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Powerful Emotions; Unhealthy Behaviors

Mindfully Harnessing Thoughts

BY: T. Franklin Murphy | September 2015 (Edited March 8, 2022)

A man in a suit looking distressed. An article on thoughts, emotions and behaviors

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Our thoughts propel action to prepare for the future. Some thoughts disrupt with worry and guilt. With mindful attentiveness, we can prepare while limiting harm.

Understanding the pitfalls of thinking improves well-being. Giving thoughts too much power creates vulnerability to the unpredictableness of a wandering mind. Thoughts aren’t material (in the normal sense); they are products of the mind, pulling memories from the past, mulling over problems in the future, giving meaning to the meaningless. We must think. It’s our golden heritage. But unsubstantiated thoughts drown experience with fluff, create heartache, stir anxiety, and motivate fruitless endeavors. We must scrupulously examine these little demons for reasonableness, dismiss some, follow-up on others, and act on a few.

Unbiased observation of thought proves difficult for most; but emotional separation from thoughts allows for greater objectivity. When thoughts lose emotional power, we gain peace. Unbiased observation is the ideal but not always possible or practical; However, we can achieve some separation by skeptically examining the thoughts for accuracy, adding clarity, and deepening insights. From personal observation, we self-soothe and increase Emotional Regulation.

Unbiased observation is the ideal, but not always possible or practical; however, we can achieve some separation by skeptically examining the thoughts for accuracy, adding clarity, and deepening insights.

When flooded by emotions, rational thought suspends, and we revert to habitual patterns. This adaptive process prepares an organism for threats without the delay of slower rational analysis. But this adaptation also has hazards; an emotionally flooded mind may act without consideration of long-term objectives. While intoxicated with emotions, we strike with intent to destroy rather than resolve.

We lose sight of future goals. An emotional exchange quickly morphs from a healthy discussion to a battle of wills, utilizing destructive tools of criticism, contempt and defensiveness. The battle may be won, but the relationship critically wounded. We get our way at the expense of the desired connection and trust essential for a healthy relationship.

Emotions aren’t the enemy. We need them for survival, sometimes long-term goals must be sacrificed to survive in the moment. Emotions contribute more to life than survival. They’re essential for a rich and rewarding life. But emotions can overwhelm, leading us astray. Our mind switches from reasonableness to blind rage without warning.

If we become intimate with our emotions, familiar with the triggers sending us into furies, and become skilled at self-soothing, we can avoid harmful behaviors accompanying an emotionally flooded mind. By doing so, we avoid needless hurting of those around us, and better direct our lives toward more enjoyable objectives.

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T. Franklin Murphy

Wellness. Writer. Researcher.
T. Franklin Murphy has a degree in psychology. He tirelessly researches scientific findings that contribute to wellness. In 2010, he began publishing his findings.