Our thoughts and emotions can get us well and keep us well, or get us sick and keep us sick—practical tools for harnessing the power of intention.
In Parts 1 and 2, which can be seen here: The Power of the Mind and The Power of the Mind, Part 2 , I discussed how ancient wisdom and modern science describe the inherent link between mind and body, and described scientific research that demonstrates the effect of thoughts and feelings on our physical health. Here, in Part 3, I give practical tools for harnessing the power of intention.
Our thoughts and feelings affect us. They can affect all aspects of our lives: our health, relationships, even finances. What I come across most often in my work is the impact that thoughts and feelings have on health. Negative thoughts and unexpressed feelings can create energy blockages, which become foci for disease.
Our culture doesn't readily support being in touch with our emotions, especially ones that are judged to be negative. Many of us spend our lives not even knowing how we feel, let alone being able to express feelings. Instead, we may medicate ourselves with activity to avoid feeling uncomfortable feelings. Workaholism, food, alcohol, addiction to exercise, dependence on pharmaceuticals and relationships are some of the ways we can avoid knowing our feelings and ourselves.
Feelings are normal and natural. Anger, sadness, fear, whatever you are feeling, is completely normal and natural. It's what we do in response to our natural feeling state than can become harmful to us. Keeping uncomfortable feelings inside can make us sick.
When we learn to feel our feelings, and "just be" with them, rather than keeping them stuck inside our bodies, we can harness the amazing inherent power that each one of us holds.
The following simple writing techniques will help you to get in touch with feelings and transform negative thoughts and uncomfortable feelings.
Get a notebook that can serve as a journal. It helps if you can commit to this daily practice and start your day with it. If your schedule doesn't permit, any time will do. Soon you will miss it when you don't do it! If you can take your journal around with you, you'll find it can be a source of comfort when situations arise that bring up uncomfortable feelings.
1) Stream-of-Consciousness Technique: Write down all your thoughts and feelings, including fears, resentments and anxieties. If you are not certain, then just write that. Even if you are feeling that you don't want to write, write that down! Be "in the moment" with whatever is going on. Do not censor or judge what you are writing. Take your feelings to the limit. For example, if you are worried about money, write why, what might happen—your innermost and deepest fears. If you are having a hard time with a spouse, significant other, or co-worker, write about this. As you are engaged in this process, your mind will naturally have reflective thoughts in response: Difficult feelings will transit to positive responses. Write these too. If more feelings come up, continue with these until you can write no more.
2) Non-Dominant-Hand Response Writing: After you have written your feelings down, write with your non-dominant hand: If you are right-handed, use the left and vice versa. Do not censor, and don't worry what your penmanship looks like. Just let your hand do the writing. Just write whatever comes to mind. See what happens—you will probably be surprised!
Next week: Part 4 details more practical tools to harness the power of intention.
References and Suggested Readings
1. Capacchione, L. "The Power of Your Other Hand: A Course in Channeling the Inner
Wisdom of Your Right Brain." Franklin Lakes, NJ: The Career Press; 2003.
2. Hay, Louise L. "You Can Heal Your Life." Carson, CA: Hay House, Inc. 1983.
Dr. Muehsam is a holistic physician practicing in New York City.
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