1. We can’t control whether we think or not.
2. We have 50,000-70,000 thoughts per day.
3. Dangerous thoughts can cause mental illness.
4. If our thoughts are only ever made with love unconditionally and passion – we are free.
5. We can challenge our thoughts and therefore see the thoughts the way we want to.
6. Thoughts are not right just because we think them.
7. Question every negative thought you have and never let one pass without questioning it.
8. Byron Katie is famous for ‘The Work’ and this is a process of four -questions that challenge your negative thought. Katie’s worksheets are free to print.
9. Anxious thoughts come because we are trying to control a thought that is not our business – it is someone else’s and therefore in their control.
10. Our kids also need to know how to control their thoughts.
11. Everyone in the world is a beautiful person, know matter who they are or what they have done or not done.
12. We learn by what others do; whether it is positive or negative. If someone does a negative thing, then this is a great opportunity for us to learn what not to do!
13. No one is ever too old to really meditate on negative thoughts and turn them around.
14. I am not sure what the world would have done without Byron Katie.
15. Live and feel what you are doing right now; if you do things on autopilot then you are not living for the moment!
I disagree with a few things says
I just read a wonderful book about intrusive thoughts and why no one should ever take them seriously. It explains that they are out of our control and that 90% of people admit to having such thoughts. “Dangerous thoughts can lead to mental illness” is not only false but could be very worrisome for someone who struggles with them. Our thoughts and our actions are two very different things and to assume that one always leads to the latter is a very old-school and incorrect approach. Also, to question every single negative thought that comes through our brain not only intensifies that thought, but it causes it to “stick” and become more of an intrusion. Accepting our chaotic and complicated brains with love and compassion for ourselves is the key to overcoming negative thoughts in order to enjoy the positive ones that come along as well.
Shaz Fisher says
Yes, thank you for your comment. I think I meant thoughts can lead to mental illness if we do not realise not to question thoughts rather than automatically accept them. I honestly believe it is a huge realisation for people when they realise their thoughts are only that. Thank you, Shaz.
reallove4all says
I disagree – I think it’s very possible to control not only what you think, but whether you think. Thoughts did not exist inside your mind when you were born, only as we learn language do we develop thoughts, that’s why our thoughts are in the language we were taught to speak. But does like language, or the spoken word, you can also stop thoughts… silence of mind, absolute presence.
Shaz Fisher says
Interesting viewpoint: think it takes a lot of practice and a lot of understanding. I don’t think thoughts can be controlled, but we can learn tools to manage them efficiently. Thanks for your comment. Shaz 😊
kim voice says
While I admire the certainty with which you speak, I don’t know that just saying this makes it true. Who are you, or any of us, to say that we had no thoughts as infants? Did Helen Keller never have a thought until she met Annie Sullivan?
Shaz Fisher says
Good point. Thank you. I think yes, I agree with you that we had thoughts but I guess it’s the control over them that is the difficult part. 🙂
Zack says
I strongly urge you to remove the phrase “Dangerous thoughts can cause mental illness.” That sort of phrase could cause a deeply unstable person to kill themselves. It’s important to think about the real-world consequences of things you post.
Shaz Fisher says
Hi Zack,
I understand we see and hear things that disturb us, but I think if that’s the case, a person knows their limitations. I think my post could also help some people. I do appreciate your comment. Thanks, Shaz.
kim voice says
Yes. I think it is far more helpful (and true) to say “Mental illness can cause dangerous thoughts.” That way if someone is having dangerous thoughts -dangerous to themselves or to others- they can reframe it as an illness, which is treatable, rather than that they are a bad person with bad thoughts.
Shaz Fisher says
Yes a very good point you make Kim – thank you 🙂
Concerned Reader says
So many things wrong with these “secrets”
Shaz Fisher says
Care to elaborate?
Jennifer Fliegel says
Wonderful post!