I am more and more fascinated by matters of “mindset” and how our thinking and beliefs shape our experience. They seem to determine what we call “reality”.
A woman on a podcast said her therapist had suggested the following habit to overcome social anxiety:
Just before you begin any interaction with another person – a family member, a co-worker, or a stranger at a cash register – silently think to yourself, “I love you.”
When I heard that, I paused the podcast. Could making this simple thought into a habit influence a person’s relationships and interactions in a significant way?
It seems weird and quirky, but I think it could have a profound impact.
There is a powerful urge in our minds towards consistency. We don’t like to be hypocrites. So if I tell myself that I love that frustrating co-worker, I am more likely to act in a loving way, whatever direction our conversation takes. And if I tell myself that I love that stranger in Walmart, I am much less likely to treat him as an object in my way.
I am guessing that mentally reciting “I love you” might take a lot of practice to become a habit, but I am going to give it a try.
“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
Anything that could help me keep the 2nd greatest commandment is worth an effort.
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