How can someone have just one day free of intrusive thoughts and memories at any cost?

Answer 1

Many of the thoughts that arise in the mind are counter-productuve creating emotions of anxiety, ill will, and self-doubt. Feeling overwhelmed with inner self-talk, random excessive thinking, and non-stop mind chatter; when you just cannot seem to 'shut off your brain', what we first must do is to reduce the amount of our thinking.

You can tap into a relaxation response in just two easy steps! You can relax and enjoy a calm state of being. There is a part of the brain (located in the hypothalamus) which will induce relaxation. It is a physiologic response, which means whether or not you believe this will work has no bearing ... it will work!

Physiological responses are autonomic, such as heart rate, breathing, blinking, pupil dialation to light, yawning, hiccups, or a reflex; eg., when the Dr. taps on your knee with the little hammer; your leg jerks.

Prior to prompting yourself into a relaxation response; if you have been working yourself up with excess stress and worry, you may want to eliminate some of that by writing down your thoughts as in the form of a need to do list, engage in some creative writing, or read a book for a short while followed with some physical exercise, such as a brisk walk for 15- 20 minutes. This will help put your mind outside of your own inner thoughts.

To relax yourself and quiet your minds inner self-talk make sure that you are comfortable and in a quiet place.

Step 1:

Close your eyes. Breathe calmly, slowly and deeply. Keep breathing slowly in and out through your nose completely filling your lungs with air. Concentrate on sensations of relaxing in your physical body. Visualize a wonderful calming place.

Focus on a word or phrase that has a positive meaning to you. I use the word "Solace". Use positive suggestions such as; I feel calm and serene, I believe in myself, I am special and unique, every day I'm getting better and better in each and every way.

STEP 2:

When your mind wanders just let go of the thought and return to your focus word or phrase! Every time your mind wanders say aloud, "Stop", and repeat your phrase or key focus word.

There is only one stipulation in order for this to work, you actually must do it!

A helpful analogy:

Think our our mind as being a pond of water and restless thoughts as pebbles thrown into the water. The ripple of activity creates a disturbance to the tranquil and serene surface so that we cannot clearly see to the bottom - where our most enlightened and wisest self resides.