There is wisdom in the mottos of, “Don’t believe everything you think.”, & “Just because you think it, doesn’t mean it is true.” Today’s blog will explore the question, “How can I navigate the thoughts I have, to experience the best quality of Life?”
I’ve struggled with thoughts in many areas. Ideally, I want to be mindful & recognize what the characteristics of the thoughts are. Sometimes, it seems like a “Slight of Hand” Magician, that I fall for the trick & the next thing I know I’m not feeling or thinking in the way I want to. If you have this happen to you as well, what can we do?
I feel it is good to evaluate & question what the essence or true nature of the thought is. An author I’ve read & studied, Byron Katie, has a 4 step process known as, “The Work.” Since I’m still exploring this area of life & have in no way mastered the nature of my thinking mind, I’ll leave the rest of this entry to the questions that Byron Katie suggests we ask ourselves in times of doubt.
Question One: Is it True? (A Simple Yes or No)
Question Two: Can You Absolutely know it is True? (Shine a flashlight on the thought & see what it reveals to you.)
Question Three: How Do you react to that Thought? What Happens? (How do I feel? Where will it lead?)
Question Four: Who would I be without that thought? (If I didn’t have that thought, or it was neutral, how does it play into my life?)
Hopefully, “The Work”, Bryon Katie offers to do, can improve our lives psychologically, by only entertaining true thoughts that help us to feel good about ourselves & the life we live. The first question she asks, is if it is True. In my opinion, any thoughts that are helpful, encouraging, or overall positive & optimistic, I want to hold onto them as True. If it doesn’t fit that category, I’ll do my best to dismiss it as a false thought that is irrelevant. Thanks so much for reading today’s post. Take care & enjoy your day.
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