How to Change Your Thoughts

On Facebook today, this image caught my interest:

It caught my interest because it is both true and funny. Everything we try to run away from is in our heads, and so what we are trying to do is impossible. It also points out that there is no thing to run from.

There does seem to be recognition of this truth within the masses, because people are trying to do something about it. This is demonstrated by the person who posted it, adding: “Everything we feel is based upon a thought – so if we don’t like the way we are feeling – change the thoughts we are having : )”

The problem is, that thought is also just in your head.

So how do you change your thoughts?

Engaging in a mental head battle is not the solution, so how do you change your thoughts? Well who says you must? If you believe thoughts are the problem, now you have to find a solution. But what if you questioned the idea that thoughts are the problem?

…who says you must (change your thoughts)? If you believe thoughts are the problem, now you have to find a solution. But what if you questioned the idea that thoughts are the problem?

You are off the mental hook

You don’t need to change your thoughts, because you can’t. If you could control your thoughts, you’d never have a bad one to begin with that needs “changing.” There is no way to “change” a thought. That is another convoluted, humorous idea. A thought is here, or it’s not. By the time you notice a thought, it has already arisen; that is how you notice it. But thoughts themselves are not a problem. By themselves, they are inert, harmless; mere possibilities for experience.

So what is the problem? Believing thoughts as truth, giving them your interest, power, and attention, brings them to life, feeding a feeling. Generally, people also believe that bad feeling is a problem. But whether it is a thought or a feeling that you believe to be the problem, it is you who is doing the believing in them; you are the power source.

While a bad feeling is also not a problem, it can be used as a wake up call to what bad thought-feeling you are entertaining, believing, and putting attention on. Instead of trying to “change” it (which puts more attention on it and power into it), use the noticed thought-feeling to uproot false ideas. Pain is a pointer to false beliefs.

Pain is a pointer to false beliefs.

If you use it to dig down, you can find freedom. You can detach from need and return to your natural, self-sufficient, peaceful, joyful state that does not even need peace or joy.

Realize your awaiting freedom

Until you are free, everything you feel is based upon a thought, but it is also true that everything you think is based upon a feeling. When you feel bad, bad thoughts flow easily and effortlessly. When you feel good, good thoughts flow easily and effortlessly. How do you break out of this catch-22?

Until you are free, everything you feel is based upon a thought, but it is also true that everything you think is based upon a feeling.

Trying to force a “good” thought on a “bad” feeling is painful and futile. Instead of using the head, use the body and feel good first. Learn to use the seven powerful questions of Alchemy to 1) shift your attention, which 2) shifts your state, and from that state, 3) revisit those old limiting, painful beliefs and realize your awaiting freedom.

You can read more about Alchemy here.

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Cindy is the author of The Alchemy of Love and Joy™. The practice came through her own suffering and later discovery of joy, and it emerged and took form in words, to help someone else.  Her life has become happy and often ecstatic with the most simple things. She is excited to continue this adventure and wonders just how good it can become as she practices allowing more and more joy. She encourages the world to—Seek Joy!

Read more about the author here.

Now Cindy helps other people end suffering and awaken joy in their lives.