Acceptance of thoughts from "summary" of The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD by Jon Hershfield,Tom Corboy
Acceptance of thoughts is a crucial aspect of mindfulness practice, especially for individuals struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). When you accept your thoughts, you acknowledge them without judgment or resistance. This does not mean that you must agree with these thoughts or believe them to be true. Instead, acceptance involves allowing these thoughts to pass through your mind without getting caught up in them. By accepting your thoughts, you create space between yourself and the content of your mind. This distance enables you to observe your thoughts from a more objective standpoint, rather than becoming entangled in them. This practice of observation allows you to see your thoughts for what they are - mental events that come and go. When you resist or push away your thoughts, you inadvertently give them more power over you. This resistance can lead to increased anxiety and distress, contributing to the cycle of OCD symptoms. However, when you practice acceptance, you weaken the grip of these thoughts on your mind. This can help reduce the intensity of your OCD symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Acceptance of thoughts is not about trying to control or eliminate your thoughts. Instead, it is about changing your relationship with your thoughts. By accepting your thoughts, you cultivate a sense of openness and curiosity towards them. This attitude can help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion.- Acceptance of thoughts is a practice that requires patience and persistence. It may feel challenging at first, especially if you are used to fighting against your thoughts. However, with time and practice, you can learn to accept your thoughts with greater ease. This process can be empowering and transformative, allowing you to break free from the cycle of OCD and live a more fulfilling life.
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