2 minute read
The mind loves to languish. Left undisturbed, it will circle the same decision, past memory, or future worry on repeat — over and over again.
But we don’t have to believe everything we think. We don’t have to believe everything we see or hear, either.
The funny thing about reality is that it is crafted by our experience and interpretation. That’s not to say we are wrong — far from it in fact. Others may very well see things the same way we do: a slight from a person, a harsh word, an ill intention, a mean motive. Just because our reality is shaped by experience and interpretation doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
But there is power in this understanding.
If we are crafting our own reality — drawing meaning from our experiences through the lens of interpretation — that’s opportunity.
It offers us the chance to ask:
How else could I see this? Out of everything I saw and heard, what did I miss?
It might not change our reaction. It might not change our decisions. But how exciting that we have the chance to view something from a different angle, to interpret it through a new lens. Is this happening to me, or for me? Is this a threat — or an opportunity?
Instead of letting the mind chase the same unresolved thought in circles, we can choose to shift focus to something fresh. A new project. A warm hug from someone we love. A great show to lose ourselves in.
And if something happens that doesn’t feel good or work out the way we hoped, instead of fixating on another person’s intent or ruminating and regretting a difficult decision we’ve made, we can allow ourselves to feel the sadness, anger, frustration or disappointment (this is the hardest of all feelings to feel) — let the mind experience and interpret it — and then choose to move on.
The mind loves finality (because it craves certainty and efficiency), but most things can be undone with the right intent and support.
Remember that part of being human means that sometimes we can’t move on straight away — and that’s okay too. Some feelings need more time, more space, more gentleness. The choice to move on isn’t always available to us in the moment.
Next time you notice your mind looping, try pausing and asking yourself just one question: “What’s one thing I might have missed?” You don’t need an answer. Just the question is enough to interrupt the pattern.
You are not at the mercy of your mind. You have more agency than you realise — and every moment is a chance to remember that.
