4 Perspectives for Handling Hard Thoughts
Back from 3 days in silence on a retreat at Sharpham in Devon (recommend!). Alone with your mind 24/7, part of the learning is noticing what difficult thoughts keep coming up. And how to handle them with none of life’s usual distractions (screens, Netflix or other people).
These 4 metaphors have allowed me to put a bit of distance between myself and my thoughts.
The train
Imagine sitting at the station and watching your train of thoughts go by. You can choose if you want to get on. Or not. And if you find yourself accidentally on a train of thought - you can choose to get off at the next stop.
Clouds
Watch your thoughts come and go. They are fleeting, impermanent, just passing by. Stand back and observe them. Be the sky. Not the clouds.
The loyal soldier
In WW2 soldiers on a remote island did not get news the war was over and kept on fighting for weeks. Fear-based, anxious thoughts are often there to protect us from a metaphorical war from our past (childhood experience, old bosses and relationships). They no longer serve us. Time to discharge your soldier.
The cyring baby
How would you soothe a crying child: by ignoring them or by holding them? Rather than resist or ignore difficult thoughts think of how you could be more compassionate to yourself. Compassion is more effective than pushing thoughts away.Which helps you the most? What else helps you handle hard thoughts?
I have found number 4 especially helpful over the past few months. Which helps you the most? What else helps you handle hard thoughts?
