Get Unstuck
Goal
To be able to get unstuck from negative, problematic thoughts.
Getting Unstuck (pp. 69-71; 75)
Getting unstuck from our thoughts requires us to look at our thoughts rather than from our thoughts. This gets our thoughts out in front of us where we can more clearly see them and determine if they are true or not. By noticing the process of thinking as it happens rather than only noticing the product of that process-your thoughts-it becomes easier to be willing, to be present, and to live a meaningful life.
In other words, getting unstuck is all about creating space between the thought and thinker; feeling and feeler. Our tendency is to believe that “I am what I think and feel.” In reality, thoughts are something we have rather than something we are. Creating space allows us to be present in the here and now in a broader and more flexible way. Getting some distance from your thoughts allows you to see them for what they are.
Pain Creature Exercise (p. 78)
Instructions: Pick out one of the painful items from your Suffering Inventory (Lesson 2). Imagine as though that painful item is out in front of you, about four or five feet away. Then, reflect on these questions:.
- If it had a color, what color would it be?
- If it had a size, how big would it be?
- If it had a shape, what shape would it be?
- If it had power, how much power would it have?
- If it had speed, how fast would it go?
- If the surface had a texture, what would it feel like?
Look at and examine the “pain creature.” Write about some of the impressions that you have about your “pain creature.” Note particularly any thoughts or emotions that you might have about it, and see if you can make progress in letting go of your struggle with it.
