Using Our Intuition to Guide Our Thoughts
Thoughts, Negative Spiral and Catastrophization:
Many of us fear our thoughts, especially when they spiral into overthinking. Overthinking can pull us into a negative loop, no longer feeling in control of our minds. It's a terrifying place to be - imagine losing power over your thoughts when, in reality, the present moment, is manageable?
This process is known as catastrophization - when the mind tries to predict an uncertain future linearly, with the knowledge it currently holds. Since our minds function based on personal experiences, they struggle to account for the unknown. It's an evolutionary trait; a survival mechanism. The human mind is wired to assess threats based on the impacts of past experiences. Hence, the unpredictability of the future seems terrifying.
Uncertainty and the Predictive Nature of Mind:
The future isn't a linear event. Humans can't predict it. Even when they do, it is solely from our limited perspective. The future can only be met by moving through the present moment, never by assuming them in our thoughts.
When I find myself caught in a negative spiral, I ground myself by remembering this: the future is unfolding as I move with each moment, and I haven't accounted for all the unknown possibilities that could arise along the journey.
Cultivating Inner Comfort, Expanding Our Awareness, and its Wisdom:
Cultivating presence in our bodies allows us to accept the moment as it is, without imposing our ideas on what they need to be.
Each experience reveals a new layer, reminding us to face ourselves more deeply. This can feel terrifying. Yet, our work is to stay present as each layer reveals itself, facing the discomfort accompanying it.
Each layer comes with its wisdom. Just like a thought, an insight appears at every juncture. A new perspective emerges — perhaps it’s taking a new action, or detaching from an outdated belief.
Eventually, we see that our thoughts are simply a reflection of our overall mindset. As our awareness expands, our thought process shifts too. New perspectives interrupt old patterns that once restrained us. One conscious shift at a time, these new thoughts shape towards a new way of being.
Thoughts and their Shifting Associations:
Thoughts aren't set in stone. It's about how you associate with them. When you notice recurring thought patterns that feel limiting, it's an invitation to look inward — what belief is restraining you from an empowered self-concept?
It all begins with noticing. With conscious efforts, we can shift — one moment, one thought, one interpretation at a time.
A Practice:
List out some thoughts you fear. Where does this fear stem from? Is it based on a lived experience, or is it something you were taught?
Now, choose one thought that makes you frantic. Hold this thought in your mind. Instead of resisting, allow yourself to sit with it—just for a moment. Let it exist, and be true without trying to change or push it away.
It may feel uncomfortable at first, but stay with it. In a while, you’ll notice that the discomfort settles.
Congratulations! You have made space for an inconvenient truth, and in doing so, you have reached a new level of awareness.
Now listen - what is your intuition guiding you towards? Trust it, and follow it.