4 ms·

Wow, genuinely interesting but complicated advise. Literally wouldn't know how to do that but I certainly wish I could attribute thoughts better.

• andrei_says_ 10y ago
  You can start by investigating your thoughts with a sceptic mind. Especially the ones creating emotional response. For example "I am a failure." How do I know this is true? Does failing at one or n things classify me as something? Would I have failed if I wasn't trying? Was there learning involved? Do I have a recollection of succeeding at something at least once? This example is a bit long to show multiple ways of questioning. Emotionally charged thoughts are more often than not unoriginal and irrational. You can also look at Byron Katie's "The Work" methodology. --- As for investigating the emergence of your thoughts, simply point your attention to where a thought comes from when you notice you have a thought. Like, why am I thinking that I am failure? What happened right before that? Did I decide to think that thought before I did? You may discover that most thoughts are repetitive, unoriginal and automatic. Are they "your thoughts" then if they're just happening to you? Are they "yours" if they happen to a bunch of people? And, bonus: do you act on all your thoughts? If not, what decides if you'll act? Observe these decisions. Do you will them into existence? Are they happening to you? "What makes me tick?" Is a question I have curiosity about. These are some directions to put your attention in if you have this curiosity, too.