Unhappy thoughts want identities
See if you can shine a light on item number one in this Mind Map.
Practice recognising unhappy thoughts before they try to take hold and gain momentum.
Unhappy thoughts want to travel to the other stages for their survival.
Recognising the patterns is the start to breaking free.
For more on how to deal with unhappy thoughts once identified see “Dealing with a Negative Thought” Mind Map
Associated themes:
FREE 85 Page “Stop Thinking” E-Book
Further reading:
Stop Thinking & Start Living by Richard Carlson
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Loving what is by Byron Katie
Hi Paul,
First of all, great website! So glad I’ve found this because I’m always looking for ways to challenge common ways of thinking in a clear and simplex way.
When I looked at your map it reminded me of something I read by the Vietnamese buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh.
When he talks about anger or unhappy he describes it as a seed. With the right kind of attention you can turn it into manure for your other seeds.
He also talks about it as a child, pure and honest. And whenever it manifests itself, he suggest you invite it into your living room and compassionately listen to it.
It’s a powerful metaphor. When put into practice with people who are actually angry you can see the change happen. First you offer comfort and sincere attention (what you feel is honest and real, please express it) and then you can focus on growing/evolving towards a better future, a more happy moment.
I was wondering how you look at this.
The map shows that unhappy thoughts, when looked upon with the wrong kind of attention, can go a long and destructive way. Yet it doesn’t suggest what to do with the unhappy thoughts once you recognize them. I’d love to hear your opinion about this.
Keep up the great drawings. And thank you for the insights.
Hannes
Hi Hannes
Thanks for the excellent comment.
Questioning thoughts and recognising they are “just thoughts” helps you realise that just because you “think” something, it doesn’t necessarily make it true.
As soon as you notice an unhappy or negative thought you are watching your thinking rather than being absorbed or immersed in it and any negativity has less power over you.
Have a look at the “Dealing with a negative thought” Mind Map http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/dealing-with-a-negative-thought-mind-map-paul-foreman/ which suggests ways to deal with negative thoughts.
Have a read also of the FREE 85 page E-Book called “Stop Thinking” http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/stop-thinking-free-85-page-e-book-paul-foreman/ which contains ideas and techniques for how to reduce your thoughts.
I hope that helps
Love the map! And these two comments extend it beautifully. Wondering if you could extend this map, Paul, by offering an “outlet” to your other map about dealing with negative thoughts. Just a thought
I really enjoy your maps and this blog!
Hi Meri
Great idea! I’ve now added a link to the “Dealing with a negative thought” Mind Map http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/dealing-with-a-negative-thought-mind-map-paul-foreman/ within the post.
Thanks for your comments & suggestion
Hi Meri, Paul,
Thanks for the feedback and interesting suggestions.
Hannes