Reducing chaos through Journaling
We all have tons of thoughts running through our minds, at lightning speed.
We're so used to this phenomena that most of us have developed - unconsciously - coping mechanisms to manage these thoughts.
Some of the most common coping mechanisms? Ignoring the thoughts; tuning into other sources of information - conversation with someone else, reading, or TV. But the more we try to push them away, the more these thoughts persist. And the more they persist, the more we believe them.
Most of us have gotten to the point where we tune into our mental chatter, allowing ourselves to obsess over its messages. These messages can be annoying, harmful and completely false. But the more we tune in and believe the chatter, the more power it has to shape our experience.
What's the solution? Many people favor meditation as a method to clear the mental chatter and attain a quiet mind.
I have another suggestion.
JOURNALING.
Yes, writing it down. At first this seems counter-intuitive. If I want my thoughts to have less power over me, why would I give them the time and attention of writing them down?
Writing down irrational thoughts or worries actually lessens their power. Sometimes, just like humans, all our irrational thoughts need, is to be acknowledged.
A second benefit? Putting your thoughts into the objective space created through journaling - which is similar to the objective space created through the coaching process - creates distance between you and your thoughts.
Once a thought is written down, it is no longer a part of you. It is a separate entity that exists in a space outside of your mind. You can consider it from a place of distance, of separation.
Better yet, you may no longer need to consider it anymore. Just like shining a light into a child's closet can make a lurking monster disappear, shining a light on your thoughts can reduce their power.
What happens when you reduce the power of your repetitive thoughts? You reduce their impact in your life - including anxiety, feelings of uncertainty, obsessiveness, and worry.
The result? A happier, freer you!
Posted by Miriam Katz. Posted In : Overcoming Adversity
I aim to transform our collective perception of work. With a slight perspective shift, each of us can find and cultivate a deep sense of satisfaction in what we do.
Together we can find authentic meaning in a space that has become known as the grind. Most of us spend more than 2000 hours at work each year. Let's utilize and value that time, rather than dreading it. Together we can put work on our payroll.
Join me for the journey, and share your thoughts and questions!
