Step Four

This session highlights the possibility of relating differently to thoughts and so discovering a new freedom in relation to this powerful aspect of our experience that so often controls and inhibits our lives. 

Have a look at the following list of common thoughts that pop into people's heads when they feel frantic, stressed, unhappy or exhausted:

• I can't enjoy myself without thinking about what needs to be done.

• I must never fail.

• I must never let people down. 

• I mustn’t waste a minute.

• I wish I were somewhere else.

• Why am I not enjoying this anymore?

• There must be something wrong with me.

In that moment, those thoughts often feel like the absolute truth about us and the world, telling us how we are the ones to blame if things go wrong. In the wake of this, we can begin to recognize habitual thought patterns such as self-criticism or problem-solving strategies and learn to respond to these well-worn mental grooves with kindness and wisdom.

In general, through mindfulness practice, you can learn to notice them, acknowledge their presence and let them go. Step four of the mindfulness program will show you how to do this.