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What is Optimism?

It is the belief that our future will contain factors which we value. Optimism has various aspects:

1. Thoughts. We think that our future will be pleasant.
2. Imagination. Our fantasies depict favorable conditions.
3. Energy tones. We feel hope and excitement regarding our future.
4. Actions. We act as if the desired conditions will occur; e.g., we attend classes to prepare for the job promotion which we believe that we will attain.

Optimism is not the same as “positive thinking.”

1. Our Perceptions.
   • Optimism. We perceive adversity but we believe that we can overcome it.
   • Positive thinking. We tend to deny the existence of the adversity as we gaze “through rose-colored glasses.”
2. Our Predictions.
   • Optimism. We believe that we will pass a test for which we are have studied.
   • Positive thinking. We hope that we will pass a test for which we might or might not have studied.
3. Our Actions.
   • Optimism. We work toward our dreams, because we believe that we can achieve our dreams. Because we acknowledge that failure is a reality, we don’t become overconfident and we don’t “trust” that everything will automatically come together for us; instead, our optimism gives us a general boldness while we “cover all bases.”
   • Positive thinking. We tend to be physically passive; instead, we try to control events through “magical” thinking, as though the thoughts alone are capable of manipulating conditions.

The Benefits from Optimism.

1. Optimism allows motivation. We are more likely to take action toward a goal if we feel that it is attainable. In contrast, pessimists don’t even try.
2. Optimism maintains our momentum despite the inevitable failures. When we experience failures along the way, we don’t give up easily; tenacity is essential when we encounter setbacks setbacks on the way to an reachable goal. We learn from the setbacks, and then we try a different approach. In contrast, pessimists give up, and they succumb to depression and apathy.
3. Optimism can help us to sustain a mental focus. We can direct our thoughts toward constructive problem-solving, instead of stagnating in the distractions of pessimism and worry. (However, we could be equally distracted by optimistic fantasies of our future wealth.)
4. Optimism provides an expansive field in which the ego can function properly. We are giving permission for the ego to work toward our goals. In contrast, pessimism cripples the ego’s operation by giving implied instructions that its natural goals are not to be attained.

Techniques for developing optimisimSelf-talk. For example: “Life is good.” “My happiness will continue into the future.” “I accept responsibility for my future.” “Things work out well because I do whatever needs to be done.” “Good things happen to me.”

1. • Directed imagination. We can visualize ourselves in situations where we are successful and happy; for example, we imagine ourselves living in the home which we expect to buy someday.
   • Energy toning. We cultivate the energy tones of hope, enthusiasm, self-confidence, pleasant anticipation, etc.
   • The “as if” principle. We act as if the desired conditions are already occurring; for example, we are optimistic that we will be able to afford a new car, so we visit dealerships to look at the cars.
2. Intuition. Intuition can guide us toward goals which are likely to be attainable (because they are supported by the dynamics which are perceived by intuition); therefore, our optimism is well-founded.
3. Self-image. We can be optimistic about success only if our self-image says that we tend to be a successful person.
4. Recognition of positive patterns. We sustain our optimism by discerning a pattern of success in our life; i.e., every experience is either “a success” or it is “a learning experience” (in which we “successfully” learned information and skills which will increase our possibility of success in the future). We acknowledge our failures for just enough time to learn from them, but then we return our attention to our successes, and we study the pattern of success by which we are increasing our knowledge and abilities. In contrast, pessimists see a pattern of failure, so they cling tighter to their cynicism as a way of avoiding disappointment; they don’t anticipate success, so they are less disappointed when it doesn’t happen.
5. Faith. Optimism tends to be a reliance on our own abilities and the general goodness of human life; faith employs a larger viewpoint — that the universe itself is based on principles of fairness and abundance.
6. Material preparedness. We don’t rely on mere “wishful thinking”; instead, we perform the tasks which make those wishes more likely to manifest themselves. For example, if we are optimistic about our future financial security, we back up our optimism by opening a savings account, and studying for a better job, et

No matter how bad things may seem, no matter what difficulties you may be faced with, there is always a way out.

It’s hard to see the way clear when all around you is in chaos, when your world seems to have collapsed before your very eyes, but believe me, there is always a way out.

If you are be prepared to listen, with faith and an open mind, your inner advisor will come to your rescue and show you the best way forward.

Take some time out to sit or lie quietly by yourself. Make yourself really comfortable and take a few long deep breaths.

As you breath in, imagine a you are immersed in a beautiful rose pink healing light . . . You are surrounded by warmth and love as the healing light surrounds, protects and comforts you.

As you breathe out, imagine all the fears, anger and frustration leave your body . . . Let go of all the tension.

Relax as you feel all the tension being replaced with the gentle healing light that surrounds you.

You are safe now . . Your inner advisor is standing close by . . . Soothing words are whispered into your soul . . . Relax . . . You are being assured that all is well . . . You will be shown the way.

Let yourself drift now into the future . . . See yourself free . . . You are safe and protected now. . . You are filled with loving protective energies.

When you awaken, you will feel refreshed, happy, and confident that all is well. Focus on your bright new future, keep the picture foremost in your mind, a new door is about to open you.

Throughout the ages, virtually every hero and heroine has been faced with an element of fear. Yet somehow all of them held onto their unwavering faith, and failed to surrender.

Almost daily, we too have to face some aspect of fear, albeit real or imagined. But invariably before we have a chance to asses what is happening, our fight or flight hormones kick in, and our stress levels start to rise.

Even with an inner fear, we need to find ways to alleviate the stress before it begins to take a toll on our bodies. This is where faith and belief come into their own. Every heart has its temple, you can take refuge in yours.

Deep inside of you dwells a little haven of peace… Allow your eyes to close for a moment and take a few long and slow deep breaths… On each in breath, imagine you are breathing in fresh thoughts of peace and harmony… Allow your mind to receive images of love and light entering your body… With each out breath, picture all the unwanted doubts and fears escape… Feel the release of all tension as you slowly exhale.

In order not to look conspicuous if you are in the company of others, you could lightly shield your eyes with your hand. This will give the impression to onlookers that you are merely engaged in deep thought, or just resting your eyes. Even with just a short session you will be able to feel the tension gradually ebb away.