“Don’t believe everything you think.”
– Byron Katie
Your mind will produce approximately 70,000 thoughts today. Have you ever stopped to question how many of those thoughts are your own?
Many of the thoughts you think were never yours to begin with. These thoughts belong to your parents, your society, your culture or your friends. They are thoughts that were programmed into your mind before you knew how to think for yourself, and often they are outdated ideas and beliefs about who you are and what you’re capable of.
I’ve witnessed this time and time again in my own mind. I observe thoughts of scarcity that can be traced back to my grandparents and thoughts of fear from the petrified society I live in. When I catch myself thinking I need to lose 5 or 10 pounds, I know it’s a direct result of the 15,000,000 advertisements I’ve been exposed to that whispered to my subconscious, “you must be skinny to be loved”.
It’s taken a lot of practice for me to step outside my habitual thought patterns, take a seat as observer and practice conscious thinking. Like most people, I spent years failing to recognize that most of my thoughts were foreign and invasive.
The process of awakening begins by simply asking yourself whether or not your dominant thoughts are supportive, loving, or worthy to remain in your consciousness. If the answer is “no”, it’s time for you to start thinking affirmative thoughts by creating a mind of your own.
You can only create a mind of your own by first recognizing that you are not your thoughts; you are the observer of your thoughts, and as observer you have the power to choose what to think. Meditation is by far the best methodology to help distance your sense of self-identity from the constant stream of your thoughts.
In meditation, watch your thoughts like clouds passing in the sky. Don’t identify with them, just notice their vibrational quality and ponder where you think they came from. Ask yourself, “are these thoughts my own?”
Then begin to choose new thoughts that are loving and support your growth. You’ll know by the way you feel whether the thoughts you’re thinking are helpful or not.
Sifting through the thoughts in your head is like weeding a garden. If you don’t take time to pull the weeds, the majority of your thoughts will be reactive, myopic and completely repetitive. Your inner dialogue will get stuck on repeat like a broken record, and you’ll blindly recycle the thoughts you had yesterday and the day before that.
Whose thoughts are you thinking?
Thank you, this was timely for me.
Meditation – “don’t just do something, sit there”
Interesting post. Much props.
Finally, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—MEDITATE on these things. Philippians 4:8
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every THOUGHT to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Tell the world (no partiality) there is a shout from God through Jesus, “Let me love you!”
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Romans 5:1
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
All but one world religion has at its core of you attempting to do everything for yourself, by your own strength. The only one that is true is of God that has freely given you a gift, not on your own merit but a gift that you do not have to earn..you only need to receive it..that gift is Jesus Christ. A love surpassing all understanding.
Much thanks for your post. Stay Up.
Wow! I read a lot of blogs and papers, etc, but this is by far the most intriguing post I’ve ever read. You know how when you watch a comic, a lot of times it is so funny b/c it is things you know, but never put in to “funny” words. Well, same here. I think about my thoughts, insecurities, positive and negative thoughts, etc, but never looked at it this way. I am so impressed by this and had a great time reading. Blew me away. Now if I can change some of my negative thoughts to get rid of them forever.
Great read,
Suzanne
thanks Suzanne! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
hi KB,
i’ve just come over after reading Kris Carr’s latest newsletter and then clicking into the article you wrote about finding answers. it was so brilliant and simply put but profound. it intrigued me to see more and learn about you. now i’m here and your space is blowing my mind with goodness! it’s happiness to find you and then learn that you’re in Canada too!!! bonus : )
your writing is particularly touching, tender and so on point with where i’m at and where i’m wanting to continue moving towards. finding serenity inside life’s chaotic moments is WHAT! in awe and loving this dose of splendor. i’ve bookmarked your site and will be signing up for the newsletter as well. brilliant lights like yours are something of a touch stone to me, thank you for sharing and teaching these lessons.
i work for Eckhart Tolle in Vancouver, just started the position several months ago and am now working on doing a write up for one of the back’s of his new CD’s from a talk he did in London. i have to say that you’ve put me in a really great space to continue. i was having a bit of a pressured brain stumble and a little intimidated by this task; i want it to end up being something they really like. affirmative thinking – CHECK : ) your vibe is infused and girl you really rock my socks. many blessings!!!
Lynn you’re amazing!! Thanks for a wonderful comment and I’m glad you’re thinking affirmatively 🙂 xoxo