The stories we tell ourselves

Our minds are full of thoughts whizzing around with incredible speed, sometimes conscious, sometimes unconscious, it is like a constantly humming machine in the background.

We rarely pay attention to the content of these thoughts, in spite of the fact that they have a major influence on how we feel and act. We often think about the past or rehearse future situations, typically not in a very positive way. The problem with this is that the feelings we experience as a response to an imaginary situation are real. How many times do you have an argument with someone else in your head and got angry? How many times did you re-live a past mistake and felt guilt or shame?

A large proportion of our negative feelings is the result of the thinking, not the circumstances. I’m not saying that the present moment can’t be uncomfortable, but it is definitely easier to deal with than with the past (you can’t change what happened) or the future (you can’t know for sure what is going to happen). The magic of the present moment is that you can take action. In the thought about the past or the present, we’re helpless. We cannot battle with something which is not existing.

So next time you feel that you feel anxious, angry, guilty, afraid, just stop for a moment and ask yourself the questions: what was I thinking about a moment ago? Just notice the link between the emotion and the thought. And then, try to pay attention to the situation which is in front of you. This might be mundane, like doing the dishes, or meaningful, like working on your playing, but try to give it your full attention.

The thoughts will return - that is their nature. But if you notice what they are telling you more often, and divert your attention to your present moment, you can reduce any mental discomfort you might have, and have more clarity and ease in what you are doing at any given moment.