Five Ways to Mindfully Let Go of Hurtful Thoughts

Hey Igniters!

Have you ever experienced the sensation of spinning around on a merry-go-round of unhelpful thoughts? Believe me, you’re definitely not alone in this amusement park. We’ve all been there, entangled in thoughts that seem to do more harm than good. If we don’t master the art of mindfully letting go of these hurtful thoughts, we end up trapped in our minds, which can have a real impact on our self-esteem and self-perception.

So, let’s jump right into five mindful methods to wave goodbye to those troublesome thoughts:

1. Forgive Yourself: I get it; this one’s tough. But it’s crucial to remember that these thoughts popping up are absolutely okay. Sometimes, our brains are just trying to shield us from potential harm. It’s kind of ironic, right? But forgiving ourselves for having these thoughts is a significant step.
2. Visualise Letting Go: Picture yourself placing that hurtful thought onto a leaf and watching it gently float away down the river. Or perhaps imagine putting it on a stone and giving it a skip across the water’s surface. Visualisation is a potent tool.
3. Self-Compassion: Speak to yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d extend to a close friend. Thank those thoughts for their intention to protect you, and reassure yourself that you possess the capability to handle things.
4. View It as a Thought: Envision that troublesome thought for what it truly is—a thought. As you watch it drift away in your mind’s eye, create a sense of distance between you and the thought. You could even jot it down or visualise it written across the sky. This practise helps separate your thoughts from your core identity.
5. Breathe Out the Tension: Take a deep breath and exhale, letting go of both the tension and that persistent thought clinging to your mind and body.

Whenever those unhelpful thoughts start getting the better of me, I fall back on these five steps to release them. It might take a few deep breaths, but it nudges me towards a more compassionate perspective and sets the tone for a better day ahead. And honestly, isn’t that all we’re aiming for—small steps towards victory? Keep at it; you’ve got this!

Sending good vibes,

Cassie