Dwelling on Negative Emotions
By Pose123
@Pose123 (21635)
Canada
February 5, 2009 8:34pm CST
Too often we dwell on unpleasant experiences when we should be doing everything we can to forget about them. When we indulge in self-pity, we only make a bad day worse.We have to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and release the notion that we are a victim, and notice the good that exists in our life. For some that may not be easy but it is possible. Think obout it.
4 people like this
8 responses
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
6 Feb 09
Hi Pose123! That is so very true my friend. It is really hard and not easy to just stop those negative emotions especially when you are in the middle of it. But when the going gets really tough for me and I can't seem to shake it off on my own, i pray until I get exhausted and sleepy from crying. And there is this one inspirational video I have watched, from one of the videos of Nick, the man without limbs..he said, "that we always count our pain and not the blessings"..that phrase struck me and I am trying to teach myself more now in counting my blessings and not to dwell on my pain and what I don't have. That really helps and i do know that dwelling on negative emotions is not easy to stop but it is possible. Oh, I still have those fears and worries but I know that there is always this resting place for me in my heart that my Lord has laid down. Just a thought!
take care and have a great day!
lovelots..faith
4 people like this


@wifeofharvey (1156)
• United States
6 Feb 09
Of course it is possible. My husband was raised in a family of pesstimists yet he is very up beat. He said he remembers as a child listening to the family and wondering why they didn't just stop complaining and enjoy life.
Learning to laugh and to enjoy whatever is going on is a real key to contented living. Sense of humor has gotten us though lots of tough times.
It is really hard to be around negative people for very long. If you aren't careful their negativity will rub off on you.
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
6 Feb 09
yes i agree, I think a lot of our depressions is a deep down self pity really...we concentrate on negative things instead of embracing the positives, negative thinking i feel is very bad for our mental and physical health.
2 people like this
@sukumar794 (5040)
• Thiruvananthapuram, India
11 Feb 09
It is truly said that noble thoughts should come to us from all sides.But unfortunately we subject ourselves in brooding over negative elements in our day today living.I am no exception to this sort of daily behavior.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
8 Feb 09
David and I have studied many Buddhist teachings and embrace much of what they say. Buddhists teach that one of the best ways to stay present is to remain non-attached...to anything or anyone. In their view all our suffering comes from our attachments.
This includes people, places, "things" mindsets, beliefs, emotions and events. Buddhism suggests that we cannot be anywhere other than where we are...and so dwelling on negative emotions removes focused attention to the "now" of our experience. To truly experience each moment to the fullest we need to breathe into it and savor each moment of every day. The daunting times are there to teach us something...so if we focus on the lesson and release the experience negative emotions can dissolve away. Everything is a choice...so we can choose to dwell..or release things and move on.
Even God cannot change the past...and the future is yet to unfold...so dwelling and projecting are a fruitless waste of time...from my perspective anyway.
Another interesting discussion...thanks for adding it.
Raia
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
8 Feb 09
Hi Raia, Thank you for your thoughts and you always have something to add to the discussion. I have some knowledge of Buddhism and what I have heard I like very much, although I don't think any system has all the answers. I have a nephew who left Christianity for Buddhism and another who is married to a Buddhist. I know that as a rule they are a very peaceful people. I agree with you that we have to savour each moment and that we are to learn from all experiences. Blessings.
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
6 Feb 09
So true.
You make a very good point there.
Going on and on about something that just isn't being productive, just makes you feel worse.
I guess, if you're trying to hash something out with someone, to make sense of it, in the hopes of still coming out as friends at the end, then it can be productive.
So, I'm taking your advice. You're right. I'm moving on to happier things. And hopefully it will right itself in the end. Righto!
@sukumar794 (5040)
• Thiruvananthapuram, India
8 Feb 09
Brooding over misfortunes,infirmities and shortcomings ...all these form part of human behavior.It is easy to advocate cheerfulness but really hard to maintain a joyful mood at all times.
