Every emotion we experience feeds us whether in positive or negative ways. Reflecting upon this fact helps us continue to learn to choose the positive, uplifting emotions and to neutralize, as quickly as possible, the negative or harmful emotions.

The basis of thoughts, actions and speech is emotion. We have many emotions through the days and nights of our lives. These emotions act as food in our whole systems.

For instance, when you are caught in rage, storming about, perhaps yelling and throwing things if you are this type of person, or quietly steaming away in silence if you are this type of person, you are actually poisoning yourself.

Whether the cause of your current rage is your boss, a nasty comment, unpaid bills, social injustice, something your child or partner did or did not do, rage results in the same thing: a poison is dripped through your hormonal system which acts inside you as a poison. The same is true of negative emotions in general: bitterness, a sense of being a victim, greed, envy, all are capable of creating a physical food which poisons your system.

You can release many of these negative emotions immediately they occur. This keeps them from harming you further. First it is important to notice the negative emotions. This may sound strange but for one week, notice, simply notice where your emotions go, day after day. Dollars to doughnuts you will find a pattern.

Once you find the pattern you will see the negativity and the circle it creates. Just watch this and notice it for one week.

Once you have established the pattern continue to notice it but now focus on when it arises: over the same dialogue with the neighbor, the usual pattern with your child or other family member, your boss, or over the same area of life be it relationships, physical health or material wealth, your negative will accumulate in one area.

Soon you will notice the continual repetitive pattern of thoughts which accompany these negative emotions. The thoughts will be subtle in some cases and may require persistent attention to come clear but keep at it. Soon you will know what is really going on in your mind and therefore your mind. As soon as you know the pattern, you can change. Arrange alternate statements to repeat to yourself on a daily basis. Some people call these statements Affirmations and put aside time every day to practice them.

You may begin by noticing when your negativity is most likely, and applying the new thoughts and feelings at that time.

For example, if you notice you usually become negative in traffic, and those negative thoughts turn into a negative feeling or stronger emotions, apply your new thought pattern next time you drive.

Think to yourself how lucky you are to have a car and drive in this world, how much you appreciate the extra time to yourself to contemplate and let go of the need to push and push. No push possible when you are stuck in traffic, so practice going with the flow.

This is one small example of how to begin to alter your thought patterns and change your emotional habits. Look for more and you will find opportunities. Remember: your emotions feed your thoughts, speech and actions. Your thoughts, speech and actions are your life.