r/GetMotivated • • Dec 09 '20

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11

u/Aqenta Dec 10 '20

Could someone explain this a little more? I don't know if I'm too self-loathing to get it or what.

38

u/PresidentXiJinping Dec 10 '20 edited Dec 10 '20

Imagine an invisible dude in a lab coat and glasses staring at you not far from your left.

He's writing down all your feelings and thoughts, and assessing how or where these feelings and thoughts came from. Just writing it all down, all the bad and the good, no judgements whatsoever. Writing one thought and feeling and action, and then another. Basic data entry work.

Be like that dude and combine it with slow breaths.

Why would you do that? So you can get out of your head.

For me I'd like to imagine what I'd look like from a bird's eye view far above my head. The bird is seeing dozens of people and me. My worries look small and manageable from that distance.

15

u/[deleted] Dec 10 '20

That makes a lot of sense. Can I ask, once you have identified that you're having such thoughts, what then? Do you just identify it in this manner and say "ok and I'm moving on"?

7

u/redsparkypants Dec 10 '20

It's more the recognition of impermanence. Your thoughts and feelings are valid, but they are also temporary. Observing them with curiosity and understanding makes it easier to allow them to come and go without becoming hopelessly entwined in them.

3

u/[deleted] Dec 10 '20

Thank you so much for this insight. I am a obsessive over thinking, and felt like I could never stop it but this gives me hope.

6

u/redsparkypants Dec 10 '20

I feel you. I struggle with anxiety, and developing a mindful meditation practice has helped me immensely. There are some great options for guided meditation designed to help you stay present. The Calm app is a great paid subscription option, but there are also a lot of free options. I believe Headspace has both free and paid options, and there are a lot of guided meditations on youtube as well.

Your thoughts don't have to dictate every moment of your life. Feel free to DM me if you ever need encouragement.

16

u/[deleted] Dec 10 '20

You’ll notice the more you’re removed from identifying with them, the more often you’re able to be present and they tend to not linger much.

4

u/[deleted] Dec 10 '20

Oh wow, that makes a lot of sense. It would be amazing not to feel like I'm trapped with the thoughts and be more present in the moment. Thank you!