The Power of Thought and Intention

I heard a quote during my yoga practice that reminded me of the power of thought and intention. It immediately transported me back to those long, relentless days during my Lyme disease treatment. This quote by Mark Manson says, “The desire for a more positive experience is itself a more negative experience. And, paradoxically, the acceptance of one’s negative experience is itself a positive experience.” I am a firm believer in the power of thought and intention. So this quote, and it’s intended inspiration, really spoke to me.

How Can Thought and Intention Empower Me?

It seems very counterintuitive at first glance, but if you ponder further you’ll recognize its genius. When we desire a more positive experience, it connotes that we are unhappy with how the current experience is, hence leading to a feeling of negativity.

Now, stick with me. I’m sure at this point you’re thinking, “I’m in treatment for Lyme disease, how can you expect me not to be seeking out a more positive experience? Of course I’m unhappy with my current situation!” To which I would respond, “I totally get it, I know how miserable you are. I’ve been there myself and every day felt like a monumental challenge that I wasn’t sure I would survive.” All I could think about, dream about, strive for, was the day when I would wake up and not feel like death warmed over. However, the power of thought and intention served me well as I suited up for battle every day against this relentless enemy. Stick with me here…

After researching the author of the above quote, I ended up down a wormhole of Google searches. The word Santosha, Sanskrit for contentment, reverberated in my soul as I tumbled down the search engine tunnel. I grasped onto this idea of being content with the now. It is a practice of feeling at ease and at peace with yourself and your current situation. Further, I discovered that the word Yoga is Sanskrit for Union. Specifically, the union of our physical, mental and spiritual selves. So, where am I going with all this psycho-babble about finding happiness in the struggle and being at peace with your body in its state of suffering? My purpose is to encourage you not to become ensnared by the muck and mire of your seemingly endless battle against Lyme disease.

During my two-and-a-half year war against this invader, I spent many days embattled with my mind. I was terrified every day. Terrified of what crazy new symptom the next day would bring. Every night I feared laying my head down, certain that the next day the sun would rise but I wouldn’t. I spent many hours in my tiny condo, staring out my windows as life passed me by. I felt scared and alone and angry at my body. All I wanted was to feel better.

All of these feelings left me wallowing in the depths of despair. I was a victim. The victim of an invisible enemy threatening to swallow me whole. I pitied myself, felt sorry myself and expected others to pity me too. These sentiments are perfectly understandable. Treating Lyme disease is an exigent slog.

However, I’m here to tell you that the day I decided to be a warrior against disease, instead of a victim, was an eye opening and enlightening day. On that day, I accepted my negative experience and my attitude towards my circumstances became more positive. I accepted that I was a sick person whose current purpose in life was to get better.

Coping With Symptoms

For me, hot Epsom salt baths became my greatest coping mechanism. When I look back on my journey, those hot baths were some of my most memorably empowering moments. I discovered that they were not only a great detox tool but an excellent form of meditation. Soaking in water as hot as I could stand, I willed my body to heal. I focused on my breathing. With each inhale I imagined joy and healing, then exhaling negativity and fear. I envisioned the invading bacteria exiting through my pores. With the warm water embracing me, I harnessed the power of thought and intention.

In those special, quiet moments that echo in my memory, I see a warrior not a victim. I harnessed my inner strength and took a stance as a fighter. At times, I know, it feels impossible to stay positive and keep the faith. But I encourage you to keep soldiering on. Envision the glorious light at the end of this very long tunnel. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Remember that accepting your negative experience can indeed make it a more positive one. Be mindful that there is a union between your physical, mental and spiritual selves. The words and beliefs that resonate in your mind about yourself can have an immediate effect on your body.

Imagine daily donning the heavy burden of armor which will enable you to soldier on. Allow an attitude of strength unite your mind and your body. My weapons were the tools I used to cope with my symptoms. The words and beliefs that resonate in your mind can have an immediate effect on your body. Find contentment in the now and practice feeling at ease.

I wish you all a Happy Holiday! I hope this post renews a sense of empowerment in you as we enter the last weeks of this year and get ready to welcome a new one.