How do you deal with jealousy?

[Anonymous]

I know in my head I should stop feeling jealous, but I can't turn off the panicky feeling I get in my gut. In this case, I know my gut is not right, but that doesn't stop me from feeling the way I do. I can't run away or avoid the target of my jealousy. How do I turn it off?

[Anonymous]

I get envious at times too over stupid things or things I don't have control over. I try and think of those who are worse off than me. Sometimes it helps. In some cases, jealousy help give me the added push to change a situation. I just have to force myslef to try and change teh situation so I am not envious. This won't work in some cases, but it will for situations you have contol over.

[Anonymous]

What are you jealous of?

[Anonymous]

Dont hate me because I'm beautiful.

[Anonymous]

I recommend Eckhard Tolle's book, A New Earth: Awakening your Life's Purpose. It will add a great perspective to your outlook on jealously and everything else. The basic premise is that we need to stop identifying ourselves with our ego and our emotions. If you can recognize that "you" are not the fleeting thoughts and emotions that churn through your head, they can not control you and they just fall away much more easily.

I haven't done the book justice here, but highly recommend it.

[Anonymous]

I don't focus on what other people have. I just always think about the things I am thankful for.

Everynight before I go to bed, I pray. I always start off by thanking God for all the wonderful things in my life. This evening ritual reinforces positive thoughts. When I come across a blessing that I have in a day, I make a mental note to remeber to thank God at night for that blessing. Even if I'm going through a difficult time, I always find something in that difficulty to be thankful for. For instance, if we are short on money one month to pay the bills, I focus on the fact that I had a warm meal and am laying in a warm bed. If my son is sick, I become thankful to have a doctor to see and insurance to cover it.

You don't have to be religious to do this. Each night you can just meditate on the things that are wonderful in your life. I truly believe that positive thinking can re-program a negative mind to develop different thought patters. Everything else will begin to fall into place for you.

I'm assuming here you are jealous of people. If you are jealous of your spouse, you have deeper issues going on. You could be rightfully jealous, or you could just be very insecure about your own self worth. Whichever is the case, that may require professional thearapy.