8 Comments

...love this idea as an escape unto itself bud...just press escape on my mind and let whatever else might be there fill the space (until i press escape again)...making what if's into the single stack is good too...what if becomes when, or how...a lot more fun...

Expand full comment
author

Yeah, it’s like CTRL+ALT+DEL, but simpler because you only have one button to press, rather than three! Either way, it’s like stacking a when or a how - an effective way to take us out of a habitual loop of thinking

Expand full comment

A relevant topic to all of us over thinkers! Outside of general brain and body health, I also practice the stoic approach of Negative Visualization. Actually thinking through what the "worst" case scenario is, coming to terms with it, then moving forward with renewed understanding. I've found this works for MOST scenarios where the what if's get out of control.

Expand full comment
author

I am wondering, though. If that Stoic practice works for MOST what if scenarios, what do you do when it doesn’t?

Expand full comment

Well, that depends on how Stoic I'm feeling... Ha! In theory, I need to be able to accept things the way they are, focus on what's in my control, and live an intentional life. But I'm certainly guilty of letting "what ifs" go too far.

Expand full comment
author

That’s super interesting. I haven’t heard of this Stoic practice, so thank you for sharing it! It’s easy for our minds to shy away from difficult situations, thoughts or feelings. What I like about the approach you’ve shared is the value in turning towards what is difficult, because we begin to understand the power - or not - that that kind of thinking has over us. And that frees up (to continue to computer analogy) some RAM to deal with it in a different way.

Expand full comment

I like this computer analogy as I remember those early computer days as well and the robotic repetition that could occur. Very evocative of the "what if" mental proliferation that can get triggered. Remembering that the body is the control panel for proper mind operation is so key.

Expand full comment
author

I feel that nostalgia for the early computer days! I love this visual of the body being the control panel. Makes me think about when buttons on the body were can press! Some might be more eyebrow-raising than others!

Expand full comment