37 Comments
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Stoic Compound's avatar

The paralysis of overthinking is frequently a failure to recognize that intellectual clarity is attained through subtraction rather than addition.

Applying these filters represents a rigorous practice of Via Negativa, stripping away the non-essential to reveal the underlying integrity of one’s own judgment. A disciplined mind finds its strength not in the abundance of its thoughts, but in the precision of its focus.

Mark Vanderlinde's avatar

This is EXACTLY what I needed this morning. I woke up thinking about a challenge at work. I have very little control in the present. I can mange my response, evaluate and learn from what happened, and let go of the future outcomes because I can’t do anything about it.

Jordan's avatar

These 3 questions are a great tool to help organize that ongoing conversation in my head. I am looking foward to applying them, saving time, and redirecting my energy.

One of the most important distinctions that SW has made, which rang true for me, is: most suffering is either 'living in the past' (regret, guilt, etc.) or 'living in the future' (imagination, fear, anxiety, etc.), and neither of those realities are actually the present reality, which matters most. "What is most important for me now?" is the right question.

Erin Thiele's avatar

When I woke up at 4:30 this morning overthinking, this was in my box. Exactly what I needed. I can’t control what’s out of my jurisdiction. I know that. But I needed that reminder and you laid it out so eloquently. Thank you.

Sherry's avatar

I agree about this article coming at the perfect time. I , Thank you as well!

Newman Kerry Chidiebere's avatar

I am so glad i came across this article.. I love it

Valerie Stacy's avatar

This is great. Thanks!

Arati Arvind's avatar

Well written and said - something that I have always needed, but it is easier said than done. When there is a problem, overthinking often overtakes problem solving - but, thanks, I will try to remember all this next when I get into the loop

Ashley's avatar

Thank you for this article. This is exactly what I needed today after reflecting on my week at work

veeragopal's avatar

Great one

Miriam🌼Carlson-Maier's avatar

Our minds are always trying to make 'sense' of everything - the chaos and randomness of everything in life. Often that's very useful and helps drive creativity. Other times, it would be better to be in the moment - like my dog Ibis. I think these questions are a great reminder. Thank you.

Leonardo Cáseres's avatar

Amazing

Abigail Starke's avatar

This is me! 😖 helps that I can name what I keep doing. Frustrating to no end. Path on what to do becomes foggy and unclear.

I thought this was just me.

And always connected to a very strong conscience, guilt complex, my personality, and or my struggle with one of the learning process (sld) I work with.

Penny Le Couteur's avatar

The serenity prayer says it all. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference."

Sharlyn Capley's avatar

So spot on. Thank you for posting this perfect, relevant prayer. 🙏🏻

Gemma's avatar

I read this over and over, what a gem. Oh how liberating yess, wayyy more possibilities outside of our small teeny jurisdictions! Thank you!

Sherry's avatar

This is the answer( in detail ) to why my affirmations are so important!

“Accept things exactly as they are”

“Live in the present”

I do a lot of OVERTHINKING. And it is getting less and less with these 2 affirmations.