Life is a series of unbroken experiences. Experiences are the building blocks of our lives.
Each experience is registered is our consciousness as thoughts. It is said that the average person has over 50 thoughts per minute. That’s nearly one thought per second.
We are literally creating our lives one thought at a time.
But do thoughts really have power over us?
Thoughts are like ocean waves
What are thoughts?
Thoughts are what arise when consciousness meets objects, people or situations.
Consciousness is like an ocean in which thoughts arise as waves. The waves’ existence depends on the ocean. The ocean, on the other hand, is independent and unaffected by the presence, absence, types and conditions of the waves in it.
Like ocean waves that have no reality apart from the ocean, thoughts depend on consciousness. When we become conscious of thoughts, they solidify and appear real.
Thoughts have no inherent power of their own. They get their power from us.
We suffer because we give reality to our thoughts
Since we make our thoughts real, they are in our control.
We ourselves give great importance and reality to our thoughts and then suffer because of it.
How do we do it? When a thought arises in our consciousness, we immediately identify with it, give it reality and seek to take action about it.
When we stop and question the thought, we provide counter thoughts and arguments which, again, we identify with and give reality to.
Identifying with our myriad and conflicting jumble of thoughts, we are become like driftwood that are battered and tossed about by the waves of the ocean.
If only we can stand apart and identify with the our true Self which is pure Consciousness,, we can put an end to the endless tyranny of our thoughts.
Devalue your thoughts
When it comes to our thoughts, we need to learn how to separate the wheat from the chaff. Every thought does not have value. What is important, true and good must be separated from what is not.
To do this, we must train ourselves to slow down and observe the thoughts that arise. As we do this, the thoughts also slow down after a while.
Then, when we are not pressurized by the incessant outpouring of thoughts and identification with them, we can actually look at them objectively and evaluate them correctly.
We will realize that many thoughts were the playing out of unfounded fears, needless worries, fanciful scenarios and negative emotions.
Once we actually see the thoughts for what they are, we can then focus on what is important, good and true. Having a better understanding of this, we can take the right and necessary action.
Living stress-free
Ultimately, learning how to look at your thoughts in a detached way is a stepping stone towards a stress-free, healthier life. After all, stress arises from the mind; and the mind is nothing but a constant flow of thoughts.
As you become better able to slow down and simply watch your thoughts without identifying with them, they will lose their power and control over you.
You can then control and steer your thoughts in the direction towards greater inner peace and happiness.
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Wonderful article, Manisha. Indeed since we are addicted to our thoughts and are so eager to share them it is important to determine whether they come from our ego or our union with the Divine.
Thank you Grettal. That’s an apt way to re-phrase “separate the wheat from the chaff.”
Thanks Manisha! So well explained we need to realise our thoughts indeed are very powerful and we must learn to slow down and as you said ‘separate the wheat from the chaff ” replace Negative thoughts of fear with Positive thoughts of faith.
Just practising doing this will bring peace and calm to our minds and a calm mind will have so much more clarity .The goodness of life will then follow…….Thanks
Thanks Manesha. In just a few words, you’ve summed up the gist of the article perfectly!
“We will realize that many thoughts were the playing out of unfounded fears, needless worries, fanciful scenarios, foolish schemes and negative emotions.” How true Manisha – reminds me of the constant exhortation of our Gurus to stay in the present moment. So much of what you have listed has to do with fruitless forays into the past and the future… and we’re missing the beauty of here and now.
You’ve read correctly between the lines, Kalpana. And yes, our teachers always urge us to stay focused on the here and now. Personally, I will never tire of this reminder to always strive to be ‘present’ in the present. Seems like a simple prescription, but in reality, it’s such a powerful and subtle spiritual practice.
A nice and meaningful article. Thank you!
Thanks for your feedback. I’m glad you found it useful.