The Power of Positive Thinking

by Dr. D.V. Pasupuleti

In today’s world, it often seems unhappiness is all around us. Hatred, terrorism, war, violence, bigotry and job insecurity are part of our everyday lives. Depression affects millions of adults in America each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People everywhere are resorting to prescription medicines, street drugs and alcoholism in order to combat feelings of depression, anxiety, restlessness and stress. However, antidepressants work for only 30 percent of the population and the remaining 70 percent continue to be depressed.

Numerous studies show that living in a democratic society, having family, friends and rich social circle, material and monetary wealth and religion can contribute to only 8 to 15 percent of total happiness. If that is the case, what constitutes the other 90 percent? Happiness derived from material wealth, monetary gains, or a person or place, is short lived.

Happiness by its very nature tends to be fleeting. Human beings would not survive if we were happy all the time—emotions are often a consequence of thinking. But the important thing to remember is that you can change what you think and gain some conscious control over your emotional life. It is in your power to change your mind for the better, creating a lasting contentment and happiness that only you control.

Since childhood I have been intrigued by the concept of happiness and contentment. Throughout a lifetime of studying major world religions, as well as being a physician for 30 years and a brain specialist for 20 years, I have found that happiness and good health are interlinked: both are powered and operated by your brain. The greater your peace of mind, the more positive you are, the less stress you suffer and the better is your overall health. Peace of mind is essential.

Realize that unhappiness derives from focusing on material wealth, our body or our performance in life. A person’s genetic make-up and circumstances contribute only a fraction to their enduring level of happiness. Voluntary control, which is mediated by the brain, plays a major role in happiness by controlling the release of neuro-chemicals like Dopamine and Serotonin.

Make an effort to understand that the brain is the real source of happiness and contentment. Material possessions are meant to be enjoyed, but they don’t ultimately create everlasting happiness. Street drugs, medicines, foods like chocolate and material possessions do not provide everlasting contentment, and it is like running after a mirage for water in a desert. So the message translates to “Happiness is all in our minds”.

Doubts and unhappiness come out of incognizance, while ignorance is the root cause for all the evils in the world. Ignorance is the basis of negative emotions like hatred toward a fellow human being; sectarianism, prejudice, discrimination and fanaticism are all major concerns in today’s world. These negative emotions create a conflicted and agitated mind.

Everyone becomes agitated once in a while, but that state of mind is only “temporary’ for a person with self awareness, inner consciousness and peace of mind. A person with self-awareness not only looks at the beautiful colored flowers but also the thread holding the flowers as a garland.
Develop a simple and non-conflicting mind and learn to make “peace” with your agitated mind through inner self-awareness and knowledge. Control your negative thoughts and emotions; nurture more positive thoughts with global thinking that makes you less egocentric, and a more humble person.
How can you achieve the “peace” with your brain which can lead to everlasting health and happiness? Here are two simple habits you can add to your daily routine to achieve lasting contentment:
1. Every morning, when you first get up from bed, say to yourself:
a. The path to happiness lies within my mind
b. I have “freedom of choice,” and today I choose to be happy
c. I have no fear of being judged
d. I am in a better position as compared to the greater troubles in the world around me
2. Every night before you go to bed, close your eyes and think of all the positive things that happened to you that day. This will not only help you to have a good night sleep and pleasant dreams, but will also prepare you for the day ahead.

Any person can create their own happiness by understanding their “true innerself” and by letting go of negative thoughts, and preconceived notions, and by nurturing positive thoughts.

The greater your peace of mind; the more relaxed you are; the more positive your thoughts are, the less stress you suffer, and the better is your overall health.

Your soul mate, friend, buddy, destiny, uplifter, and salvation are none other than your own brain. The power of the brain and the logical mind is infinite.












Dr. D.V. Pasupuleti, MD, FACP, FACGS, FAANEM, is the author of the new book Change Your Mind, a guide to lifelong health and happiness.