You Are What You Think

Do you ever feel like life is happening to you, throwing you around like a ride down the rapids? What if you held the power to actively shape your path through your thoughts? Could you create your future simply by changing what you think?

About two years ago, I stumbled upon the teachings of BK Shivani, a prominent teacher and practitioner of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual movement, and my world has dramatically changed since. I understand if your first reaction is similar to mine: "Is this some weird faith?" But the more I listened to her teachings, the more I realized she makes more sense than any spiritual teacher I've encountered before on topics of forgiveness, confidence, acceptance, and life in general—including death.

Sister Shivani emphasizes meditation and the cultivation of soul consciousness rather than body consciousness. One lesson that has profoundly impacted me is the importance of our words, particularly the power behind the phrase "you are what you think." We've all grown up hearing "you are what you eat," but I firmly believe that you are what you think even more than what you eat.

As a Christian, I've always understood the significance of the words "I am," beginning with Moses in Exodus and continuing through Jesus' own declarations:

"I am the bread of life" (John 6:35, 48, 51)
"I am the light of the world" (John 8:12; 9:5)
"I am the door of the sheep" (John 10:7, 9)
"I am the good shepherd" (John 10:11, 14)
"I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25)
"I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6)
"I am the true vine" (John 15:1, 5)

However, when I heard Sister Shivani discuss the power of these words, it made me pause and see them with new clarity—as if they glowed with energy and potential. When you use "I am" affirmations in your thoughts or speech, you radiate that specific vibration to yourself and into the world. Were you aware of this? Doesn't it make you reconsider how you talk to yourself and others?

Consistently repeating these affirmations reinforces beliefs within you, influences your interactions and experiences, and ultimately solidifies them as your reality. I know—that's a lot to take in.

I began to notice how often my first thoughts upon waking were negative: "I'm tired," "I'm not feeling great," "I'm anxious," "I'm stressed," "I am worried," or "I am so busy." I was shocked to discover how frequently I unconsciously used negative "I am" statements throughout the day. By repeatedly saying, believing, or thinking these things, they became my dominant energy and kept intensifying, potentially leading to deeper negative states like depression.

The power lies in recognizing this pattern and consciously choosing high-energy, positive words after "I am," such as "I am peaceful," "I am blessed," or "I am a beautiful soul." This conscious shift in vocabulary and self-affirmation raises your internal vibration and transforms your experience of reality.

Let's break this down into manageable steps to help us become rooted in joy:

Cultivate Awareness: I didn't think I was a negative person, but once I started paying attention to my thoughts—observing rather than participating—I was astonished by how many were sad, judgmental, angry, and generally low-energy. The first step to transformation is simply noticing your "I Am" statements as they arise.

Transform Your Statements: If you catch yourself saying, "I am tired," immediately counter it with "I am full of energy today." Consciously choose high-vibration "I Am" statements to counter negative ones, even if they don't feel entirely true yet. Choose words that reflect qualities you wish to cultivate: "I am peace," "I am powerful," "I am a beautiful soul," "I am grateful," "I am healthy," or "I am loved." 

Since I often deal with fear, I regularly affirm, "I am brave, I am more than capable, I am safe." Counter negative thoughts with positive ones as quickly as possible, and repeat these affirmations both internally and externally throughout your day.

Choose Empowering Language: Pay attention to the words you use in everyday conversation as well as your internal dialogue. Avoid words that carry negative energy or lower your frequency, such as those expressing stress, anxiety, or criticism. This becomes challenging when coworkers or friends begin to criticize others or themselves. Try to consciously choose words that uplift and empower both you and others. For example, replace "it's a problem" with "it's a challenge."

Become the Creator, Not the Reactor: Consciously choose empowering and positive thoughts instead of reacting to situations with negativity. When faced with challenges or difficult people, avoid getting caught in cycles of negative thinking like "Why are they doing this to me?" Instead, focus your energy on creating positive thoughts and sending good wishes to them.

Remember that you are the creator of your feelings. You live in a single-occupancy apartment in your mind—nothing anyone says outside can enter and remain unless you allow it.

Embrace Meditation: I must confess and implore: please meditate. My husband used to meditate when we first met. As a Christian, I couldn't understand how he simply sat there without praying or thinking. What was the point?

Now, years later, I look forward to my twice-daily meditations—first thing in the morning and last thing before sleep. I play meditation music through headphones and begin with deep breathing. Once I've captured my own attention, become aware of my thoughts, and am present, I sit quietly for a moment before reciting 10-15 "I am" statements.

About ten of these affirmations have remained consistent since I began this practice, while others have evolved or been added depending on what I feel I need to work on. I've noticed how these mantras have manifested in my life, confirming once and for all: you are what you think.

Practice Mindful Awareness: Try to pause regularly during the day (e.g., every hour) to check the quality of your thoughts. I've learned to notice when my mind says something negative or harsh, and I can laugh it off: "Well, okay, don't hold back!" I no longer dwell on these low-vibration thoughts any longer than necessary before releasing them from my mind and body.

Nourish Your Mind Intentionally: Recognize that what you watch, read, and listen to affects your thought patterns. Limit exposure to media that promotes aggression, fear, or violence. I know everyone says it, but stop looking at your phone at least 30 minutes before you go to bed and please don't pick it up first thing in the morning. Give your mind a break!

Cultivate Acceptance: Shift from expecting others to be a certain way to accepting them as they are. This has been particularly challenging for me. Recognize that others have their own personality traits and tendencies. By accepting them, you avoid creating irritation and lower vibrations within yourself. Instead, try to radiate love, compassion, and blessings rather than judgment. Remember when Jesus said to turn the other cheek? This is what he was talking about.

Live in the Present: Let go of dwelling on past negative experiences or mistakes. If it happened, then it is reality. It cannot be undone, so why dwell on it? Focus your energy on creating positive thoughts and intentions for the present and future. Remember that "the past is over," while the present and future remain your choice.

By consistently applying these practices, you can gradually transform habitual low-vibration thoughts and words into high-vibration ones, leading to a more positive and empowered experience of reality. Remember that this is an ongoing process requiring awareness, intention, and consistent effort.

Stay aware and stay rooted in joy.