November 2023: Habits of the Mind
Through awareness we notice regular patterns of thought and how they affect us. This is the way to deeper growth and wellbeing.
The mind seems spontaneous,
Turning and filling the inner-world.
Watching, I notice these dances
Have cues
And follow familiar steps.
Thought Routines
Perhaps we think of habits only in terms of what we do. We also have regular habits of thought. We tend to repeat our thinking, stimulated by place, theme or situation, wearing the patterns deeper with repetition.
We can apply the same yardstick to our thought-patterns as we do to other habits – do they increase wellbeing, or do they contribute to greater negativity or lower mood?
This is a deeper work of wellbeing. We use our capacity to watch ourselves, to be aware of thoughts and emotions. Not identifying with our thoughts, we watch them, as if they were the thoughts of another.
Awareness leads naturally into reflection - why this pattern, why now, how does it affect my wellbeing? With such awareness change comes naturally.
take 5 …
There are many kinds of meditation. One, (which I call ‘contemplation’) asks a question and notices anything that comes to mind. Have a notebook near to hand.
Bring yourself into mediation, using a focus upon the breath (or any other anchor). Establish a sense of focus and awareness. Then, on every other out-breath, ask ‘what do I think about often’. Do this for a couple of minutes. Don’t ‘think’, just ask. If something comes to mind notice it, but let it pass and return to the breath.
Then, retaining a sense focus, ask the question actively ‘what do I think about often’ and make a list in your notebook.
… and an experiment!
Watch what is happening in your mind each part of the day (after waking up, going to work, arriving at work etc). Keeping a ‘thought diary’ will help. Notice any associations e.g. places and situations that stimulate certain patterns of thought. Reflect on whether these patterns contribute positively or negatively to your sense of wellbeing.
How might you change or replace patterns that have a negative effect on you?
Note: creating change can be difficult. There are good practical tips that help. I explain the useful ‘WISA’ method to achieve change in thought habits in Being for Beginners and the Wellbeing Workbook. If you have patterns relating to trauma it’s probably best to get professional help.
quotes …
We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise, we harden ~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
The best thinking is re-thinking ~ Shane Parrish
Be the witness of your thoughts. You are what observes not what you observe ~ The Buddha
ps
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