Zen Buddhism: Training a Negative Mind to have Positive Thoughts

Zen Buddhism is a spiritual practice that originated in China and eventually spread to Japan. It is a way of life that focuses on mindfulness, meditation, and self-awareness. One of the fundamental teachings of Zen Buddhism is the power of the mind. Zen teaches us that our thoughts and emotions have a profound impact on our daily lives. By training our minds to become positive, we can change the way we experience life and find greater peace and happiness.

The first step in training your mind to become positive is to develop mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without getting caught up in them. By cultivating mindfulness, you can learn to observe your thoughts and emotions and become aware of how they affect your mood and behavior, learning to let go of the negative thoughts.

The next step in training your mind is to practice meditation. Meditation is a powerful tool for developing a positive mindset because it allows you to quiet your mind and focus on the present moment. There are many different types of meditation, but the most common form in Zen Buddhism is called zazen. Zazen involves sitting in a comfortable, upright position and focusing on your breath. As you meditate, you will inevitably encounter distracting thoughts and emotions. Instead of getting caught up in them, simply observe them and let them pass by without judgment.

Another important aspect of training your mind to become positive is to cultivate gratitude. Gratitude is the practice of focusing on the positive aspects of your life and feeling thankful for them. By focusing on what you have rather than what you lack, you can shift your mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance. Practicing gratitude can also help you to develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion for others.

Zen Buddhism teaches us the importance of letting go of attachment and embracing impermanence. Attachment is the tendency to cling to people, things, and situations in an effort to find security and happiness. However, this attachment can lead to suffering when things inevitably change or are taken away. By embracing impermanence, we can learn to let go of attachment and find peace in the present moment.

In addition to these techniques, there are other practices that can help us redirect negative thoughts. These include exercise, spending time in nature, and engaging in activities that bring us joy. By focusing on positive experiences, we can shift our attention away from negative thoughts and feelings.

It is important to note that redirecting negative thoughts is not about denying or suppressing them. Rather, it is about acknowledging them and then choosing to focus on more positive thoughts and experiences. By doing so, we can cultivate a more positive outlook on life and reduce our suffering.

Training your mind to become positive is a lifelong practice that requires mindfulness, meditation, gratitude, and a willingness to let go of attachment. By cultivating a positive mindset, you can transform your daily experience of life and find greater peace, happiness, and fulfillment. The more you practice positive thinking, the easier it becomes.

Kathryn Hull is the Owner and Master Healer of Akasha Healing. She is an Accunect™ Practitioner, Sound Healer, Healing Events Coordinator and Facilitator, a Registered International Center for Reiki Training Master/Teacher, Usui/Holy Fire lll/Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher, and a RYT 200 Yoga & Ayurveda practitioner Registered with Yoga Alliance.