Posted by ConfuzyQ on August 6, 2007, at 11:30:19
In reply to Re: repeating a thought/idea/ or mantra, posted by nickguy on August 5, 2007, at 22:58:46
> Anybody think it could be harmful, repeating something in your head at every moment, even though it improves my mood and helps me function? (harmful in the sense that its a defense mechanism, or keeping me from long term thought restructring?)
I wouldn't think so, because it almost seems like it would serve some of the same purposes as meditation. (Well, not that I know anything about that... But I've assumed that it actually isn't about focusing on particulars or consciously forming plans for change and improvement; that those may follow naturally from the increased relaxation, positivity, receptiveness...)
My mantra is so cliche that if I said "Guess?" I bet it would be in most people's top 3 attempts: "This too shall pass." Which often leads nicely into: "What a difference a day makes." So mundane, but so true!
Not quite a mantra, but sometimes I also have whole days where I am able to catch myself at the last words or syllables of negative thoughts and expressions, and turn their frowns upside down, ala "!!This is SOOO fff...ABULOUS of an opportunity to handle things differently this time/ get this over with at last," etc. :)
poster:ConfuzyQ
thread:773993
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070726/msgs/774288.html