The Power of Observing Thoughts for Better Mental Health

Why Observe Our Thoughts?

Observing your thoughts can help you realise that they are just thoughts, not facts, which can make them feel less powerful.

This practice helps you stay calm and not get overwhelmed by strong emotions.By watching your thoughts, you become more aware of patterns, like negative thinking, and can choose better ways to respond. It also helps you be more flexible in your thinking, so you don’t get stuck in one way of seeing things. Accepting your thoughts instead of fighting them can reduce stress and make you feel more at peace.

Taken together, observing thoughts helps you focus on what really matters to you, leading to a more meaningful and satisfying life.

Observing thoughts is a key aspect of mindfulness and building psychological flexibility.

What Does it Mean to Observe Our Thoughts?

The sushi train metaphor describes how thoughts and feelings are like plates of sushi on a conveyor belt; you don’t have to grab every plate that passes by. Similarly, you can notice thoughts and feelings without needing to engage with or act on each one, letting them pass by if they’re not helpful.

Leaves on a Stream Meditation

In the Leaves on a Stream meditation, you imagine yourself sitting beside a gentle stream, watching leaves float by on the water. Each leaf represents a thought, and as a thought arises, you place it on a leaf and let it drift away. You continue this process, allowing thoughts to come and go without holding onto them.

The benefit of this meditation is that it helps you detach from your thoughts, reducing their impact and promoting a sense of calm and clarity.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is available from our Geelong Psychologist. Contact us to book a session or to make a referral.