OPINION | The Power of Positive Thinking: Why We Need New Thought Now

 

Michael Corthell

As we head deeper into 2024, the growing mental health crisis is becoming harder to ignore. With anxiety, depression, and hopelessness escalating to alarming levels, it's clear that we need a new approach—one that empowers people to reclaim their sense of well-being from within. The revival of New Thought, a powerful spiritual movement based on the idea that our thoughts shape our reality, could be the answer we so desperately need. In a world that often feels beyond our control, New Thought offers a lifeline, teaching us that the power to change our lives lies in how we think.

What is New Thought?

For those unfamiliar with New Thought, it’s more than just a philosophy—it’s a blueprint for transformation. Emerging in the late 19th century, New Thought is grounded in the belief that our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes directly impact our health, success, and overall quality of life. Figures like Phineas Quimby, who championed the mind’s role in healing, laid the foundation for thinkers such as Catherine Ponder and Norman Vincent Peale to bring this philosophy into the mainstream.

However, critics often dismiss New Thought as overly simplistic or accuse it of promoting false hope. To them, it’s naïve to suggest that we can think our way out of life’s challenges, especially when it comes to illness or financial hardship. But this criticism misses a crucial point. New Thought doesn’t claim that positive thinking will instantly solve every problem. Rather, it teaches that while we can’t control every external event, we can absolutely control how we respond to them. And in that response lies the key to overcoming adversity and unlocking a more fulfilling life.

The Transformative Power of Hope and Belief

The benefits of hope are not just spiritual—they are scientific. Countless studies have shown that individuals who maintain a hopeful outlook tend to be more resilient, suffer less from depression, and even experience better physical health. Hope, it turns out, is a crucial component of well-being. And this is where New Thought comes in. At its heart, it’s about fostering a mindset of hope and possibility, even when life feels overwhelming.

The idea that our thoughts shape our reality is not just a motivational phrase; it’s a powerful truth. Take, for example, the Apostle Paul’s famous words: “Forgetting those things that are behind.” This doesn’t mean we ignore the past or pretend pain doesn’t exist. It means recognizing that we are not defined by our past experiences. We have the power to move forward, to let go of the limitations that once held us back, and to embrace the possibilities ahead. This is the essence of New Thought: the belief that we are not prisoners of circumstance but creators of our future.

The mind-body connection, a cornerstone of New Thought, is supported by research showing that our thoughts influence everything from our immune system to our recovery from illness. By choosing to focus on hope rather than fear, we can navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater strength and resilience.

The Tools for Personal Empowerment: Affirmations and Manifestation

One of the most practical tools in the New Thought philosophy is the use of affirmations—positive, intentional statements designed to align our thoughts with our desired outcomes. Critics may dismiss affirmations as mere wishful thinking, but they overlook their true purpose. Affirmations help train the mind to focus on what we want to create in our lives, rather than on our fears, doubts, or limitations. When practiced consistently, they can reshape our internal dialogue and ultimately our external reality.

Affirmations work hand-in-hand with the process of manifestation. Manifestation, in New Thought terms, is the idea that by focusing our thoughts, beliefs, and actions on a particular goal, we increase the likelihood of bringing that goal into reality. This isn’t to say that simply wishing for something will make it appear. Manifestation requires persistence, commitment, and the ability to face setbacks without giving up. But isn’t it better to live with hope and belief in our ability to create positive change than to be paralyzed by fear and doubt?

A Call to Revive New Thought in a Troubled World

Our world today is filled with uncertainty, social unrest, and a widespread feeling of powerlessness. It’s no surprise that mental health issues are on the rise—people feel disconnected from themselves, from their purpose, and from each other. New Thought offers a way to reconnect. It empowers individuals to take control of their inner world, reminding us that while we may not have control over everything happening around us, we do have control over how we think and feel.

This is not a new idea, but it is one that has faded from the mainstream in recent decades. One of the early champions of New Thought, Annie Rix Militz, devoted her life to spreading the message of personal empowerment through positive thinking. In 2024, the centennial of her death, we have an opportunity to honor her legacy by bringing New Thought back into the spotlight. The message she spread is more important now than ever: you are not powerless, you can shape your reality, and you can live a life filled with hope and possibility.

Conclusion: Why New Thought is Vital for Our Future

As we move further into 2024, the mental health crisis shows no signs of abating. We need a new approach, one that empowers individuals to take control of their own well-being. New Thought offers this approach. By embracing the power of positive thinking, affirmations, and manifestation, we can transform our lives from the inside out. This is not about offering false hope or ignoring life’s challenges—it’s about recognizing that we have the power to choose how we respond to those challenges.

The urgency for a New Thought revival is undeniable. In a world where despair often feels like the default, New Thought gives us the tools to foster hope, resilience, and personal empowerment. Isn’t that exactly what we need in 2024?

Resources:

1. The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes
   This foundational book explores the principles of New Thought and how it relates to personal transformation.

2. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
   A classic book that helped popularize New Thought in the 20th century, offering practical advice on how to use positive thinking to improve one’s life. Available here.

3. Hope and Health: A Scientific Perspective on the Power of Hope
   A research article that discusses the role of hope in mental and physical well-being. Available here.

4. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
   A short but influential book on the power of thoughts in shaping one’s reality, aligning with many New Thought principles.

5. The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham by Esther and Jerry Hicks
   This modern interpretation of New Thought concepts emphasizes the role of belief and positive thinking in manifestation.

6. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
   This book delves into mindfulness and consciousness, echoing New Thought’s message of how we can transform our lives by changing our inner narrative.

   ---

• www.MichaelCorthell.com

• Michael Corthell on Substack