You are not your thoughts

When it comes to mental health it is very important to realize that you are not your thoughts. For that matter you are not your emotions either. You are so much more, you are the conscious awareness that notices the thoughts and experiences the emotions.

If a client comes to me, overly associating with negative thoughts, often negative spiraling thoughts or negative racing thoughts I have them start practicing this exercise. First, simply begin by noticing your thoughts. Do not try to change them and do not be swept away on a thought train ride, simply notice your thoughts. Next, try to notice the space between your conscious awareness and your thoughts. Finally, visualize the thought as a cloud passing over your head, attached to your mind with string; visualize cutting this string with a pair of scissors.

With practice, over time, you will start to identify less with the negative thoughts and you will gain control over your thoughts instead of your thoughts having control over you!