Mindfulness For Thought Wormholes
Posted by Dr. Alda Ngo
” We have more possibilities in each moment than we realize.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
A study suggests we have more than 6000 thoughts a day, many of which are ‘thought worms’ – moments focused on a specific idea.
On my own fertility journey, my thoughts were dominated by anxiety & worry about how, when or IF I would ever have a child. I felt so stuck & helpless.
These thoughts would spiral & pull me into all-consuming thought-wormholes.
BUT I learned that although I couldn’t stop these intrusive thoughts (imo normal, valid & inevitable with infertility), I discovered that it’s possible to change my relationship with them, so they’re not so high-jacking.
Mindfulness helped me to cultivate space to step back from the autopilot habit of narrowly hyper-focusing on unrelenting compelling negative thoughts & to widen my awareness to see what more was available to me. I discovered that not only was I more than these (often untrue!) thoughts, but that there were so many more options to choose to pay attention to instead.
For example, I practiced shifting focus from what I didn’t have, to the many conditions of happiness that I already had. Sometimes it was a direct sensation – the sound of a breeze rustling leaves, the fragrant smell of a flower, the warmth of my mug of tea in my palms – or sometimes it was an intentional shift to something I felt deeply grateful for.
It was all moment by moment. But it made the bridge of moments between now & the uncertain future more navigable for me, with more peace, ease & acceptance.
Mindful Practice For Thought Wormholes
Do you have intrusive thoughts on your fertility journey? Share one recurring thought in the comments.
Can this thought serve as a bell of mindfulness?
So that when you notice it coming up, it can be a reminder to stop & recognize the thought as 1 of 6000 recurring autopilot events passing through the mind.
Then take a moment to see what else is available to you in the moment.
Stop and see what else you can notice through your sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste.
What else in the miraculous landscape of experience can you choose to place your attention on?
Visit mindfulnessforfertility.com for upcoming Mindfulness For Fertility program information and registration.
The next program begins January 17th.
Register by sliding scale or scholarship – nobody will be turned away for financial reasons.
References
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-17255-9
Image @fieldandsea
