We know that blindly believing everything we hear is ignorance. The same is true for believing everything our mind tells us.
A negative thought can lead to depression and an ecstatic thought can lead to happiness. But what happens when those thoughts we are led by are not based on reality?
This past week I took a deep dive into the hilarity and devastation of the mind while on a weeklong, silent meditation retreat in the desert. I spent the week practicing presence while watching the thoughts in my mind run memories of the past, plan for the future, rehearse conversations I might have, etc.
All this was going on at the same time I made an intention to be quiet and present to the moment at hand. Paying little attention to my intention, the mind reported every thought, like a television newscaster reports the daily news. It was helpful to see how thoughts colored my belief in myself and how, when followed, they took me away from my intention.
In every moment we have an opportunity to examine our thoughts before acting on them. Stepping back even for a few seconds and examining them, can save us from discouraging ourselves and from short-circuiting our good intentions.
What does this have to do with writing?
Many people who want to write say they have difficulty starting or moving forward when they get stuck. They report having a lack of motivation, too many distractions, feel they have nothing important to say or fear they can’t write. If you relate to any of these ‘distractions’ or have your own version of one or more, check the messages your thoughts are giving you.
Our mind knows us intimately. It can coerce us into believing its comments or follow its directions derailing us from concentrating on a current project. It can send us fear messages about success and distract us with visions of fun at the beach or give us an urgent task that could easily wait an hour. When left unexamined, it is not our best friend.
Before getting distracted or discouraged by believing or acting on commands of the mind, do yourself a favor. Sit quietly for even just a few moments with your attention on your mind. Be curious.
What are the messages you are giving yourself? Can you shift those thoughts to encourage you to move forward?
Regardless of how tempting a thought can be, ask yourself:
- Is this thought true?
- Is it helpful?
- Is it a distraction?
Then ask:
- What is true in this moment?
- What will help me move forward?
- What is important now?
And Remember – the mind is a wonderful servant and a terrible master.
If you need help getting started with this practice, call to set up a consult. Even a slight change of perspective can do wonders for your writing.
Enjoy!