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.
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.
If we truly master letting go of outcomes, the ego collapses into total presence. When you stop bargaining with the future, the illusion of time dissolves, and you find a terrifying, absolute freedom in the now.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
The line that stays with me is the distinction between solving a problem and seeking certainty about an outcome. Most people exhaust themselves trying to guarantee results in domains they don't control. The work is real. The goal is impossible. Epictetus understood this because he had no choice but to. That's what makes him so difficult to dismiss his philosophy wasn't theoretical. It was survival. Great piece.
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.
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.
If we truly master letting go of outcomes, the ego collapses into total presence. When you stop bargaining with the future, the illusion of time dissolves, and you find a terrifying, absolute freedom in the now.
Same...
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.
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.
I agree about this article coming at the perfect time. I , Thank you as well!
I am so glad i came across this article.. I love it
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
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.
This is great. Thanks!
Thank you for this article. This is exactly what I needed today after reflecting on my week at work
Great one
Amazing
Something to think about.
Emoji of laughing. This is funny.
Yeh
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.
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."
So spot on. Thank you for posting this perfect, relevant prayer. 🙏🏻
I read this over and over, what a gem. Oh how liberating yess, wayyy more possibilities outside of our small teeny jurisdictions! Thank you!
The line that stays with me is the distinction between solving a problem and seeking certainty about an outcome. Most people exhaust themselves trying to guarantee results in domains they don't control. The work is real. The goal is impossible. Epictetus understood this because he had no choice but to. That's what makes him so difficult to dismiss his philosophy wasn't theoretical. It was survival. Great piece.