Just a Thought…About Thoughts
Have you ever noticed how thoughts are constant no matter what we’re doing?
It’s Laura here…I’ve spent a lifetime thinking I’m not capable of staying in the moment and be able to focus 100%. I spent years trying to keep up, catch up and beat myself up because it seemed like I was the only one struggling to stay on task. Then it would spiral into thinking I wasn’t good enough, smart enough and people didn’t like me. Intellectually, I knew that wasn’t true but my brain likes to play tricks on me and unless I learned ways to stop that trickster in its path of destruction (ok a little dramatic…) I would keep doing this over and over and over again. Some say that’s the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different outcome. If you’re interested, it’s called the Repetition Compulsion. Fascinating stuff. Search Freud and Repetition Compulsion. Also a really good contemporary take on this by Lucy Holmes, “Wrestling With Destiny”
Have you ever noticed how often thoughts are constant no matter what we’re doing? Well you’re not alone, we all have thoughts and we absolutely need them because basically, “I think, therefore I am.” Ok so we think and we are. The thing is, sometimes our thoughts can be overwhelming and constant. And very often, they have nothing to do with the present task at hand and then we’re overwhelmed, unfocused and shut down. It feels like there’s no way to stop these thoughts. Well we don’t want to stop them, we want to find a way to manage them so we’re thinking about what’s happening in the present moment. It’s not to say these thoughts are not important, valuable or helpful but maybe not in this. Exact. Moment.
For instance, let’s say you’re in a class, one that’s required to graduate and it’s not coming easily to you. You’re prepared, you’re interested and you are committed to learning the material. Great. On the way to class, you run into someone you know. They tell you they need to talk to you later.
Ok…??? I guess I need to wait for this “talk?”
If you’re like me, this evokes a stress response…what do they need to talk to me about? Did I harm them in some way? Is something wrong? And so you continue on to class and can’t stop thinking about what your friend said on the way to class and what will happen during the conversation later. You’re not in the present moment. You’re not able to concentrate, focus and engage in class. First, this is OK it’s not “bad” or “wrong.” Please don’t beat yourself up, this is what our brains do. The good news is that we can notice these intruding thoughts and put them on hold or send them on their way so you can focus on the time in your class.
Sounds easy, right? It is and it isn’t…sorry, not the answer you were hoping for. BUT! There are a few ways to mindfully practice something called “Labeling Thoughts.” It’s easy and practical when we’re trying to keep present and not get carried away by other thoughts. It’s pretty much saying to yourself, “It’s just a thought, let it go for now.” Powerful words: Just. A. Thought.
Good news, we can rewire our brains by practicing this little skill and won’t find ourselves so distracted and exhausted.
This practice has worked well for me, try it out and see what you think.
Just a thought.
