You’ve probably heard the saying that our thoughts create our reality. It’s a popular idea, but it isn’t something science has proven. Still, there’s a gentler truth in it: our thoughts shape how we experience the world.
How thoughts shape experience
If you expect a meeting to go badly, you may notice every awkward moment. If you go in curious, you might notice moments of connection. Your thoughts influence where you place your attention, and that shapes how a day feels.
Thoughts and actions
Thoughts can also influence what you do. Believing you can learn something new makes it more likely you’ll try.
What thoughts can’t do
Thoughts can’t control everything. Illness, accidents, loss and unfairness happen to everyone, no matter how positive their thinking. If you’re going through a hard time, it’s not because you thought the wrong thoughts.
Noticing your thoughts
Mindfulness can help you notice your thoughts without automatically believing them. You might say to yourself, I’m having the thought that this will go badly. This can create a little space.
Choosing kinder thoughts
You can gently practise thoughts that are kind and realistic, like I’ll do my best or This is hard, and I can handle it one step at a time.
How little is enough
Today, notice one worried thought and gently ask, Is there another way to see this?
For more, read Life is the perception of life.
If you’d like a gentle companion for finding your way through change, there’s a guided journal for it on the Guides page.