Thoughts - Thinking

Thoughts Are Not Facts

We all have a constant stream of thoughts passing through our minds. Some are helpful, some are unhelpful, and some seem to appear without any invitation at all.

Our thoughts can have a powerful influence on how we feel and how we behave. When we believe every thought we have, we can easily become caught up in worry, self-criticism, regret or imagining what might happen in the future.

Mindfulness invites us to develop a different relationship with our thoughts.

Rather than trying to stop our thoughts or push them away, we can learn to notice them. We can observe a thought as a thought — a mental event that has appeared in our mind — rather than automatically treating it as a fact.

For example, instead of thinking, "I'm going to make a mess of this," we might notice, "I'm having the thought that I'm going to make a mess of this."

That small shift can create some space between us and the thought.

We don't have to argue with the thought, get rid of it, or decide whether it is completely true. We can simply notice it and allow it to be there.

Just as we can notice sensations in our body without needing to react to every sensation, we can learn to notice thoughts without automatically following them.

With practice, we may find that thoughts can come and go while we remain grounded in the present moment.

Labelling Thoughts Meditation

The meditation below offers a simple way to practise observing and labelling thoughts. As thoughts arise, you are invited to notice them without judgement and gently return your attention to the present moment.

Kayleigh Pleas, MAPP, Wellness & Positive Psychology Coach, narrates this 10-minute guided meditation, Labelling Thoughts. It provides an opportunity to practise noticing thoughts rather than becoming caught up in them.

You don't need to have a completely quiet mind to practise mindfulness. Thoughts will continue to arise. The practice is simply noticing when the mind has wandered and gently bringing your attention back.

Being mindful of thinking helps us to start to observe our thoughts. As we do this, we can start to not take our thoughts so seriously. Just as sensations are physical events, so too we can start to see thoughts as mental events. When we learn to detach from thoughts, we give ourselves the opportunity to become more fully present in the moment. When we are more fully present, our thoughts will not drag us into the past or future.

If you would like support to better understand your thoughts, emotions or patterns of behaviour, get in touch → to arrange an online counselling session.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Labels

A guide for when emotions become intense Attachment Styles Belief Systems Communication Compliments and Criticism Counselling Tools Couples Communication Couples Therapy Disorganised Attachment Dissolving Frustrations Emotional Healing Emotional Regulation Emotions Provide Information Family Communication Freedom Gottman Institute Grief How does divorce affect teenagers I am FEAR I am enough. Improving your relationship Listen Listening To Shame Mothering Your Partner No Bad Feelings Persecutor Relationship rescue Relationships Rescuer Secure Attachment Self-Reflection Tapping The Adult Child Role in relationship The Brain & Emotions The Drama Triangle The Human Condition The broken window theory Victim Video on Vulnerability Ways to take a break - learn how to soothe yourself without alcohol or drugs What Your Emotions Are Saying a nurturing family boundaries and compassion brene brown couples money issues creating mandalas emotional intelligence encouragement feeling unappreciated four horsemen four lessons we all need to learn giving up on your dream? healthy relationships how does mindfulness reduce stress how to get more of what you want how to help those we love how to meditate in a moment i love you lasting relationship one grain of sand can turn the tide relax time out repetitive thinking resilience resilience in ptsd respect safety self respect stop technique stress take time to breathe today the art of being a couple the intuitive mind the neuroscience of breathwork trust validation values cards what makes love last what you do makes a difference when you are sorrowful would you stop to listen?