Nothing is either good or bad but thinking makes it so
- Nick Cameron
- Jan 1, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 31, 2021
As we enter a time of further restriction and uncertainty it is understandable for us to experience overwhelming emotions. The commentary which runs in our mind may be growing in negativity as we start the new year without mental and physical needs which we have all become accustomed to.
“I can’t take this anymore”
“ffs not again”
“when will it end”
It is normal for us to feel this way and firstly it is important that we keep flexibility in the forefront of our mind.
In this instance we are being flexible in terms of acknowledging life will probably not feel ‘normal’ for some time. We accept that we may experience moments, or longer periods, of negative thoughts and emotions.
There isn’t much we can do to change the situation, but we can perhaps optimise our response to the situation by becoming aware of our thinking, and observing the difference between the situation and what our mind says about the situation.
This short video explains how thoughts can dictate and amplify our emotional response.
Understanding thoughts
The concept of awareness requires practice, and consistency - but see if you are able to ‘catch’ yourself thinking excessively.
When you become aware, our aim is to return to the present moment (for example, what’s happening in front of your eyes, in the ‘real world’). We are not trying to push thoughts away, but more so view our thoughts as the observer, and not tirelessly follow and engage with them.
An analogy I use with my clients is when we take a dog for a walk. When the dog is on a lead, and by our side, things are pleasant, calm. We are in control of the dog. But when we let the dog off the lead, and it picks up a scent, it may run off into the distance without any concern for it’s well-being or safety. It is at the mercy of the scent. Some time later the dog will return, probably very tired and maybe even deflated or frustrated.
This is comparable to us engaging with our thoughts and how when we follow our thoughts, we become at the mercy of them. We can become totally identified with our thoughts.
The aim is to dis-identify with thoughts. We observe them as a separate entity to our consciousness.
Thinking becomes secondary and our alert presence, living in the here and now, becomes primary.
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