An excerpt from a book I read, got me thinking

I found this excerpt interesting; when I read it—I did EXACTLY what the author expected. Although, I wonder if it is truly my reality or not, at least in how he explains. Or if the reality is when someone tells us NOT to do something, it illicits a rebellious response of “well, why not?” and then we barrel through and do it anyway!! Please let me know your thoughts after you read it.

“Don’t, Not and No”

Don’t think of the statue of liberty in New York. I know that you just did! Your unconcious and conscious mind automatically filter out the words don’t, not and no. When you use these words you are actually internalizing in your mind the exact thing you are being told not to. For example, if I said “Do not think of a snowstorm,” I guarantee you would start thinking of a snowstorm immediately. Even though the instruction was not to do something, your unconcious mind edited out that part of the instruction. There are other common expressions that give more attention and energy to what you DON’T want. Have you heard yourself use any of these statements?

Don’t get madI’m not blaming Don’t hesitate to call me Don’t be fooled Don’t worry I don’t want this to hurt Don’t litter Don’t smoke I’m not judging

Don’t panicNo rush, no worry Don’t look now Don’t run with scissors Don’t forget I don’t want my clients to cancel Don’t be late Don’t slam the door Don’t eat dessert

The book goes on to say that attraction works the same way your mind does: it hears what you DON’T want. It means you are giving attention and energy to what you don’t want. And so what can you do? What is a new choice when you realize you are unconciously falling into a pattern of “don’t, no or not”…..ask yourself, “So, what do I want?”

I do believe when you ask yourself what you want, you now give yourself freedom and choice where you may not have been aware of it in the moment of anger, frustration or even slight irritation. I know when I ask this question of myself, I feel better immediately–lighter, happier and more open. I’d be curious to hear feedback on any or all of this post.