I have a few questions I'm interested in hearing my readers' responses to regarding thoughts. For the purposes of this post, feel free to use whatever definition of the word "thoughts" you use, and write your answers in the comment section below. I don't have a specific agenda with your responses, although I may, of course, be inspired to write a follow-up post on this subject which may take your responses into consideration. Unless you indicate otherwise, I will NOT use your names or user IDs in such a post; nor will I quote you directly. Thanks!! The questions are below the break:
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How much, or how little, do you identify with your thoughts?
How much value do you place on your thoughts?
How much do you rely on your thoughts for guidance?
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1) I am slowly learning to embrace, honor, and genuintely/truly acknowledge my thoughts. I used to (and still do but alas, a work in progress) only embrace my positive thoughts/ideas, identifying myself with them while trying to distance myself from negative thoughts so I wouldn't have to deal with them. In actuality, both are necessary and vital. My chore, i see now, is finding that balance to let them inform and shape who I am while not being overwhelmed/overly identyifying with them, or under-identifying with them. I work hard to find continue to understand what they mean to me and how they inform my being/shape actions.
ReplyDelete2) "Value" is an interesting concept. "Value" as in meaningful - again, I tend to really like the more positive thoughts while dislike (i.e. devaluing) negative thoughts. However, if value implies "influence" of "weighty-ness", negative/destructive thoughts have, at times, played the bigger hand and therefore had more influence. Learning, again, to value all for what they are and offer to me.
3) Rely - hmmm... actively or involuntarily? I have wished to rely on the more negative thoughts less. However, I also feel that as a relatively introspective/reflective person, my thoughts *do* help me. The issue becomes more about trusting them (trusting myself) and having the confidence to act vs merely acknowledge their usefulness.
Awesome, compelling responses. Thank you, marathon grrl, for your thoughtfulness and time!
DeleteAnswering this is going to require some thought...
ReplyDelete"Identify" - Since I believe that I am a sum total of my thoughts, I had better identify with them, other wise I've been listening to bunches of people inside me, all of them vying for my attention. Can get crowded in there because there are ALOT of thoughts flying around. Short answer - yes - I identify, embrace, like, loathe, accept and argue with my thoughts. I have full ownership of them.
"Value" - for me - you betcha I value them, they're mine!They trigger feelings and a range of emotions all of which have value. And value to me means worth while. All the "good" thoughts "bad" thoughts and "neutral" thoughts all serve purpose. Bad thoughts can protect us - Danger! Danger! Good thoughts can comfort us - mmmm donuts. What i call neutral thoughts can be the humm of the day, white noise if you will, feeding us a myriad of information - I'm hot, cold, thirsty etc. All of which has value.
Reliance on my thoughts... Short answer - ALL the time. that said, I must now say that I believe that it is entirely possible to OVER THINK something. At some point all those thoughts should have triggered some sense of feeling, a depth of instinct. I think it is wise to shut down the internal chatter, feel something, and then act! Over thinking (billions of thoughts) can muddle and confuse just as easily as clarify and explain. we are gifted with the ability to not only think but feel. We all too often shut down our instincts, because we are overburdoned with excessivly thinking about something - like this paragraph. The bottom line is that sometimes itpays to shut down the internal dialogue, take a deep breath or two to clear the cobwebs, meditate or pray or what ever you do that focuses you, so that you CAN rely on your thoughts as a tool for helping guide you along with the other tools that we as humans have. Instinct, Heart, Thought, Free Will
OK I've rambled on an on.
'Nuff said.