CHALLENGING MYSELF TO OPPOSITION THINKING
The first virtue in the Sivana System of wisdom is concerned with mastering your mind. In order to do this, the Sages often practiced what they called Opposition Thinking. Whenever a negative thought floats into your head, actively replace it with a positive one.
I mentioned the other day how I was listening to a podcast with Robin Sharma and Lewis Howes, and yes, it was amazing. If you don’t know about Robin Sharma, he’s the 5am club guy. What’s funny is, the next day after listening to the podcast, I gave the 5am club a try. I woke up, and went for my morning cycle — and yes, it was all amazing. While I do love the 5am club, I reckon for me it’s something I can do 1–2x per week. But that’s not what I want to chat about today.
As mentioned in the title, today is about opposition thinking. This idea that any negative thought is met with equal and greater opposition from a positive thought. I don’t know about you, but I have never measured my daily negative thought transactions. I think I am a positive person but until you actually write things down and calculate what is happening between your ears, you just don’t really know.
Today is the day I am embarking on opposition thinking. I don’t know what to expect but I sure am excited. One thing I know from growing up and watching my dad was how he did this. The story of my dad is a crazy one.
My dad was raised in a home full of alcohol and drug abuse. He was young when he was not only introduced but when he took on an abusive lifestyle himself. Like most who engage in this behavior, it nearly killed him. When my dad was in his 20’s he checked himself into a mental institution. It was all he knew he could do to stop from hurting himself.
During his stay, one of the nurses introduced him to Jesus. It was like magic for my dad. One night he was in a world of pain with no light at the end of the tunnel. The following day he woke up a changed man. Salvation had truly come to his life. He immediately embraced opposition thinking. He had to or he would go back to his old life, his old way of thinking — basically, he would die.
So, as a kid and to this day, my dad wakes up, goes for a walk and confesses his Bible scriptures outloud. Here is a few of them:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. — 2 Corinthians 5:17
For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. — 1 Corinthians 2:16
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from thedead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. — Romans 8:11
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. — Philippians 4:6
This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
I guess opposition thinking has been around me my whole life, I’ve just never activated it for myself. However, today is the day. When thoughts come into my head regarding my life or career, they will be met with thoughts of love and greatness. When doubts enter my mind concerning my life, they will be met with courage, and yes, I am enough. I do matter. And hell yah, greatness is inside of me.
These are a few scriptures I know will be activated today, and yes, some of them are the same as my dad’s. But hey, if it ain’t broke — don’t fix it:
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. — Philippians 4:6
‘Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. ‘ 1 John 4:4
This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again — rejoice! — Philippians 4:4
‘So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”’ John 13:34–35
Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride. — Ecclesiastes 7:8
This will be my goal for today. I feel confident in taking on this challenge and am believing this is something I can continue for much longer. My prayer is to be the best version of myself, to learn every day and love others just as I love myself. If this is my last day on Earth — that’s the way I want to go out.
Love you all.
