Why You Can’t Remove Negative Thoughts?

And What to Do Instead..

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Words: 930 | Normal Reading: 5 minutes | Slow Reading: 10 minutes

The Illusion of Positive vs. Negative Thoughts

Many people believe their thoughts can be categorized as either 'negative' or 'positive.' They strive to eliminate the negative and cling to the positive, as if managing their minds were a battle to be won.

But consider this: if you try to remove a thought by your will, does it not become even more persistent?

For instance, if I say to you, “Do not think of a blue elephant,”

What happens?

The very thought and vision of the blue elephant dominate your mind.

This is the nature of the mind—it resists control, especially when you don’t want to think about something.

When you try to suppress something, you give it more energy. Think of the mind as a thought-vehicle, where every pedal acts like an accelerator without brakes.

Moral and religious teachings have often emphasized, “Do not think about negative things,” yet this instruction only fuels the inner struggle. The more you resist negative thoughts, the stronger it haunts you.

The Futility of Willpower Over the Mind

The mind cannot be controlled through willpower alone. Attempting to rid yourself of "negative" thoughts only binds you more tightly to them. This does not require advanced spiritual insight—only the willingness to observe the mind’s pattern.

So, what is the alternative? ….