Have you ever wondered why you think the way you do? Why do you have certain beliefs, opinions, and preferences? Why do you feel happy, sad, angry, or afraid at various times which can change in any given moment? And most importantly, who or what is in charge of your thoughts?
You may assume that the answer is clear: you are. Hmm you are, and this is where things get complicated. Are you the one who chooses what to think, how to feel, and how to behave? Are you in control of your own mind?
In this blog post, I will challenge this assumption and show you that there is a giant elephant in the room that is starved for controlling your thoughts. The ego wants you to think you are the master of your thoughts, but that is nothing more than another deceptive tactic generated by the ego! The ego wants you to believe there are many factors that influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Some of these factors are external, such as the environment, the media, the people around you, and the culture you live in. Some of these factors are internal, such as your genes, your hormones, your memories, your subconscious. Some of these factors are neither external nor internal, but rather emergent properties of the complex system that is your powerful and limitless brain.
I will argue that none of these factors are truly responsible for your thoughts. Rather, they are all tools that the ego uses to manipulate you and keep you in a state of ignorance and confusion. The ego is the real source of all your uncontrolled thoughts, and it is not your friend. It is a sponging entity that feeds on your energy and tries to prevent you from realizing your true nature and potential. The ego is the enemy of your freedom and happiness, and it must be exposed and transcended. Something I like to call Awareness!
The main point I want to make is that you are not as in control of your thoughts as you might think. In fact, most of the time, you are not even aware of what is going on in your mind. You are not consciously choosing your thoughts; rather, your thoughts are choosing you. You are not using your mind; your mind is using you and it is exhausting.
Let me explain what I mean by that.
This is a question that many people ask themselves, especially when they feel overwhelmed by negative emotions, stress, or anxiety. It may seem like your thoughts have a mind of their own, and that you are powerless to stop them. But is this really true?
Let us explore the concept of thought control, diminishment of ego and most important awareness of our thoughts and how you can use them to improve your mental health and well-being. I will also share some tips and techniques that will help you manage your thoughts more effectively.
What is thought control?
Thought control is the ability to regulate and direct your thoughts in a way that serves your goals and values. It does not mean suppressing or avoiding your thoughts, but rather choosing which ones to focus on and which ones to let go.
Thought control is important because your thoughts influence your emotions, behaviors, and actions. For example, if you think that you are worthless or incompetent, you may feel depressed or anxious, and avoid taking risks or pursuing opportunities. On the other hand, if you think that you are capable and worthy, you may feel confident and optimistic, and seek challenges and growth.
How can you control your thoughts? There are many strategies that can help you control your thoughts, depending on the situation and the type of thoughts you have. Here are some examples:
- Awareness of our thoughts is one of the most important skills we can develop. This means being able to notice what we are thinking, how it affects our emotions and actions, and whether it is helpful or not. By being aware of our thoughts, we will also improve our communication, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. Awareness of our thoughts will help us to challenge negative or distorted thinking patterns, to cope better with stress and difficulties, and to enjoy more positive and meaningful experiences in life.
- Meditation: One of the benefits of meditation is the diminishment of ego. When we meditate, we become more aware of our thoughts and emotions, and less attached to them. We are AWARE that we are not our thoughts and emotions, but rather the observer of them. This helps us to reduce our identification with our ego, which is the root of conflicts and sufferings. By diminishing our ego, we will experience more peace, compassion, and happiness.
- Thought restructuring: This is a technique that involves identifying and challenging irrational or distorted thoughts and replacing them with more realistic and positive ones. For example, if you think that you are a failure because you made a mistake, you can reframe it as a learning opportunity and acknowledge your strengths and achievements.
- Mindfulness: This is a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or attachment. It helps you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings, and accept them as they are. By doing so, you can reduce stress and anxiety, and increase calmness and clarity.
- Distraction: This is a technique that involves shifting your attention away from unwanted or intrusive thoughts, and focusing on something else that is more pleasant or engaging. For example, if you have obsessive or worrying thoughts, you can distract yourself by listening to music, reading a book, or doing a hobby.
- Exposure: This is a technique that involves facing your fears or negative thoughts, instead of avoiding them. It helps you reduce their power and intensity and learn that they are not as harmful or threatening as you think. For example, if you have phobic or anxious thoughts, you can expose yourself to the situation or stimulus that triggers them, gradually and safely.
The ego is a deceptive and illusory entity that arises from the absence of AWARENESS. It produces uncontrolled thoughts that distract you from your true nature and purpose. The ego is NOT your friend! It is a false self that you have identified with, but it is not who you really are. You can free yourself from the ego by becoming more AWARE and conscious of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. By doing so, you will discover your true self that is beyond the ego, and experience peace, joy, love, and the abundance of Your Life!
~Eddie