Healthy Mind #1

Life is full of choices. Will you have eggs or oats for breakfast. Will you make your lunch today or grab something to eat at the local coffee shop. Will you do this, or will you do that.. You get it, right?

These are what we’ll call conscious choices, decisions that are made knowingly, consciously. You are deciding what you choose. But what about those thoughts that are slipping into your mind, moment by moment, unguarded, unconsciously. Thoughts, maybe of self-doubt, unworthiness, self-condemnation, fear (fear is always in there) and the list goes on and on.

Many times we don’t recognise the power of those thoughts, until they begin to effect our physical body. Anyone who has ever had an anxiety attack, knows just how powerful thoughts can be. But what can be done?

Firstly, stop letting those thoughts barge through your mind unchecked. There’s a good old book that reminds us to ‘Take every thought captive’, so practice catching those thoughts. This takes a bit of time and effort, but it is incredibly empowering. Second, make the decision to no longer freely accept every thought that comes into your head; choose to challenge it. Is this true? Is it helpful? Can I use this to grow? Is this for my betterment? Or is it a straight out lie?

Then it is your choice what you do with that thought, based on your mindful evaluation of the information. Acknowledge it, use it or cast it aside, it’s up to you. You have that power. Always remember, it’s your mind, you get to choose what you keep and what you throw away.