I am not my thoughts
/I've been experimenting with the idea that my thoughts and I are separate. This idea is new and mind-blowing to me. I just finished reading "The Untethered Soul", by Michael A. Singer.
In his book, Singer posits that we are no more our thoughts or feeling than we are the objects around us. As I started to apply some of his teachings, I began to realize that I could just observe what was going on. This concept allows me to look at what I'm thinking and feeling as a scientist might look at something in her laboratory, with fascination and curiosity.
This practice has been helpful in stopping negative thoughts from hijacking my brain and my mood. For example, on a particularly difficult drive, I observe feelings of frustration and anger. When I move to a position to observe these feelings and think... "It's interesting how a that stressful drive triggered thoughts of anger."
With this perspective the thought and feelings occur, I observe them, acknowledge them and let them pass on by. They don't stick around and they don't invite more negative thoughts and feelings in.
They just float away.
When you notice negative thoughts creeping in, I invite you to "put on your lab coat" and be a scientist. Move to place where you can observe your thoughts with curiosity and without judgements. You may find that when you observe, acknowledge, and let go, your thoughts affect you less.
Peace.
"Your thoughts are bubbles waiting to be popped."
JON KABAT-ZINN
