A previous manager of mine used to say we tell stories to ourselves. But the stories we tell ourselves are not always true. We can create an entirely made up story in our mind, and be convinced it did happen. It wasn't until later in life that I came to realize the truth to his words. We create these narratives in our minds that are not true. Yet it's so easy to get caught up in imagination or fantasy. Blurring the line between what is and what could be.
Our brains are a powerful thought machine. All day long our brains think thoughts. But not every thought is meant to be entertained or acted on. Sometimes our bodies even have a physical response to those thoughts. It's wild that you can completely make up a story in your mind, and your body will still react as if it actually happened. That's the power of the mind and body connection. One of the hardest things is to be in the present moment. Meaning not in the past, and not in the future. Just being where you are today, with mindful acceptance and awareness. A process and skill which starts with curiosity.
What happens when you do something for the pure joy that it brings? It's almost like being a kid again in "play mode". When you're in play mode, intrusive thoughts takes a back seat. You're not focused on the next thing you have to get done. You're present. Have you ever watched a child play? They don't care about what will happen in the next 5 minutes, all they care about is what is happening in the moment. Little kids keep you in the present. As adults we certainly have past childhood, yet we can still adopt this playful mindset.
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