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Powerful Emotions; Unhealthy Behaviors

Mindfully Harnessing Thoughts

BY: T. Franklin Murphy  | September 2015 (Edited August 2018)
A man in a suit looking distressed. An article on thoughts, emotions and behaviors
Adobe Stock Images
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.
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​​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 entrenched in 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 immediate 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
T. Franklin Murphy
Wellness. Writer. Researcher.
​T. Franklin Murphy has a degree in psychology. He is dedicated to the science of wellness. In 2010, he began publishing his findings.

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About Flourishing Life
Emotional Regulation archive. A Flourishing Life Society database
Flourishing Life Society Link to articles from 2010-to 2015
Frustration tolerance is our ability to withstand frustrations and continue moving towards goals. A Flourishing Life Society article link.
FLS Link. Emotions and Empathy. The feelings of living come to life, pushing experience into a new aliveness. For some feelings are scary and they avoid deep contact with feeling experience. This not only limits their experience but interferes with connection to others.
FLS link-- Emotional Regulation: Emotions energize and push for action. Healthy regulation capitalizes on the richness of emotion and directs the energy towards life objectives.
A Flourishing Life Article link. A Quiet Life of Desperation
Our thoughts propel us into fruitful and prepared futures, but they also can haunt our peaceful moments with worry and guilt. By mindful attentiveness to the nature of our thoughts we can gain the benefits and limit the harm.


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  • Home
  • Human Flourishing
    • Addiction Recovery
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    • Emotion >
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    • Psychology Archive
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    • Intimate Relationship Articles
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  • About Us