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>>> These "musings" are short articles on select topics. This one was last updated December, 2017. If you find it useful, learn about our online, self-paced program - Awareness-based therapy (ABT). <<< Common thoughts (pun intended):
Our minds work hard to convince us we are different: our challenges are unique, our struggles are tougher, our thoughts and emotions are more prevalent. It's a trap we all fall into. As a result, we often feel like we're alone on an island, overwhelmed by problems only we face. This outlook - that we are separate and not connected - leads to self-judgment. "Why do I always do that?" "Why is this happening to me?" "How did I end up here?" If you believe your mind, it will lead you into a pit of despair. And, it will convince you that the future will deliver more of the same. Years ago, a wise man gave me a piece of advice that had a profound effect: "We all experience the joys and sorrows of the world. Your own particular drama is pretty generic - don't take it too personally."Why is this important? Because, compassion for others begins with compassion for ourselves. And, compassion for ourselves begins with the realization that you aren't the only one suffering. "But, I'm in therapy. And I take medication. And my boss is 'this,' and my family situation is 'that'." None of that negates the fact that we all face similar struggles. Once you acknowledge this fact, you can stop believing your mind when it tells you "that won't work for you because you're different." Or, when it tries to convince you that you need to cling tightly to some belief or crutch, and continue weathering the storm because "this is your lot in life." It isn't. And, the mountain isn't too high to get over. Drop the self-judgment. Realize you aren't a victim. Go forward with the knowledge that everyone has similar problems. You aren't alone on an island. >>> What if we told you the biggest problem in your life is that your mind is the biggest problem in your life, and you don’t realize it? It is. But, our online, self-paced program can help you stop being a prisoner of thoughts, emotions, and urges. Find out more about the ABT program here. <<< A request: This is an ad-free (and, pop-up free) site. If what we write helps you, please share it by copying the URL http://www.thetadprinciple.com/daily-musings/you-arent-unique-so-have-some-compassion-for-yourself and posting it to social media (or, email it to a friend!). Thank you! Comments are closed.
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