The Power of Our Thinking
--by Fred Monroe
Me thinks thou doth protest too much. —William Shakespeare
Have you ever considered the impact of your thoughts on your reality? Positive thinking is more than just optimism—it's a conscious orientation toward expecting good outcomes. In contrast, negative thinking anticipates undesirable events, often reinforcing them through repetition and emotional focus.
Free Will and the Nature of the Universe
We often say the universe has granted us free will—the ability to choose our thoughts, beliefs, and actions. But is that choice truly free? Consider this: the universe is inherently friendly, supportive, kind, obedient, and cheerful. It responds not to our fears, but to our focus!
The Hidden Power of “NOT”
There’s a subtle secret many overlook: the word “NOT” rarely produces the result we intend. When we say, “I am not sick.” the universe doesn’t register the negation—it hears “I am sick.” In this way, every “NOT” statement becomes a kind of prayer, unintentionally affirming the very condition we wish to avoid.
This mirrors a principle in mathematics: two negatives make a positive. Similarly, in metaphysical terms, the universe is wholly positive—it does not compute negation. It creates from affirmation, even if that affirmation is ineffectively cloaked in denial.
Affirmation vs. Denial in Spiritual Practice
Historically, teachings like those in Unity emphasized both affirmations and denials. Denials were used to clear mental clutter, making space for truth. Today, however, the practice of denial has nearly vanished, leaving affirmations to stand alone. Yet without understanding how denial works—especially the misuse of “NOT”—we risk reinforcing what we seek to release.
Experiment: The Tree You Didn’t Think Of
Try this: “Do not think of a tree.” What happened? Most likely, a tree appeared in your mind. Perhaps a tall, beautiful oak. Even though you were told not to think of it, the very mention summoned its image. This illustrates how language shapes thought—and how negation often fails to prevent the very thing it names.
Repetition and the Law of Attraction
Consider someone who repeatedly says, “I’m not interested in that.” Over time, they may find themselves drawn to the very subject they resisted. Why? Because repetition embeds focus. The universe responds to sustained attention, not to our disclaimers.
The Body Believes Every Word
If the body believes every word you speak, then saying “I am not sick” might plant the seed of illness. You may not feel sick now, but persistent denial can stir subconscious fears, leading to imagined symptoms and eventual manifestation. The mind-body connection is powerful—and deeply responsive to language.
Free Will and Cosmic Cooperation
Yes, we have free will. But once a thought is released—especially one repeated with emotion—it becomes a request the universe does not un-create. The Cosmos listens to every word, every intention, and every vibration. It cooperates fully, creating from the raw material of our speech, thoughts and belief.
Surprise!
Negativity is actually positive. Watch your thoughts, they are watching you!
09/28/25