Your thoughts are not only yours, and how to manage the undesirable ones

Key points:

• We often believe we consciously control all our thoughts and decisions, but science suggests otherwise.
• Brain activity can predict decisions up to six seconds before we consciously make them.
• Your thoughts, especially undesirable ones, are shaped by unconscious brain activity.
• Learning how to not focus on undesirable thoughts is crucial for a balanced mindset.
• Dive into more information below to understand the science behind thoughts and tips on managing them.

Deep Dive Podcast

Understanding How Thoughts Work

Have you ever wondered where your thoughts come from? Or why sometimes unwanted, even troubling thoughts, just seem to pop up? It turns out, our thoughts aren’t always as “free” as we believe them to be. Science shows that our brain is often several steps ahead of us, making decisions before we are even aware of them. This might sound shocking, but understanding it can help us learn to manage thoughts, especially the undesirable ones.

The Science of Thought and Decision-Making

An experiment has revealed something fascinating: your brain can make decisions before you consciously realize it. In one such study, brain activity predicted choices up to six seconds before participants felt they had made a conscious decision. This suggests that much of what we experience as “free will” or deliberate thought is actually shaped by unconscious brain processes.

But what does this mean for us? If our brain activity is ahead of our awareness, are we just passengers in our own lives? Not exactly. The conscious mind and the brain are not separate; they work together as different aspects of the same process. Your conscious thoughts are an expression of your brain’s activity, shaped by both conscious and unconscious elements.

Why Undesirable Thoughts Arise

Undesirable thoughts, whether they are worries, fears, or even self-criticism, are a natural part of being human. These thoughts arise from unconscious processes that we don’t directly control. Just because a thought appears doesn’t mean we agree with it or that it’s reflective of our true desires.

The key challenge is learning how to not focus on these undesirable thoughts. Dwelling on them only gives them more power. But how do you break that cycle?

How to Manage Undesirable Thoughts

Managing undesirable thoughts starts with understanding how human experience is created. Our thoughts are shaped by brain activity, and while we cannot always control which thoughts arise, we can learn to shift our focus away from the ones we don’t want.

Here are some practical ways to manage unwanted thoughts:

1. Acknowledge the thought without judgment: Realize that having a thought doesn’t mean you must act on it or even pay attention to it.
2. Redirect your focus: Instead of trying to suppress the thought, gently shift your attention to something else, like your breath, a task, or a positive memory.
3. Understand the source: Knowing that your brain often triggers thoughts before you consciously do can help you detach from them. It’s not “you” creating every thought, it’s just brain activity.

The Path to Greater Consciousness

To truly manage your thoughts, especially the undesirable ones, it’s essential to increase your awareness. You can raise your consciousness and become more in control of where your attention goes. You can begin by exploring more about the science of thought and practicing methods that guide you toward not focusing on those unwanted thoughts.

For more information and exercises to manage your undesirable thoughts, visit tryit.tv and explore a free course that deepens your understanding of consciousness and provides a practical exercise.