Problem/Negative Thought Patterns- Becoming Aware

In the previous post it was mentioned that brain chemistry is changed by how we think. Problem/ Negative thought patterns does alter the brain.  This seems logical to me but it does not mean that it is easy for us to change problem or negative thought patterns .  They are changeable but we can only make adjustments to our habits of thinking once we realize what they are and why we engage in them in the first place.

First of all we all have positive and negative thought patterns. They are just part of what it is to be human!  Thought patterns are our way of seeing the world and coping with what we are experiencing.

All thought patterns are our mind’s way of protecting us or helping us to get needs met. Problem/negative thought patterns are those thought patterns that might have worked for us in the past but are now no longer helping us function in our day-to-day lives. In fact, they tend to prevent us from reaching our fullest potential.

So what kinds of needs are these positive and problem/negative thought patterns trying to fulfill?

Maslows Hierarchy Of Needs A Pathway to Greater Personal Potental and Satisfaction

Empowerment, Pride, Security We all need to feel capable and independent and safe. We want to have our dignity and we want to have the right and ability to make our own choices. This need is all about the ego and unfortunately the ego can get out of check and this is when problem thought patterns form and result in actions  that prevent us from happiness and even alienate us from others.

Belongingness, Acceptance and Love
These patterns and related actions are connected to our social nature. Humans are social and each of us needs a certain level of interconnectedness with our families, friends and society as a whole. The problem arises when we are at the either end of the extremes. For example co-dependent on the one end or isolated on the other.

Esteem, Success, Achievement and Logical/ Rationality
This need is driven by our need for self-worth and a way of measuring it. While the ideas people have as to what denotes success, achievement and what makes them worthy differ the need itself is common for all of us. Thought patterns about this become problematic when we are so hooked into getting this need met that we stop enjoying life. It is usually at this time that people are also fixated on looking outside themselves tot the approval of others  meet this need.

Individualism, Relativism  and Sensitivity
While it is only natural to want to be free to express ourselves as people and it is quite true that you have your reality and I have mine, the trick is how do we balance your needs and mine so that we can create our own realities while respecting each others need for and right to individual self expression. Sensitivity is the key and that is where personal awareness comes in. Again our thought patterns in this area become problematic if we are unaware of our thoughts and actions and so act in ways that infringe on the needs and rights of others or allow others to dominate us and prevent our need for individualism from being met.

Self Actualization and Integration While this is the ultimate goal of self-discovery and self-awareness leading to personal emotional, mental and spiritual growth. This need is a challenge because it is in trying to fulfill this need that we must balance the other needs mentioned above even if fulfilling each of those individual needs seems contradictory at times.

In the next blog we will look at some of the particular problem/negative thought patterns as they relate to each area of need listed above.

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