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Practice mindfulness to increase awareness of your thoughts from "summary" of The Happiness Trap Pocketbook by Dr Russ Harris,Russ Harris,Bev Aisbett
Mindfulness is the art of paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment, without judgment. One of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it increases awareness. When we practice mindfulness, we become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. This heightened awareness allows us to observe our thoughts as they come and go, without getting caught up in them. It gives us a sense of distance from our thoughts, so we can see them for what they really are - just words and images passing through our minds. Increasing awareness of our thoughts is crucial because our thoughts have a powerful impact on our emotions and behaviors. Many of us go through life on autopilot, allowing our thoughts to control us without questioning their accuracy or helpfulness. This can lead to a cycle of negative thinking that fuels feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. By practicing mindfulness, we can break free from this cycle and gain more control over our thoughts. When we are aware of our thoughts, we can choose how to respond to them. We can decide whether to believe them or let them go. We can challenge unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more balanced ones. We can also notice when our thoughts are taking us away from the present moment, and gently guide our attention back to what is happening right now. Mindfulness is not about trying to stop our thoughts or make them go away. It is about observing them with curiosity and compassion. By becoming more aware of our thoughts, we can develop a healthier relationship with them. We can learn to see them as just passing events in the mind, rather than absolute truths that must be acted upon.- Practicing mindfulness is like turning on a light in a dark room. It illuminates our thoughts and allows us to see them more clearly. With increased awareness, we can navigate our inner world with greater skill and wisdom. So, the next time you find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of thoughts, remember to pause, take a deep breath, and bring your attention back to the present moment.
