thanks.
DeleteSo should I tell myself to be miserable??
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to read the book to find out the prescriptions for a better life.Stoicism the philosophy, Buddhism are possibilities. Its not black and white
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