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Thought For Food: 5 Things You Must Know

On April 22, 2014 in General by Hari

Thought For Food: 5 Things You Must Know

Unconscious Programming
It’s estimated that we have around 90,000 thoughts a day! What’s more, the vast majority of these thoughts are the same we had yesterday, and the day before, and the day before… When you understand that most of your thoughts are coming to you on an unconscious level, you realize that the messages these unconscious thoughts hold becomes quite important. Thoughts like, “I can’t do this pose,” “I’m not as good as these yogis,” “I always put the weight back on,” “My best days are behind me,” or anything else you want to insert there. These thoughts go on unnoticed for most people, but here’s the thing: they are secretly ‘programming’ your mind - your unconscious mind and reinforcing the less-than-positive image you hold of yourself.

New Image
One key way to reverse the effects of these unconscious messages is with conscious counter-programming. Look in the mirror with passion and enthusiasm and say the opposite of the limiting statement. For example, “I can get into this pose; it’s straightforward enough,” “If they can do it, so can I.” Repeat it. Say it often. Look yourself in the eyes and believe it. Whenever that doubt arises perhaps wear one of those rubber wristbands and when you catch yourself saying an un-serving statement, flick the rubber against your wrist so it hurts. This will instill a negative association to the statement. Then, say the empowering counter-statement instead.

Visualize
We’ve heard it a ton of times before - and that’s because it works. Just visualizing the move or exercise you have to do in great detail before you do it, will help you perform well.
Think about it - isn’t the best time to rehearse something when you know you’ll perform it perfectly? Just imagine the movement in perfection and it will lead to a better result when you do it from a physical standpoint.

Belief
Henry Ford is quoted as having said, “If you think you can, or you think you can’t – either way you’re right.” Having a belief that you can do it, will lead your brain off to think about all the ways in which you will achieve it. If you believe you can’t, your unconscious mind will go off and look to validate all the reasons why your belief is correct. The unconscious mind works a bit like Google, in that it will provide search results for whatever is put in. Further, make sure you put in measurable questions into the search bar. For example, “What do I need to do in order to achieve XYZ by 123 date?”

Wordsworth
The language that you use greatly affects the results you observe. Avoid using words like ‘try.’ For instance, “I am going to ‘try’ to do yoga three times this week.” What does the word ‘try’ imply? Lots of effort with no reward. Hear Master Yoda from the Stars Wars films when you use this word, as he speaks it to Luke Skywalker in Empire Strikes Back: “Do, or do not - there is no try.” Words like ‘should’ must also be eliminated from your vocabulary when used in this context: “I should lose weight”, “I should do yoga more”. You should this, should that, should, should, should, until you’re standing in a big stinking pile of ‘should!’ Change that to, “I will do XYZ.” That provides firmness and completeness of decisions. Or say, “I chose to XYZ,” as this implies desire and choice. Or “I’m looking forward to XYZ,” as this will provide a sense of expectation and joy. Review the language that you are using to describe your experiences and make a concerted effort to address any areas which are not serving your goals for your health and fitness.

If there’s one thing to leave you with, it’s this: you become what you think about most of the time. Take an inventory check on some of your 90,000 thoughts a day and order in some new supplies if needed.

Learn how to become a high performer by training your mind, body and soul by checking out Hari’s new course (50% discount for YogaDownload.com readers - use code ‘YogaDL’ on checkout). Stay in touch by signing up to and start training your mind by reading the book The Thought Gym.

By Hari Kalymnios

Edited by Jessica Raye

Hari Kalymnios is an author, wellness coach and yogi who helps people who need more energy in their lives. His goal is to facilitate understanding about what it takes to live energetically so that people can perform as their best, experience all life has to offer and live without restriction. He does this through his book, courses, speaking and coaching and firmly believes that if you “train the mind, the rest will follow™”.