Sometimes inspiration comes in a whisper. Other times it is bold and loud. A famous quote of the day arrives every day on my phone stream. Today’s quote by Marcus Aurielius was bold and to the point. “You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” I found these other two quotes by him appropriate as well.

• “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
• “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” www.fourminutebooks.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes/

Marcus Aurielius was a Stoic philosopher who ruled as Roman Emperor from 161 to 180. He epitomized the virtues of wisdom and benevolence while ruling during a period of military strife and internal challenges. (Stoicism is a philosophy that encourages the practice of self-control and resilience by focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot.) https://www.history.com/articles/marcus-aureliu s

How can one refocus and discipline the mind to find the strength that Aurelius talked about? Byron Katie’s work immediately came to mind. She was struggling with severe depression for years. During that time, she came to the seminal conclusion that when “she believed her thoughts she suffered, but when she didn’t believe them, she didn’t suffer, and that’s true for every human being. Freedom is as simple as that. Suffering is optional.” www.thework.com.

She created a 4-step process to manage and redirect thinking  www.thework.com First, recall a specific situation and notice exactly who or what is upsetting you. Second, write down all your thoughts about that situation. Third, isolate ONE thought and ask the following four questions.

Q1. Is it true, yes, or no?

Q2. Can you absolutely know that it is true?

Q3. “How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?

• “What images do you see, past or future, and what emotions or physical sensations arise as you witness those images?”
• How did you treat the other person?
• How did you treat yourself?
• Do any obsessions or addictions begin to appear when you believe that thought?

Q4. Who would you be without that thought?  How would your life change if you did not believe that thought? Notice what is revealed without justification or judgment.

Fourth, is the opposite as true as or truer than the original thought? This is called the ‘Turn Around.’ Try to find at least three turn arounds. Don’t force it though because there may not be three.

This is a great process when you are experiencing negative self-talk. For example, the phrases, “I am worthless,” “I can’t do anything right,” “I missed my chance,” are not factually true. No one is worthless or useless. Turnarounds for “I am worthless,” could be “I am worthy. I am divine. I am here for a purpose. I am a great parent, teacher, friend (insert your own noun), I have unique gifts specifically needed during this lifetime.” Try the steps. Allow time for the answers to surface. Most importantly, be honest with yourself.”

I am quite familiar with her process and can guide you through it. Additionally, I have an extensive repertoire of tools, techniques, and instruments that help with negative self-talk and the depression, and anxiety, which may accompany it. Contact me at wholeharmonichealing@gmail.com for a healing session today.

If you are in an unhealthy or abusive situation, this is NOT the tool to use. Seek help from appropriate legal authorities and/or mental health professionals. https://pennilessparenting.com/2019/10/my-tremendous-issues-with-byron-katies-the-work.html.