INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS AND SOLUTION
To first understand intrusive thoughts, we need to understand how our mind functions. The job of the mind is to generate thoughts, just like the job of the heart is to pump blood and the job of the stomach is to digest food. The mind generates thoughts based on the information it has stored. Our mind gathers information from our surroundings through our senses and our experiences. It then generates thoughts based on these past experiences and the information it has stored.
We are not the creators of all our thoughts, nor do we control them completely. The number one mistake we make when dealing with unwanted thoughts is considering ourselves as the creator and engaging in a constant fight with ourselves. So, the first thing we need to understand is that it’s not us, but the mind doing its job. Having understood that, here are three steps we can follow to deal with these thoughts:
Whenever such thoughts or images come, just observe them for a moment and try to figure out their source. For example, they may come from something you have experienced in the past or perhaps something you read.
Next, check the validity of that thought. Evaluate it logically and sensibly. You will find that most of them do not make any sense. Knowing this, tell yourself that it’s just the mind playing tricks.
Now, disconnect yourself from that thought or image. Let the thought come and go. Treat it as a child misbehaving, something you don’t want to pay attention to. Treat it as a second person and don’t react to it. Your reaction only makes them stronger. You can continue doing your chores without being affected by it. Don’t try to suppress it.
If you continue these steps repeatedly, you will see that the intensity of those intrusive thoughts decreases, and they will eventually die down. This is because a principle in our body is that where attention goes, energy flows. When you stop giving attention to them by disconnecting yourself, they will stop receiving energy, and their neural pattern will weaken.
CONCLUSION
Intrusive thoughts are an inevitable aspect of the human experience, arising from the complex interplay of our minds, memories, and perceptions. While we may not be able to prevent these thoughts from occurring altogether, we can learn to manage them more effectively by adopting a mindful and compassionate approach. By pausing to observe, challenging their validity, and disconnecting from their grip, we can reclaim agency over our mental landscape and cultivate inner peace and resilience. Remember, you are not defined by your thoughts – you are the silent witness behind the ever-changing tapestry of your mind.