Do you think negative thoughts or inner voice prevents you from becoming or staying happy?
If yes, mindfulness can help. Research shows that we are born with a ‘negativity bias’. Negativity bias refers to the ability of our brains to be more sensitive to unpleasant news. It also retains negative experiences more strongly than positive ones.
Fortunately, we can overcome this bias. Mindfulness can help to rewire the brain, thereby enhancing our capacity for happiness.
Interrupts negative thinking
Mindfulness is all about staying in the present moment. This allows us to observe our thoughts. Gradually we become more skillful at noticing when our thoughts and this prevents our minds from getting caught up in a negative thought pattern.
Promotes gratitude
Mindfulness means being aware of what is happening within and around us. Awareness of what is going well in our lives, along with a daily gratitude practice prevents negativity and increases our capacity for happiness.
Rewires the brain
What we think and feel rewires our brain. Any thoughts can soon turn into a pattern. Mindfulness can be used as a tool to gradually disrupt negative thinking patterns and create new positive pathways. Mindfulness of positive experiences gradually establishes these pathways for happiness.
Inner Peace
Mindfulness brings a sense of inner calm and happiness. Anxiety and depression often arise due to spending too much time thinking about the future or the past. The simple act of staying mindful keeps us centered in the presence and helps us realize the futility of worrying about the past or future. We can then respond to situations without judgement and that is the shortest route to happiness.