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they don’t teach you this in school
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Here’s a distinction I wish they had taught me in school: The difference between a Thought and Thinking. Thought is a noun. It requires no energy to create. And is just whatever pops up in your mind. Thinking on the other hand, is a verb. It requires effort. It’s the act of engaging with your thoughts. Thinking drains your energy. Thoughts are inevitable, thinking is optional. A core concept of Buddhist Philosophy is: Thinking is the root cause of all suffering. Think about… (pun intended) Last time you were incredibly happy: How much thinking were you doing? My guess is not much… you were in the moment. And what emotions do you feel when you’re not thinking? Most likely peace, calm, neutrality… You get my point? Any negative emotion you ever have exists because you’re thinking (whether consciously or unconsciously). So how do you stop thinking? In the same way that you would stop holding on to something very heavy: You let go. You stop engaging with your thoughts. Instead you just observe without judgment. You let the snow globe settle. That’s when clarity and peace follows. Your mind isn’t a problem to solve, it’s a storm to weather. Your role isn’t to fight the storm but to remain grounded and calm as it passes. PS: What I’m reading: The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein PPS: Last week I filmed a new Youtube Video on how to create more meaning in your life. |
Alex Ostergaard
Join 600+ readers of The Confident You Newsletter for weekly tips & tricks on how to increase Self-Confidence and live a more fulfilling life.
But here’s what came with me: -The guilt I feel when I rest -The shame that creeps in when I say no -The overthinking after delivering a workshop -The urge to prove myself through productivity -The tension that never lets me slow down -The fear that if I stop, it’ll all fall apart These things didn’t disappear just because I changed countries. They don’t disappear when you change jobs, cities or relationship status either. But here’s what did change: How I relate to them. I’m no longer at war...
But no one sees what it’s costing you.On the outside, you’re doing great:You’re driven. Self-aware.Always thinking three steps ahead....but no matter what you do there’s still that sense that something’s missing.You’re craving more meaning.More alignment. More authenticity.And even though you're sensitive and feel so much…you don’t always know how to express it.You don’t like crying.You avoid getting angry.And sometimes feel shame around having emotions.So instead you stay composed.Try to...
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