Mental Subtractions of Positive Events

    SF
    Sean FargoPublished February 12, 2017 · Updated April 15, 2024 · 1 min read

    Guided Script

    Mental Subtractions of Positive Events

    PDF·182 KB

    Preview will load as you scroll…
    Previewing page 1Open full PDF in new tab

    Imagine what your life would be like now if you hadn’t experienced the positive events, and affirm them by doing this unique mental subtraction meditation.

    We don’t often take a moment’s pause to consider how all of the positive events we’ve experienced have shaped the lives that we now lead. In contrast, when negative experiences occur in our lives, we tend to attach ourselves to them with great conviction. What if we switched this around? What if we allowed negative stories to be released, instead witnessing and focusing on the positive events that we have been blessed with? In this guided meditation, you will be guided to make mental subtractions that would have resulted from a particular positive event not having had occurred, enhancing gratitude and appreciation for whatever wonderful moment once happened.

    Directing Our Attention to the Positive

    As we practice mindfulness, we might become more inherently aware of any tendency we may have to focus on the negative. When we catch ourselves engaging in this type of mental activity, we can either, 1) return our attention to the simplicity of this present moment, or 2) compassionately redirect our attention to the positive, noting what we have to be grateful for. This type of gratitude practice increases our sense of inner peace and harmony as we begin to re-frame the stories we tell ourselves.

    Mindfulness Exercises for Positivity and Happiness

    In addition to this guided meditation, there is a wealth of mindfulness exercises that can inspire peace, calm, and contentment within. In addition to guided meditations and mindfulness talks, we can further explore our inner world by using mindfulness worksheets that encourage us to take a deeper look at what moves through us.

    Want to take this practice with you?

    Save the script as a PDF or print it for class — your browser's print dialog has a “Save as PDF” option on every device.

    Share

    Continue reading

    • Connecting with the Earth

      Taking Refuge in Awareness with Phillip Moffitt

      Read
    • How to Mindfully Notice Our Body and Emotions

      How to Mindfully Notice Our Body and Emotions

      Read
    • How to Accept Life As It Unfolds

      How to Accept Life As It Unfolds

      Read

    Certify To Teach Mindfulness

    80 hours of internationally accredited, self-paced training.

    Learn More