Have you ever gotten really stressed out watching a suspenseful movie? But then you remembered it's not real-that you're actually sitting in your living room with a bowl of popcorn on your lap? As in a movie, our minds can manipulate us into believing something that isn't real; how-ever, if you can look at your thoughts from a distance and see them for what they are—that the blood on the screen is really ketchup-your mind is less likely to push you around. Now and then, it's helpful to step back from your mind, label your thoughts as thoughts, and notice what's happening in the moment.
I mustered the energy to get to yoga class one time only to find myself in line bebind a couple buying a yoga package. I had cut it close, and class was starting soon. Meanwhile, the couple was going back and forth about vacation plans and work schedules. As time ticked by, my mind complained and judged: took a lot to get here, and now I'm stuck— just standing here! Finally, the couple finished, and I got to class, only to find the teacher demonstrating mountain pose- a pose in which you just stand there!
Often we're so caught up in our thoughts we don't notice them for what they are. It's amazing how much thoughts can taint the experience of life! What if you had a more playful relationship with your thoughts? Appreciating them as expressions of your wondrous—and sometimes obnoxious-mind, rather than letting them carry you away? Today you'll gain awareness of your thoughts—and relate to them in a playful new way.
Daily Writing:
Your Movie Mind
Sometimes it helps to not take our thoughts so seriously. Imagine watching your mind like you would watch a movie.
What thoughts and imagery are particularly captivating nowadays? What worry, regret, and criticism scripts are you caught in?
Try It Now: Cast Your Mind
Now think about the characters of your mind's movie. Does your mind have a regular cast, such as Regretful Roger or Never-Good-Enough Nelly? What would you name your cast?
What would today's main character be named? What would this character wear and what's their script?
Examples:
Preoccupied Penelope, disheveled, talking fast, rattling off a to-do list repeatedly.
Over controlling Ophelia, wearing a pressed shirt buttoned to the top, nag-ging, "You aren't doing enough."
Your Mind:
Today's Values, Goals, Reflections:
Write out in notes or on paper
Today's Practice
As you go through your day today, step back from your thoughts. Catch unhelpful scripts or familiar mind characters.
Instead of being engrossed in thoughts, notice them for what they are: thoughts playing out scenes in your mind.
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