@rdellw2 Yes that's right. To not fight, but not follow the thought, become an observer, and carry on doing what matters in your life. Try rationalization, but also don't get attached to the new rationalized thought. Rationalization does work sometimes, but it generally takes more effort, and doesn't really cultivate mindfulness. Daily meditation helps immensely, as well as different mindfulness exercises one can do throughout the day, when engaged in any activity.
@ddhamilt Ah cheers, so you're saying I should notice that I have the negative thought, but don't try and do anything about it atm, just carry on as normal? Should I not try to reason it with a rational thought in the moment at this point?
@rdellw2 Hate to say it, but I'm not an advocate of distraction in general. Only when things are really, really bad in terms of anxiety/depression do I advocate it. It is better to notice the thought and let it go, which is easier said than done. So one way to do this, is to say to yourself "I'm HAVING the though that people don't like me." Then say "I'm NOTICING that I'm HAVING the thought that people don't like me." This helps create distance that doesn't change the thought, but observe it.
Hey man, one thing im confused about on the first dr.richards task is that he says when you get a negative thought to distract yourself with an activity, what do you do if you get the negative thoughts in public and you cant really go and engage yourself in playing guitar or whatever ahah?
@rdellw2 Yes that's right. To not fight, but not follow the thought, become an observer, and carry on doing what matters in your life. Try rationalization, but also don't get attached to the new rationalized thought. Rationalization does work sometimes, but it generally takes more effort, and doesn't really cultivate mindfulness. Daily meditation helps immensely, as well as different mindfulness exercises one can do throughout the day, when engaged in any activity.
ddhamilt 2 weeks ago
@ddhamilt Ah cheers, so you're saying I should notice that I have the negative thought, but don't try and do anything about it atm, just carry on as normal? Should I not try to reason it with a rational thought in the moment at this point?
rdellw2 2 weeks ago
@rdellw2 Hate to say it, but I'm not an advocate of distraction in general. Only when things are really, really bad in terms of anxiety/depression do I advocate it. It is better to notice the thought and let it go, which is easier said than done. So one way to do this, is to say to yourself "I'm HAVING the though that people don't like me." Then say "I'm NOTICING that I'm HAVING the thought that people don't like me." This helps create distance that doesn't change the thought, but observe it.
ddhamilt 2 weeks ago
Hey man, one thing im confused about on the first dr.richards task is that he says when you get a negative thought to distract yourself with an activity, what do you do if you get the negative thoughts in public and you cant really go and engage yourself in playing guitar or whatever ahah?
rdellw2 2 weeks ago
@whoppergent Hell yeah man! Great way to frame it.
ddhamilt 3 months ago
This is great, now when I get negative thoughts I actually feel good because I stamp them out and know I am making progress.
whoppergent 3 months ago