Friday, December 4, 2009

Positive thinking is mind nutrition?

Thank you for all the insightful comments they are really helping more than you might think and helping more people than you might think.

Answer any number of the following questions? There are no wrong answers – just share what you think.


1- Positive thinking nourishes the mind the way that food nourishes the body. What do you think of that concept?


2- What was the last positive blog entry or news item you read that inspired you?


3- What occupation (of the blogger) would you like to see leaving more comments on this blog?


4- My small tip for stress relief is the following – (I will save you my story) try buying stamps for the holiday season at the grocery store rather than machines at the post office after office hours. What small tip do you have that can reduce stress?

Next blog entry will be coming BEFORE Monday - December 14th

63 comments:

  1. Hey Tom:

    No. 4. I like to keep my head in the sand, just like an ostrich.

    xooxo

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  2. hiya! 1. of course, positive thinking's the only way to go. negativity has the ability to create physical as well as mental illness, dampens the spirit and the outlook on life.

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  3. Deep breathing is an excellent stress reliever and I say prayers and mantras throughout the day to break negative thinking patterns.

    Flash 55 - Love

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  4. 1) Nourishment of the mynde most definitely depends on the thoughts that one consumes and expresses. The basic rule of the Universe is that one will get back what one puts out; however, intention without action is utterly useless...

    4) Forgetting one's self for a spell in a hot and soothing bubble bath surrounded by candles and incense, gentle music in the back ground and a glass of fine wine is a most excellent way to diminish the stresses and strains of one's day ;-)
    So in a nutshell ensure that you make and spare a little time for yourself each and every day.

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  5. Positive thinking is overrated, almost a mantra for some, keeping us forever glued to a single method. It's the same with religious fanatics, using prayers for everything. A more realistic stand might be to face the problem and look at options. We evolved with this latter thinking, looking for options to solve problems, not panacea to make us feel better.

    A suggestion for this season's madness: don't send cards or letters during this mad rush. Wait until next year. Then, write one person a
    week, a card, a letter, an email.

    Let each person you care about know they are on your mind all year long.

    This way, the Christmas expectations are lowered, the rush for the "right" presents is downplayed, and we all survive unscathed.

    Glad to see you on my Italian for beginners. Thanks for the visit. Do you have any suggestions for me?

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  6. First, thank you for all your kind comments on my blog. :) I am really happy I inspired you to see that film. It's really amazing. Also, I definitely agree with you about my ex-doctor. Someone who is so willing to dump me for something trivial is definitely not the type of person I should be entrusting with my health and well-being. I'm hoping to find a better doctor soon!

    And now to your questions:

    1. I totally agree with this. I might be getting off subject here, but it kind of reminds me of those instances where people fight diseases such as cancer because they had a positive attitude. It made them healthier and gave them the strength and courage to fight something that actually might have killed them. I hear about this kind of stuff every day and it's just amazing, how the mind and body work together. Happiness and sadness really are connected to our physical well-being...
    And definitely, nourishing our mind with positive thinking makes us a better, healthy person overall. :)

    2. The last blog entries that have inspired me belong to Barry ("Life in Quotations") and his wife Sandy ("Getting Fit and Loving It"). They have such amazing outlooks on life and a terrific sense of humor. Just reading their blogs makes me happier all day. And that's really saying a lot.

    4. My stress-saving tip...hmmm...I've found that buying a lot of my Christmas presents online has been a huge weight off my shoulders. Not only do I find amazing deals online, but I don't have to put up with long lines, crowded malls, and overall confusion. Just click and it's done. :)

    I hope you have a great weekend, Tom!

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  7. I think positive thinking is absolutely mind nourishing, in a way that food nourishes the body. You get stressed out way more if you don't have a positive attitude. And it has been proven that stress causes health problems.

    There is a book out somewhere talking about how people who focus on what they do have and are thankful for it, are much happier than people who focus on what they don't have.

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  8. 1. positive thinking does provide a good, healthy frame of mind, emotions, life style, etc... on the food note, it's the 'healthy' foods that will provide you nutrients, not ALL food, so the two are more alike than your statement connects.

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  9. My tip for a stress free time,take a deep breath and count to ten,remember that the other person/people you are dealing with have opinions too :) Ok that was three tips but they work for me so I hope they work just as well for you!! :)

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  10. Hey there!

    1- Positive thinking nourishes the mind the way that food nourishes the body. What do you think of that concept?

    I think that food and positivity are necessary to sustain life. However I think positive thinking goes a lot longer to making someone happy.


    2- What was the last positive blog entry or news item you read that inspired you?

    All the writer ones I read are pretty positive. It's just following their journey. I'm inspired every day by the courageous writers out there!

    4- My small tip for stress relief is the following – (I will save you my story) try buying stamps for the holiday season at the grocery store rather than machines at the post office after office hours. What small tip do you have that can reduce stress?

    Leave early for appointments and work, because other drivers don't care if you're running late! Especially now that winter is coming and the roads get worse (around here anyway).

    Great Post!

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  11. I'm going to suggest that the body and mind are one and the same and that our thoughts create changes in our body chemistry. Positive thinking puts our body into the physiologic relaxation response, which allows for better digestion and assimilation of nutrients. "Unhealthy" food eaten with awareness and joy can actually be more nourishing than "healthy" food eaten in a rush or under stress. There is more to the picture than just what we eat, how we eat matters too.

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  12. Positive thinking is almost more important than food in terms of nourishing the soul. Negativity can be such a poison- it's very important to counteract it.... Thanks for another thoughtful post!

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  13. For me, positive thinking creates more positive results in my life. I prepare like crazy for a challenge, not because I'm expecting the worst to be thrown at me, but because I'm determined to create the most positive outcome.

    I truly believe that negativity can be like a self-fulfilling prophecy...if you think it's gonna be bad, it probably will be.

    Great post!

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  14. 1- Positive thinking nourishes the mind the way that food nourishes the body. What do you think of that concept?

    That's the one I believe in the most- I think negativity eats away at your soul and sucks the energy out of your life as well as others around you.

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  15. Hi Tom. I love question # 1. Positive thinking should be a personal modo! It really does nourish the mind and develops the brain. Positive thinkers are more mature in handling situations, they give people the benefit of the doubt and they are brave in that they don't see obstacles. I love that about them.

    I think a good stress reliever is to try things you've always wanted to do, even if it is out of character. Hence, like what we are doing now-blogging or starting a blog. Taking a ceramics class, rock climbing, making crafts/jewelry, starting on the next line of life's "always wanted to do"...list, etc.

    Lastly, I like the array of different people on this blog. Although I am not sure of everyone's occupations, I like the diversity in comments.

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  16. Positive thinking is my life-blood. Without it I would not keep on writing. Great post, thanks for sharing.
    Have a lovely weekend.

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  17. Yes, I believe positive thinking makes a person happier. But deciding to be a positive person is not as easy as it sounds ... apparently. There are lots of negative people out there and they get stuck in their groove. Life is tough .. you may have noticed.

    Tom your blog is shaping up, that's a lot of effort you are putting in, well done!

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  18. regarding number 2> A lovely poem that talk about love from the marvelous MR Shadow.

    By the way cool post

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  19. My stress relieving tip is that one should laugh heartiedly for 15-20 minutes atleast once in a day .

    Best wishes.

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  20. I can no longer be around negativity in people, writings, or movies for very long these days. Negativity once only made me uncomfortable; now I can get physically ill. My body tells me to get away long before I actually realize there is negativity around me.

    Personally, positive thinking nourishes my body just as much as food and possibly more so! I find great success when I manage to find the positive outlook on something negative...I feel a lot better both emotionally and physically. Great questions, Tom!

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  21. Hello Tom...I try to follow my Grandmother's advice and always present a smile to the world...it makes me feel better and so far hasn't scared small children or old people...it also relieves the stress in my face that frowning causes...ever notice that?
    Merry Christmas!
    Sandi

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  22. Tom: a special note to you sweetheart! In my real life I am an ER nurse who loves life and has love from my friends and even Logistic guy...I find myself entertaining...maybe not to all...but these stories have a hint of truth and a lot of heart! I write to bring happiness to my family and friends that know me. They know that I write about them and fabricate many of the stories. I have had my blogger friends for a very long time so they know all my ball stories and life saving anidotes...So, suga don't your worry about me...cause in real life I have been blessed to save young children and have been bless to be the mother of a wonderful amazing little (not so little) boy and Logistic guy is kinder than word can even speak...You see I laugh so that I wont cry....

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  23. The holidays can get a little crazy huh? Being positive always makes it more bearable.

    My #1 way to reduce holiday stress-- Taking time to stop and snuggle (with kids, spouse, dog, etc).

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  24. #1 Postive Thinking: By listening to that 'inner voice' that we all have so far this month has kept me from falling back into bad behavior - of wanting to draw the covers up over my head & stay in bed!

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  25. Hey, Tom, returning your visit. You've scored a healthy blog turnover with your positive thinking patrol - nice work. Glad it's rewarding you. Have a lovely day :)

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  26. Hey thank you so much for reading my post and offering such a beautiful comment also, I've written down what you shared and placed it in my own recovery journal. Thank you for your amazing blog too, I am adding you to my blog roll and now following you!

    I think that yes having positive thoughts is not only good for the body too, the body and the mind respond accordingly, like good nutrition to the body.

    Thank you for being on the blogs...I will be back...*hugs*

    Gabi

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  27. Positive thinking goes along way to make your day a good one.

    To keep stress at bay make lists of EVERYTHING, when and where you are going to need to do that thing, then forget all about it ( just remember to check the list each day so you know what it is you need to do ).

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  28. Keeping my eye on the ball and staying out of the mall -- that's my holiday stress reliever. I told the kids I will only get them things that they need this year and the few extra $$ I have are going to various charities. This year, especially, we need to help each other out. No, I'm not a do-gooder, goodie two-shoes, just a person trying to stay positive in light of the current world situation.

    Good website, Tom

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  29. Thank you for the comment on my blog. I love yours as well. Im just trying to figure my way thru..all of it..and will neverr stop :o)
    Consider me a follower my friend :o)

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  30. Hi Tom,
    Straight off the bat, I just wanted to say thanks for your encouraging and thoughtful message left for me on my blog :) and also: 30 replies on your latest post so far (well, 31 now.. ). Who's a popular guy lol.
    In answer to your a couple of your questions: I am a big believer in healthy, positive thinking - it nourishes both the mind and body and can change your whole daily outlook.
    Stress free for me especially at Christmas is online shopping.. I discovered it last year (slow learner?? lol) and what a difference.. no queues or hassles. Love it.
    You have a lovely Christmas :)
    Hugs
    Cara

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  31. Question 1 made me think. On the one hand, you can't survive for very long without food. You can survive without positive thinking, although I doubt that you can thrive or be very happy.

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  32. "2- What was the last positive blog entry or news item you read that inspired you? "

    To be honest, it has been a while since any blogs really inspired me. It seems that blogging has been taken over by the "ladies of the tea parties" and they are all so busy being so d*mn nice to each other, that blogging has become boring.

    I love to find new and interesting blogs (like yours!)

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  33. Thnx for giving me route to your blog---thats interesting...



    Jolliiees:-)

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  34. I do have to say I engage in positive thinking, though my writing would reflect otherwise. Without positive thinking life would be a mess. And what an interesting blog you have, here. Thank you for leading me this way... I'll be coming back to see what you're up to.

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  35. My stress buster is to always, always carve out at least a few minutes a day to do something that centers you. Step back from all the stress and just let your mind rest.

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  36. Good morning Tom! As for Q#1: From a physiological standpoint it is a known fact that positive thoughts release endorphins (natural pain relievers and producers of that sense of well being) in the brain. This sets off a process of chemical brain functions that result in healing of body malfunctioning and illness and relieve depression.

    From a psychological/theological standpoint (my area of expertise) positive thinking creates a sense of hope and power to overcome negativity around us. Something that really intrugues me is that God instructs us many times in the scriptures to think on positive things. He created our bodies and the endorphin stuff and the natural physical mechanism that benefits our minds and bodies.

    Thanks for that question. It allowed me to do what I love doing, integrate theology and psychology, which are actually one in the same to me. Have a good day Tom.

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  37. Do funny posts count as positive? I think maybe they do. I see funny ones most every day.

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  38. Positive thinking goes a long way for sure!

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  39. Suicide Barbie (see above) inspires me with her writing. She paints beautiful pictures with her words.

    My tip for reducing holiday stress is to buy online.

    Cheers!
    Julie
    Julie Magers Soulen Photography
    Blog of Note

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  40. Tom,

    Thanks for visiting my blog! I'm delighted to have found yours!

    Thanks,
    Carrie

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  41. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  42. Tom,
    On behalf of Bub Bun's Corner Thank you for stopping by, reading and commenting on her blog. Sh certainly appreciates it.

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  43. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  44. always be positive. find the positiveness in everything... thats what i try to do. whether i succeed or not is a different story...

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  45. If you don't mind getting up early, you can avoid the crowds/lines by going to stores when they open on Saturday morning. I work in retail and the first two hours or so are kind of boring (of the few people in line at that time- most buy one or two things.

    I will take your advice about the stamps.

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  46. Just passing through to say thank you for commenting on my pages and posts - your words are greatly appreciated.
    Have an excellent day!
    Jessica

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  47. Hello Tom. Thank you for stopping by and commenting on my blog. I appreciate it. I hope you'll come back again. Have a great week.

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  48. Positive thinking nourishes the mind and the body in my opinion. Being positive can keep you physically healthy and is an important part of physical/emotional healing.

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  49. Hi Tom,
    P.M.A. is a big item. Think only what you want, and that is what you will get! Sounds to good to be true? Not really, try it! Walking with deep breathing is an excellent way to combat stress. I hear alot of post offices are getting rid of the stamp machines!
    Thank you sir,
    Dr. Bob Moulas

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  50. Hi Tom! I just wanted to let you know that you won the giveaway on my blog. You won the notecards. Please email me with your mailing address. myblondereality@gmail.com (Myblondereality)


    Thanks!


    Shasta

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  51. Hi Tom. Thanks for coming over to my place. Your blog is my kind of my place.
    I feel positive thinking is as nourishing as food is for the body.

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  52. I always try to be positive, especially in tought times. It really is the only way when you're living in a world that can sometimes get the best of you. I love the small things in life because they keep me grounded. Having supporting friends and family make me almost complete...the other part would be achieving my goals while being a happy-go-lucky person.

    Your Fabulous PR Coach.

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  53. Tom, have you read Barbara Ehrenreich's new book, or blog (http://ehrenreich.blogs.com/barbaras_blog/)? She touches on the downsides of too much positive thinking in "Bright-sided." I think positive comments definitely nourish the mind, provided like real food they are taken in moderate doses.

    You know, I never considered people's professions when reading their comments. But I will say that I particularly enjoy blogs by masters of organization and productivity.

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  54. Positive thinking nourishes the mind the way that food nourishes the body - I totally agree. I find the more positive I try to be, the better I feel and the better I treat myself and others. Negativity can really make you physically and mentally ill.

    The last positive blog entry I read was by Mizfit - she wrote of how she takes the time to spend with her family, turning off the phone and computer and remembering to spend time together with them. It reminded me of waht's important and to make sure I book time for things that are important to me along with all the other thigns in life.

    Being a scientist, I always like geeky sciency perspectives on things. It's the geeky sciency part of me :)

    Reducing stress - the last few months I have taken the time to get up 20 minutes earlier than normal to make sure I have a few minutes alone every morning to gather my thoughts, hug a cat and have a hot breakfast. It is amazing the mental clarity and calmness I get from it. Sometimes I spend the time plannign my ditues for the day. Others I just sip tea and stare at the sunrise. Even if I'm tired it's so worth it...adding to that doing little things wirhg twhen I think of them instead of saving them up in a list for later, and I'm a whole lot more sane. :)

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  55. Just wanted to let you know I have an award for you over at my blog. If your blog is award free or you choose not to participate, no worries - just my way of saying I enjoy your blog!

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  56. I am deeply grateful for the GREAT comments of quality and quantity that generally stay on topic. There is starting to be a wealth of information because this blog has some very smart people and people that leave comments whatever it takes without making excuses. I understand life happens but to make comments in the face of that is GREAT!

    Thank you very much for the blog award. I am not planning on posting any awards on my blog at this time but I am grateful.

    What's next? If you go to my profile you can see that there is a new blog for the charities we highlighted as a group recently.

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  57. Tom, i saw yor thread in the "how do I", so i thought i would pop over and see what you are all about, and how it was going.
    Seems to me like you have a very nice question answer blog here. I hope it keeps growing for you.
    Very nice indeed, the only problem I ever have, are the black background blogs as they hurt my eyes, nothing to do with the blog, just MY eyes.

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  58. I had another person ask this before. I have a colorblindness that makes this easier for me to read. Please wikipedia color blindness.

    Also, please read and comment on the initial post next time before giving a critique.

    Kindest regards,
    Tom Bailey

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  59. Going with question uno: Yes. But I don't know that I would say positive thinking is like food as much as it a healthy part of the psychological immune system. Positive thinking as a psychological tool is what keeps a person from giving up in the face of adversity. I don't think that's nourishing as much as it is a protective mindset and balances out the flip side, which is negative thinking, which is just as important. See last link below. I've also found a lot of good info about positive thinking and psychology in TED talks such as these:

    Martin Seligman on Positive Psychology:
    http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/martin_seligman_on_the_state_of_psychology.html

    Dan Gilbert asks Why Are We Happy?:
    http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_asks_why_are_we_happy.html

    Nancy Etcoff On Happiness and Why We Want It:

    http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/nancy_etcoff_on_happiness_and_why_we_want_it.html

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  60. From one snowcave dweller to another, thanks Tom for visiting my blog & leaving comments!
    The successor to 'positive' thinking is 'optimal' the mental tool one needs to achieve 'ultimate' life!!! After reading parts of Optimal Thinking Id like to think, that I will never settle for 2nd best again!!

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  61. I've started reading a blog by a woman who was horribly abused by her father until just recently, and now she is raising her own daughter. As unbearable as her suffering is and was, I am inspired by her power as she goes through her process publicly in her blog.

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  62. Dead on with this one Tom!!!

    Stress relieving tip--take at least 5 or 10 minutes each day to yourself, go to a quiet place...no matter how busy you are, try to clear your mind, breathe, take in your surroundings--you will live longer and with a better quality of life!!!

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