Ofc, and hard thing to do something about it. Very hard. But i think we never can live whole life just in totally bliss. That can also be reality. But ofc we can change our bad thinking to positive and having example better feelings. But hard thing to do. And impossible to 100% do it all the time.
I have recently come to a conclusion that my negative fantasies are the work of fear and self loathing. Once I was able to identify them as such, they took the form of demons, monsters, whatever... and it made them easier to battle (mentally). Sometimes I punch the air to dispel them, and it actually works. Other times I scream and yell like a priest performing an exorcism, that works too. THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELLS YOU! LOL, I swear it works, if only to get you to laugh at yourself, and realize that you are the driver behind the wheel of this vehicle called life.
Yes but philosophy is nothing except thinking about thinking...like layers of an onion. Surface thoughts, deeper thoughts then deeper thoughts. Down the rabbit holes are fun if we have the power to turn them off and on at will. In a way, what is life except just a bundle of thoughts and ideas?
100% true. Only after going to therapy I’ve realized the majority of my thoughts is out of touch with reality and I just project my childhood views of the world and relationships further into adulthood with absolutely no reason. Well that’s a long journey to get rid of it but the process is captivating anyway. Wish everyone clear thoughts and peace of mind ❤
It’s takes a life time to reprogram the negative programming from childhood. But that’s ok as you slowly make progress. Being aware of the unconscious is difficult. Just a glimpse of my childhood my Dad held a loaded rifle to my head around age of 11 but the childhood got me into mental health cause it helped me understand why I was so f k up. Eventually I did less drugs n alcohol I worked out etc….. I’m now 61 still working on myself but I’m good with my life n generally happy n enjoying life . Hang in there everyone focus on what u have control over n take responsibility for life n in the long run things will work out
@@biggbbear6300 beautiful that your suffering led to you helping ease the suffering for others through understanding their struggles personally, God bless you.
Are you sure that your childhood views of the world weren't trying to teach you something valuable? It may have been utilitarian as applied to your personality. Therapists tend to dismiss pertinent information.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented on one of your videos, but you’ve gotten me through some of the truly sketchiest moments in my life lol. So, with the utmost sincerity, thank you very much.
you are completely right, Advisors have information and paths that are not disclosed to the public.. I profited £560k in 2022 under the tutelage of my Fiduciary-counselor. Am I selling? Absolutely not.. I am going to sit back and observe how this all plays out.
"If thoughts are not accurate reflections of reality, but merely our constructed interpretations of it, we must exercise caution in accepting them as truths. However, in many cases, people are eager to take certain thoughts as truth, especially when this truth aligns with their own perceptions. And before we know it, people with similar but inaccurate convictions of reality clam together, forming an echo chamber that increases the magnitude of these convictions." Very well put.
I introduced your channel to my ex as we both love philosophy. We even read The Daily Stoic and discuss it together. We broke up because he accused me of cheating. He apologized later and acknowledged that those were unfounded suspicions . But in the end, he still thought I cheated. I hope he sees this video and applies what he learns from this in his life. He’s a good guy and i still think of him. 😔
My dear favorite Dutchman, 'EINZELGANGER' - Thank you for presenting us with these life-changing lectures/essays with such clarity and thoughtful research.
Just because you think it, doesn't mean its true... This first came to me in my late 20s after reading a book about the idea... It changed my life and I could not believe how long I lived in misconception before this realization and how much I had tortured myself... It is something I have tried to share with everyone I know.
When I learned that....... Thoughts are real but THEY ARE NOT TRUTH my life became less fearful😊 Love, Jo-Anna Edwards, San Fernando Valley California, USA
The schism between reality and our incorrect beliefs always causes us suffering. If you believe you are terrible despite being an average person, the suffering is immediate and evident. Correcting this false belief can be a relief, as your self image goes from terrible > average. If you believe you are amazing when you are an average person, the suffering is delayed until your confidence is shattered. Your self image goes from amazing > average. Before you can change something you must see it objectively and accept it. That is why you must acknowledge who you truly are if you wish to improve. This isn't a one time event, but a continuous act of self assessment over your whole life.
Cognitive Distortions are something that most people will suffer from at one point in time in their lives. it's generally these distortions of reality that lead to mental afflictions like anxiety and depression. The longer we live in the distortion the harder it becomes to break; like practicing a sport or a musical instrument, we get better at these things with time. Mind reading and fortune-telling, are also some of the things we need to watch. When we begin to put thoughts and feelings into other's minds, it's easy for us to forget that these are not the thoughts of the person we are thinking of, but our own thoughts being implanted into that person's persona, that is created in our minds. It's not real! I had a couple of mantras that I would say to myself when I feel these thoughts become consuming. A person's opinion or thoughts of me: "None of my business" Someone looks at me funny: "They must be having a bad day, it's none of my business" An intrusive thought pops up out of nowhere: "No thank you, I have better things to do" A person yells at me or treats me unfairly: "I hope they find happiness and freedom from their own suffering" I would objectify women and fantasize about them: "This is a person who suffers the same hardships as me, not an object for me to own" I also meditate, body scanning will build self-awareness. It will allow us to get to know our body and what parts become stressed and how to relax them. A relaxed body is a relaxed mind. It will also teach us the differences in sensations which are felt in the body, like an upset stomach versus. An emotion that is created in the mind. I found, creating my own mantras work the same way a Trigger works to set the mind into chaos, but it shuts down the thought before all the emotions attached begin to compound on the psyche. Break the cycle of thought you stop the rumination, worry, and anxiety in its tracks before it sticks. The only thing certain about the future is that it is uncertain.
I’d also add journaling to this list. I’ve started doing in recently and it worked wonders for me. It’s a time where I focus to analyze and train my critical thinking, including of my own thoughts. So, if there’s been an intrusive thought haunting me, I’d just journal about it, analyze it, and see what could be done, and if it’s really true.
@@joaotanaka3071 Oh yeah, I forgot to mention journaling too. I remember how much resistance I had against journaling in the beginning, but over the last few years, it has been a game changer. I've been able to actually see how much progress I have made over the years and genuinely realize that I was way too hard on myself. Thanks for pointing that out!!
Constant thinking can detach you from reality… I try to think less but haven’t made much progress, n it’s exhausting too 😢 As kids we were happier coz we didn’t have these thoughts we knew less, we doubted less n had faith in ‘systems’ of world more, but growing up it changes as we see more n more Or maybe I’m just thinking too much to it…..
Nope, you're not thinking too much, I'd like to think I was carefree and naive and that's okay. We were happier back then because we didn't let much hold us back and maybe that's something to implement today as a lesson. Life can be traumatizing as an adult but I'd rather have hopefulness than let doubt lead the way.
Congratulations on this, one of your most powerful messages so far. So well explained and with perfect examples. Been a fan of your work for a long while and, to me, it seems that your level of intellect has risen to new heights. I admire you and appreciate your generosity in what you do. What you present is more than worthwhile...it is PURE GOLD. With respect, your fan, Johanna. (yes I'm 1/2 Dutch & proud of it) family names are Plantinga & Buma
The main point that the Stoics (like Epictetus and Seneca) were trying to convey is that we should have control over our own emotions and reactions. For example, if someone does something that makes you angry, should you start a fight with them? A fight would just lead to more consequences. Wouldn't it have been better if you just didn't get angry in the first place? There are, after all, ways to communicate your distaste without actually getting angry- and those may even lead to better results. This is true for ALL emotions. The idea is if we can figure out how to calm down and make ourselves immune to negative emotions, we can accomplish so much more in this life. The tricky part is actually figuring out how to make this happen. My tricks that have helped me maintain a work oriented mindset are just slightly difficult activities that distract me from my own mind. Epictetus says that one should make themselves more comfortable with being uncomfortable. When I wake up, I do jumping jacks. I play my favorite simple, but difficult video game every day (but not for too long). I go for hour long walks. All these activities have helped me. All these slightly difficult activities have helped me control and tame my subconscious mind. So yeah, that's what I would recommend for someone who struggles with over-thinking like I do. Life is too short and difficult for you to be wasting your time getting emotional and brooding over emotions.
"One is not forced to feel resentment by a negative memory, nor those one have to buy into a fearful thought about the future. These are only options. The mind is like a television set running is various channels for selection, and one does not have to follow any particular temptation of thought. One can fall into the temptation of feeling sorry for oneself, or feeling angry or worried. The secret attraction of those options is that they offer an inner payoff or a secret satisfaction that is the source of the attraction of the mind's thoughts." Dr. David R. Hawkins The nature of the mind is to think in duality, if you watch your thoughts you will realize every time there is a negative thought form there's also a positive one. What makes the difference is what you choose to give attention to which feeds it and propagates its energy making it more likely to be held in mind, the more you choose it the more is held in mind. So what needs to be worked on is not the ability to stop the mind from thinking negative thoughts this doesn’t work, what needs to be developed is the willingness to feed the positive and let go of the negative ones as they arise, and they will arise is the nature of the mind.
I can't even get across the amount of people I've had to enlighten to the fact that just because they thought or had an emotional reaction to whatever that that experience wasn't, and isn't, sacrosanct, holy and the truth. I've literally watched worldviews shatter in front of me, on this one topic, more times than I can count on both hands. I even broke it down for them with personal examples, like, I won't answer my phone before coffee, because my mind isn't completely awake yet so I won't commit to anything that comes thru it, including deciding what kind of day it's going to be. Some days just start out wrong, yknow, and it's real easy to be in a bad mood from the onset. But I just let that shit slide. If I'm not at 100, if im compromised, than I'm going to generate compromised opinions. I throw out 10000 thoughts before I come across something actually meaningful, as a matter of course. I've never understood this selfish insulating reactionary lack of introspection that is apparently so common. Regardless, I don't hold that kind of shit over people. That's purity test gatekeeping shit, which is wildly unethical. The important part is that they've learned and joined the rational crowd, not that they were late getting there. Better to get there late, than never at all.
Amnesia refers to the loss of memories, including facts, information and experiences. Movies and television tend to depict amnesia as forgetting your identity, but that's not generally the case in real life. Instead, people with amnesia - also called amnestic syndrome - usually know who they are.
I think we should not underestimate the amount of identification that is subject to the occurrence of thoughts. It accounts for a large amount if not all of the negative side effects involved in passing judgement.
I love your videos. They are so well-made and thoughtful. Thank you for your effort. Where do you get the animations from? They are awesome. I love that quote from Epictetus about death. That is something we all should ruminate about, that death is in fact indifferent, and it is something that will eventually happen to 100% of us at some point in time.
Death is The Truth, and The Way, to Salvation from the suffering of Life. The living use their wield of death to provide a Way to save themselves or others. Death is mycelial in nature. Network like. Entering the mind. Your intrinsic Holy Truth. The Final Shape.
Just wanted to say I love your channel and I appreciate you sharing all of this ancient wisdom as I’ve only been studying up on everything you are teaching for probably a month and it has already improved my life. Nice work!
I needed this so bad, thanks!! I am waiting for two things that are very important to me: 1) the marking of my master's thesis and 2) for a letter of a friend I really like. In both cases I catastrophize a lot, which gives me literally nightmares...
That's how I feel about intrusive thoughts. Just because you have them doesn't mean it's what you believe. Intrusive thoughts seem to be triggered by fear. You mind wonders what bad could happen, this leads to nervousness and more intrusive thoughts of bad things happening. Like stage freight for example, someone is unable to function on stage because they are using their thoughts to think what bad could happen instead of putting their thoughts of why they are on the stage to begin with. Just because you have an intrusive thought doesn't mean you believe it, It's more likely that you are worried that you could believe it. Don't let it worry you or cause you to act out of fear. let it trigger the reminder that's it's because you're worried you're having the thought and that you need be relaxed and calm.
It's healthy to always be open to changing your opinion on things but another thing to keep in mind is just because everybody in the world thinks it's true doesn't mean it is.
I'm starting to think that this experience, life, perception, or whatever you want to call it, is all part of a movie that has a very significant plot point that is pertinent to YOU, and only YOU, and it won't end (on this plane), until YOU fully understand it.
I just want to thank you for your channel. I listen to your videos very reguarly, and I don't think I would have found Taoism & Stoicism without you, and both of them have been absolutely essetial in having anything close to peace or happiness in my life, instead of the constant suffering it was before when I was alone.
Simple example: When i was a kid I used to live in a village and had a wild cat, she always rans away from me I once wanted to give her food but she ran away from me (She probably thought im dangerous or a threat) But her thoughts are not congruent to reality
I Really love your videos! The background sounds, images you use, the way you edit the videos. I really like this style! And you have a nice voice to listen to, it immediately calms me down haha. Keep it up and thank you so much for this great content! 🍀
A thought has been plaguing me: what if the woman I love doesn't love me, what if she's just using me? And moreso, what if she's cheating on me? I had so many dreams about her cheating, about her leaving me, hating me, and even betraying me. But whenever I'm with her, none of that seems to be. Though some signs do appear, what if those "signs" were actually perception that is made by my mind, based on my thoughts? I find it godsend to see
"It’s one thing to question your mind. It’s another to question your eyes and ears. But then again, isn’t it all the same, our senses just mediocre inputs for our brain? Sure, we rely on them, trust they accurately portray the real world around us, but what if the haunting truth is, they can’t? That what we perceive isn’t the real world at all but just our mind’s best guess? That all we really have is a garbled reality, a fuzzy picture we will never truly make out."
It means that mind should be grounded in order to avoid delusion. At the same time, it doesn't mean that you should become naive and stupid. It means that your thoughts should have sense. And at the same time, you may find a treasure chest, under your toes, hidden in the deeper layers of the ground. So, being grounded is not a bad thing, especially if you're capable of finding a treasure chest beneath.
From a Buddhist perspective, nothing precedes the mind. Absolutely so. The Dhammapada: Chapter 1, The Pairs, VERSE 1: "Mind precedes all mental states. Mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought. If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts suffering (dukkha) follows that person like the wheel that follows the foot of the ox." VERSE 2: "All mental phenomena have mind as their forerunner; they have mind as their chief; they are mind-made. If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness (sukha) follows one like a shadow that never leaves." From a Buddhist perspective, the mind is like a mad monkey jumping from tree to tree, and it is incredibly hard to tame and put under control, way more difficult than one would at first think. That's what Vipassana meditation is good for. The human mind may be the most incredible creation of nature, its complexity is virtually unfathomable, and that makes it incredibly dangerous, too. Perhaps like nuclear energy, which in safe and controlled conditions may be deemed clean, efficient and highly productive, but when something goes wrong, the consequences may be absolutely devastating.
I like your low key style of presentation Einzelganger. I personally don't need to know what you look like, or what your background is: just the actual message and accompanying quotes You do both well. 👍
Well.... I needed this. But, out of utter coincidence, my father was telling me the same thing earlier today haha. being told so and reaffirmed by someone you love is therapy itself. So, to anyone out there doubting themselves and their abilities, its all in your head and you are much better than you think :) don't let anyone or anything bring you down
That’s why I say, “If all we do is cause destruction amongst ourselves, others and the environment, then what gives us the right to live. I would rather die than live in a world of suffering.”
You are de facto living in a world of suffering. Life and pain are inseparable. Being is condemned to strife, so as to sustain itself and cause suffering as a consequence. The real quandary is whether to exercise asceticism so as to cause as little pain to the world as a possible, or let it be and revel in this absurdity, since everything ultimately ends and vanishes by an eternity of inexistence.
I hear this read comments and understand, I understand this, but when I wake every morning the first thing that happens to me is a panic attack, every morning, I then spend the rest of the day with a knot in my stomach, I’m friendly to everyone, they don’t notice, I seem very upbeat and happy, but inside Im fighting for my life.
You aren't obligated to be friendly to everyone. If someone asks "how are you?" you don't need to lie by putting on a smile and saying "great!" Lying to yourself like that may only make things worse
Fantastic video! Shakespeare explored this theme quite heavily in his plays and showed how it lead to ultimate tragedy. Macbeth, Henry V, Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, etc.
What I advise you to do is, not to be unhappy before the crisis comes; since it may be that the dangers before which you paled as if they were threatening you, will never come upon you; they certainly have not yet come. Accordingly, some things torment us more than they ought; some torment us before they ought; and some torment us when they ought not to torment us at all. We are in the habit of exaggerating, or imagining, or anticipating, sorrow. - Seneca The mind at times fashions for itself false shapes of evil when there are no signs that point to any evil; it twists into the worst construction some word of doubtful meaning; or it fancies some personal grudge to be more serious than it really is, considering not how angry the enemy is, but to what lengths he may go if he is angry. But life is not worth living, and there is no limit to our sorrows, if we indulge our fears to the greatest possible extent; in this matter, let prudence help you, and contemn with a resolute spirit even when it is in plain sight. If you cannot do this, counter one weakness with another, and temper your fear with hope. There is nothing so certain among these objects of fear that it is not more certain still that things we dread sink into nothing and that things we hope for mock us. Accordingly, weigh carefully your hopes as well as your fears, and whenever all the elements are in doubt, decide in your own favour; believe what you prefer. And if fear wins a majority of the votes, incline in the other direction anyhow, and cease to harass your soul, reflecting continually that most mortals, even when no troubles are actually at hand or are certainly to be expected in the future, become excited and disquieted. - Seneca We blow things out of proportion, over react and exaggerate. We are irrational at times making mountains out of mole hills. We make rash decisions based on preconceived notions based off one misconception.
All thoughts, feelings and opinions are based on our perception of every situation and, let's be honest, our perception is based on outside sources that have their own agenda. We are able to control those inner workings and let go of our misperceptions by understanding our nature and letting go of the BS we surround ourselves with.
Our thoughts and beliefs are subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as personal experiences, biases, and emotions. Just because something is believed or thought does not automatically make it true or accurate.
i had a friend that always had stories. Crazy stuff that he said happened. instead of trying to figure out if they were true i simply thought do any of these things matter? Just respond with that which seems logical and human. If the story goes against those two that person may need help. Worst even if people follow that story we all may need help.
I don't think most people who hold onto traditional views in the face of contradictory evidence are doing it based on true beliefs. Many are smart enough to recognize the flaws in their position, but they stand to benefit from projecting those beliefs. Example: politicians spouting off about God and the Bible, knowing full well that they don't believe any of it, but their donors and constituents might.
I'll catch myself believing my own thoughts once in a while, but have mostly been able to hold on to reasonable skepticism for most of the past 10 years or so. I need verification before committing to a belief. I call it a "faith audit" hehe.
Psychologists use cognitive behaviour therapy to help with these unhelpful thinking styles. You learn to identify and label thoughts and then use socratic questioning to get to the truth.
@@joannaedwards6325 yes it's a type of psychotherapy that definitely needs consistency. I've been doing it for many years for my anxiety and still my mind slips back into it's old ways every now and then and I need to remind myself to go back to the CBT. I find it practical and helpful.
@@lillierose5304 Was taught CBT (thought replacement) years ago and it saved my life. Thank you for your response. If anyone reading this has a problem with INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS that are negative please research Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. When one learns and PRACTICES thought replacement life becomes easier; less fearful. 😊😌🌈
i have spent all my life worrying about things that have never happened.
-Mark Twain
"my balls hurt"
-hitler before committing suicide
"Left to my own devices, I am destruction incarnate." --- Me.
I am become worry, the destroyer of calm.
Caveat Emptor. ~Someone
during your life, you lack of safety sense . this is the reason .
“We suffer more often in imagination that in reality.” - Seneca
Yeessirrr
Ofc, and hard thing to do something about it. Very hard. But i think we never can live whole life just in totally bliss. That can also be reality. But ofc we can change our bad thinking to positive and having example better feelings. But hard thing to do. And impossible to 100% do it all the time.
I kinda got enlightened by that quote
That's philosophical German idealism.
@@comradestannis Idk what that German thing is but Seneca was a stoic
"We are not affected by what happens to us, but by what we tell ourselves about what happens to us." Epictetus
Thank you
I have recently come to a conclusion that my negative fantasies are the work of fear and self loathing. Once I was able to identify them as such, they took the form of demons, monsters, whatever... and it made them easier to battle (mentally). Sometimes I punch the air to dispel them, and it actually works. Other times I scream and yell like a priest performing an exorcism, that works too. THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELLS YOU! LOL, I swear it works, if only to get you to laugh at yourself, and realize that you are the driver behind the wheel of this vehicle called life.
I am affected by what happens
basically self gaslighting
@@MJ25709
Your three words are deeply profound and resonate well in todays society where ideologies are masterfully deceiving the masses.
"A person who thinks all the time, has nothing to think about except thoughts..."
-Alan Watts
Yes but philosophy is nothing except thinking about thinking...like layers of an onion. Surface thoughts, deeper thoughts then deeper thoughts. Down the rabbit holes are fun if we have the power to turn them off and on at will.
In a way, what is life except just a bundle of thoughts and ideas?
"Anxiety: a shaky state of hesitation, not knowing how to proceed"
one of my favorite from Watts
100% true. Only after going to therapy I’ve realized the majority of my thoughts is out of touch with reality and I just project my childhood views of the world and relationships further into adulthood with absolutely no reason. Well that’s a long journey to get rid of it but the process is captivating anyway.
Wish everyone clear thoughts and peace of mind ❤
It’s takes a life time to reprogram the negative programming from childhood. But that’s ok as you slowly make progress. Being aware of the unconscious is difficult. Just a glimpse of my childhood my Dad held a loaded rifle to my head around age of 11 but the childhood got me into mental health cause it helped me understand why I was so f k up. Eventually I did less drugs n alcohol I worked out etc….. I’m now 61 still working on myself but I’m good with my life n generally happy n enjoying life . Hang in there everyone focus on what u have control over n take responsibility for life n in the long run things will work out
When I say my childhood got me into mental health I mean that’s my profession
@@biggbbear6300 you did an amazing job since you even have enough strength to encourage others! That's an example to live up to 💪🏼
@@biggbbear6300 beautiful that your suffering led to you helping ease the suffering for others through understanding their struggles personally, God bless you.
Are you sure that your childhood views of the world weren't trying to teach you something valuable? It may have been utilitarian as applied to your personality. Therapists tend to dismiss pertinent information.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented on one of your videos, but you’ve gotten me through some of the truly sketchiest moments in my life lol. So, with the utmost sincerity, thank you very much.
you are completely right, Advisors have information and paths that are not disclosed to the public.. I profited £560k in 2022 under the tutelage of my Fiduciary-counselor. Am I selling? Absolutely not.. I am going to sit back and observe how this all plays out.
"If thoughts are not accurate reflections of reality, but merely our constructed interpretations of it, we must exercise caution in accepting them as truths. However, in many cases, people are eager to take certain thoughts as truth, especially when this truth aligns with their own perceptions. And before we know it, people with similar but inaccurate convictions of reality clam together, forming an echo chamber that increases the magnitude of these convictions."
Very well put.
Been feeling unsafe with my mind today. Thanks, I needed this! 💖
My mind is my worst enemy. Great video.
Your worst enemies can also be your best friends 🤝🏼
The mind is like fire. It can do so many bad things, and it has done so many bad things, yet it also brings light and warmth to our lives.
You are not your mind.
I introduced your channel to my ex as we both love philosophy. We even read The Daily Stoic and discuss it together. We broke up because he accused me of cheating. He apologized later and acknowledged that those were unfounded suspicions . But in the end, he still thought I cheated. I hope he sees this video and applies what he learns from this in his life. He’s a good guy and i still think of him. 😔
I'm in the same situation as him. Didn't break up yet though, but can't separet that thought of her cheating.
Sending you all guys a hug. I don't know how I can calm yu down. But it's okay. We're here for you
My dear favorite Dutchman,
'EINZELGANGER' - Thank you for presenting us with these life-changing lectures/essays with such clarity and thoughtful research.
We have that word in german too
@@Elatzy
Which word???
It is german (I’m assuming you mean the word Einzelganger), but it’s used by the dutch too, as a loanword.
Easily one of my favourite channels ever. Thanks for all your hard work!
Just because you think it, doesn't mean its true... This first came to me in my late 20s after reading a book about the idea... It changed my life and I could not believe how long I lived in misconception before this realization and how much I had tortured myself... It is something I have tried to share with everyone I know.
dont tell Dylan Mulvaney
Thoughts are real but they are NOT THE TRUTH.
I haven’t watched the vid but isn’t that common sense
@@creationfied common implies widespread of prevalent. the myriad forms of narcissism that are common would contradict this being common sense
what was the books name??
Basically, most things are a matter of perspective. If you can learn to look at things in a different way, you can overcome many challenges in life.
When I learned that.......
Thoughts are real but THEY ARE NOT TRUTH
my life became less fearful😊
Love, Jo-Anna Edwards,
San Fernando Valley
California, USA
The schism between reality and our incorrect beliefs always causes us suffering.
If you believe you are terrible despite being an average person, the suffering is immediate and evident. Correcting this false belief can be a relief, as your self image goes from terrible > average.
If you believe you are amazing when you are an average person, the suffering is delayed until your confidence is shattered. Your self image goes from amazing > average.
Before you can change something you must see it objectively and accept it. That is why you must acknowledge who you truly are if you wish to improve. This isn't a one time event, but a continuous act of self assessment over your whole life.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness in creating your videos
Thank you, I really needed this video right now! I’m working hard to battle my habit of catastrophizing.
Too
We're in this together!
Amen brother
Cognitive Distortions are something that most people will suffer from at one point in time in their lives.
it's generally these distortions of reality that lead to mental afflictions like anxiety and depression. The longer we live in the distortion the harder it becomes to break; like practicing a sport or a musical instrument, we get better at these things with time.
Mind reading and fortune-telling, are also some of the things we need to watch. When we begin to put thoughts and feelings into other's minds, it's easy for us to forget that these are not the thoughts of the person we are thinking of, but our own thoughts being implanted into that person's persona, that is created in our minds. It's not real!
I had a couple of mantras that I would say to myself when I feel these thoughts become consuming.
A person's opinion or thoughts of me: "None of my business"
Someone looks at me funny: "They must be having a bad day, it's none of my business"
An intrusive thought pops up out of nowhere: "No thank you, I have better things to do"
A person yells at me or treats me unfairly: "I hope they find happiness and freedom from their own suffering"
I would objectify women and fantasize about them: "This is a person who suffers the same hardships as me, not an object for me to own"
I also meditate, body scanning will build self-awareness. It will allow us to get to know our body and what parts become stressed and how to relax them. A relaxed body is a relaxed mind. It will also teach us the differences in sensations which are felt in the body, like an upset stomach versus. An emotion that is created in the mind.
I found, creating my own mantras work the same way a Trigger works to set the mind into chaos, but it shuts down the thought before all the emotions attached begin to compound on the psyche. Break the cycle of thought you stop the rumination, worry, and anxiety in its tracks before it sticks.
The only thing certain about the future is that it is uncertain.
I’d also add journaling to this list. I’ve started doing in recently and it worked wonders for me. It’s a time where I focus to analyze and train my critical thinking, including of my own thoughts. So, if there’s been an intrusive thought haunting me, I’d just journal about it, analyze it, and see what could be done, and if it’s really true.
@@joaotanaka3071 Oh yeah, I forgot to mention journaling too. I remember how much resistance I had against journaling in the beginning, but over the last few years, it has been a game changer. I've been able to actually see how much progress I have made over the years and genuinely realize that I was way too hard on myself.
Thanks for pointing that out!!
tylercoombs1
Thought replacement is
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. IT WORKS.
Constant thinking can detach you from reality…
I try to think less but haven’t made much progress, n it’s exhausting too 😢
As kids we were happier coz we didn’t have these thoughts
we knew less, we doubted less n had faith in ‘systems’ of world more,
but growing up it changes as we see more n more
Or maybe I’m just thinking too much to it…..
Nope, you're not thinking too much, I'd like to think I was carefree and naive and that's okay. We were happier back then because we didn't let much hold us back and maybe that's something to implement today as a lesson. Life can be traumatizing as an adult but I'd rather have hopefulness than let doubt lead the way.
“Ignorance is bliss”😉
13:26 death is Freedom. It is release from this world and its pain. Once you accept this, life becomes more peaceful.
Perception is YOUR reality but not necessarily the reality
My boy did it again👏
I needed this. Thank you, Einzel.
Thank you for your wonderful channel. Your content has the ability to calm me down, make me reflect when needed and have a distance to myself.
Thank you for this video!
Your the best. Your voice, graphics, and content are fantastic. Thank-you
Congratulations on this, one of your most powerful messages so far. So well explained and with perfect examples.
Been a fan of your work for a long while and, to me, it seems that your level of intellect has risen to new heights.
I admire you and appreciate your generosity in what you do. What you present is more than worthwhile...it is PURE GOLD.
With respect, your fan, Johanna. (yes I'm 1/2 Dutch & proud of it) family names are Plantinga & Buma
It dropped just as I was looking for an answer
The main point that the Stoics (like Epictetus and Seneca) were trying to convey is that we should have control over our own emotions and reactions. For example, if someone does something that makes you angry, should you start a fight with them? A fight would just lead to more consequences. Wouldn't it have been better if you just didn't get angry in the first place? There are, after all, ways to communicate your distaste without actually getting angry- and those may even lead to better results.
This is true for ALL emotions. The idea is if we can figure out how to calm down and make ourselves immune to negative emotions, we can accomplish so much more in this life. The tricky part is actually figuring out how to make this happen.
My tricks that have helped me maintain a work oriented mindset are just slightly difficult activities that distract me from my own mind. Epictetus says that one should make themselves more comfortable with being uncomfortable. When I wake up, I do jumping jacks. I play my favorite simple, but difficult video game every day (but not for too long). I go for hour long walks. All these activities have helped me. All these slightly difficult activities have helped me control and tame my subconscious mind. So yeah, that's what I would recommend for someone who struggles with over-thinking like I do.
Life is too short and difficult for you to be wasting your time getting emotional and brooding over emotions.
My over reacting to people has only brought me pain.
Learning non reaction is now my constant goal.
"One is not forced to feel resentment by a negative memory, nor those one have to buy into a fearful thought about the future. These are only options. The mind is like a television set running is various channels for selection, and one does not have to follow any particular temptation of thought. One can fall into the temptation of feeling sorry for oneself, or feeling angry or worried. The secret attraction of those options is that they offer an inner payoff or a secret satisfaction that is the source of the attraction of the mind's thoughts."
Dr. David R. Hawkins
The nature of the mind is to think in duality, if you watch your thoughts you will realize every time there is a negative thought form there's also a positive one. What makes the difference is what you choose to give attention to which feeds it and propagates its energy making it more likely to be held in mind, the more you choose it the more is held in mind. So what needs to be worked on is not the ability to stop the mind from thinking negative thoughts this doesn’t work, what needs to be developed is the willingness to feed the positive and let go of the negative ones as they arise, and they will arise is the nature of the mind.
Another insightful video on stoicism.
I can't even get across the amount of people I've had to enlighten to the fact that just because they thought or had an emotional reaction to whatever that that experience wasn't, and isn't, sacrosanct, holy and the truth.
I've literally watched worldviews shatter in front of me, on this one topic, more times than I can count on both hands. I even broke it down for them with personal examples, like, I won't answer my phone before coffee, because my mind isn't completely awake yet so I won't commit to anything that comes thru it, including deciding what kind of day it's going to be. Some days just start out wrong, yknow, and it's real easy to be in a bad mood from the onset. But I just let that shit slide. If I'm not at 100, if im compromised, than I'm going to generate compromised opinions. I throw out 10000 thoughts before I come across something actually meaningful, as a matter of course.
I've never understood this selfish insulating reactionary lack of introspection that is apparently so common.
Regardless, I don't hold that kind of shit over people. That's purity test gatekeeping shit, which is wildly unethical. The important part is that they've learned and joined the rational crowd, not that they were late getting there. Better to get there late, than never at all.
This video came just at the right time. Thank you ❤️
As a man thinketh so is he. Thoughts are creative for better or worse. We get to choose, choose wisely. Thanks for this reminder.
We don't always get to choose our thoughts, sometimes they choose us !
I'm not an english speaker so I very love your subtitle in every video. It helps me understand your meaning and make learning english much easier.
Amnesia refers to the loss of memories, including facts, information and experiences. Movies and television tend to depict amnesia as forgetting your identity, but that's not generally the case in real life. Instead, people with amnesia - also called amnestic syndrome - usually know who they are.
@@Anonymous-pf1mbyou tell that to Jason Bourne
Perfect except we would say I love your subtitles a lot
"Thanks for watching"... thanks for making.
The Self is a working hypothesis about experience. How accurate it is is a matter of conjecture
thought-provoking and insightful. Thank you.
“No one is more hated than the one who speaks the truth”
This quote has a big big problem
NEEDED this right now. Thank you. I love Seneca because, the stuff he said always makes me go "god I HATE that he's right" lol
I think we should not underestimate the amount of identification that is subject to the occurrence of thoughts.
It accounts for a large amount if not all of the negative side effects involved in passing judgement.
I hope you update your podcasts please. I listen to it during bedtime - it's comforting
thank you for beautiful reminder.
There is only one reality, but there are billions of perceptions of the one reality. Only the one is true.
Your videos are quite unique and helpful. Thank you!
I brought your book from Amazon , it's really helped me, thank you.
Very happy I discovered your channel. Keep it up. 👍
I love your videos. They are so well-made and thoughtful. Thank you for your effort. Where do you get the animations from? They are awesome. I love that quote from Epictetus about death. That is something we all should ruminate about, that death is in fact indifferent, and it is something that will eventually happen to 100% of us at some point in time.
Death is The Truth, and The Way, to Salvation from the suffering of Life.
The living use their wield of death to provide a Way to save themselves or others.
Death is mycelial in nature. Network like. Entering the mind. Your intrinsic Holy Truth.
The Final Shape.
Not me! My mind will be uploaded to a server where I will live forever! Muahahaaa. Ahem..
@@GlobalistGazette lol 😆 😂 🤣 😅
Thank you for the video.
Just wanted to say I love your channel and I appreciate you sharing all of this ancient wisdom as I’ve only been studying up on everything you are teaching for probably a month and it has already improved my life. Nice work!
I needed this so bad, thanks!! I am waiting for two things that are very important to me: 1) the marking of my master's thesis and 2) for a letter of a friend I really like. In both cases I catastrophize a lot, which gives me literally nightmares...
Let go. Fly. Nothing is beyond you. Keep believing 😊🎉
@@moniqueengleman873 Thanks :)
That's how I feel about intrusive thoughts. Just because you have them doesn't mean it's what you believe. Intrusive thoughts seem to be triggered by fear. You mind wonders what bad could happen, this leads to nervousness and more intrusive thoughts of bad things happening. Like stage freight for example, someone is unable to function on stage because they are using their thoughts to think what bad could happen instead of putting their thoughts of why they are on the stage to begin with.
Just because you have an intrusive thought doesn't mean you believe it, It's more likely that you are worried that you could believe it. Don't let it worry you or cause you to act out of fear. let it trigger the reminder that's it's because you're worried you're having the thought and that you need be relaxed and calm.
It's healthy to always be open to changing your opinion on things but another thing to keep in mind is just because everybody in the world thinks it's true doesn't mean it is.
I'm starting to think that this experience, life, perception, or whatever you want to call it, is all part of a movie that has a very significant plot point that is pertinent to YOU, and only YOU, and it won't end (on this plane), until YOU fully understand it.
Thank you for making this so comprehensive 🙏
I just want to thank you for your channel. I listen to your videos very reguarly, and I don't think I would have found Taoism & Stoicism without you, and both of them have been absolutely essetial in having anything close to peace or happiness in my life, instead of the constant suffering it was before when I was alone.
Simple example:
When i was a kid I used to live in a village and had a wild cat, she always rans away from me
I once wanted to give her food but she ran away from me
(She probably thought im dangerous or a threat)
But her thoughts are not congruent to reality
I can't get enough of your videos. They have become a regular source of entertainment and inspiration in my life.
I Really love your videos! The background sounds, images you use, the way you edit the videos. I really like this style! And you have a nice voice to listen to, it immediately calms me down haha. Keep it up and thank you so much for this great content! 🍀
A thought has been plaguing me: what if the woman I love doesn't love me, what if she's just using me? And moreso, what if she's cheating on me?
I had so many dreams about her cheating, about her leaving me, hating me, and even betraying me. But whenever I'm with her, none of that seems to be. Though some signs do appear, what if those "signs" were actually perception that is made by my mind, based on my thoughts? I find it godsend to see
Thanks for your content, it is a fine service to many!
"It’s one thing to question your mind. It’s another to question your eyes and ears. But then again, isn’t it all the same, our senses just mediocre inputs for our brain? Sure, we rely on them, trust they accurately portray the real world around us, but what if the haunting truth is, they can’t? That what we perceive isn’t the real world at all but just our mind’s best guess? That all we really have is a garbled reality, a fuzzy picture we will never truly make out."
I really like your videos, it helps me alot. Thank You.🙏🏻
Thanks!❤
It means that mind should be grounded in order to avoid delusion. At the same time, it doesn't mean that you should become naive and stupid. It means that your thoughts should have sense. And at the same time, you may find a treasure chest, under your toes, hidden in the deeper layers of the ground. So, being grounded is not a bad thing, especially if you're capable of finding a treasure chest beneath.
From a Buddhist perspective, nothing precedes the mind. Absolutely so. The Dhammapada: Chapter 1, The Pairs, VERSE 1: "Mind precedes all mental states. Mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought. If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts suffering (dukkha) follows that person like the wheel that follows the foot of the ox." VERSE 2: "All mental phenomena have mind as their forerunner; they have mind as their chief; they are mind-made. If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness (sukha) follows one like a shadow that never leaves." From a Buddhist perspective, the mind is like a mad monkey jumping from tree to tree, and it is incredibly hard to tame and put under control, way more difficult than one would at first think. That's what Vipassana meditation is good for. The human mind may be the most incredible creation of nature, its complexity is virtually unfathomable, and that makes it incredibly dangerous, too. Perhaps like nuclear energy, which in safe and controlled conditions may be deemed clean, efficient and highly productive, but when something goes wrong, the consequences may be absolutely devastating.
One of your best videos 💯👍
I like your low key style of presentation Einzelganger. I personally don't need to know what you look like, or what your background is: just the actual message and accompanying quotes You do both well. 👍
Well.... I needed this. But, out of utter coincidence, my father was telling me the same thing earlier today haha. being told so and reaffirmed by someone you love is therapy itself. So, to anyone out there doubting themselves and their abilities, its all in your head and you are much better than you think :) don't let anyone or anything bring you down
this channel has so much value content. thank you so much
I can see some people who'd participate in a "summer of love" thanks to what they "think" is an injustice. That is dangerous, indeed.
Thank for making such a good content for us.
The Quality of our Thoughts determines the Quality of our Life!
That’s why I say, “If all we do is cause destruction amongst ourselves, others and the environment, then what gives us the right to live. I would rather die than live in a world of suffering.”
You are de facto living in a world of suffering. Life and pain are inseparable. Being is condemned to strife, so as to sustain itself and cause suffering as a consequence. The real quandary is whether to exercise asceticism so as to cause as little pain to the world as a possible, or let it be and revel in this absurdity, since everything ultimately ends and vanishes by an eternity of inexistence.
That's one of my biggest problem, i am overthinking about stuff will never happen.
We need to practice mindfulness everyday, and then only it will make sense
I hear this read comments and understand, I understand this, but when I wake every morning the first thing that happens to me is a panic attack, every morning, I then spend the rest of the day with a knot in my stomach, I’m friendly to everyone, they don’t notice, I seem very upbeat and happy, but inside Im fighting for my life.
You aren't obligated to be friendly to everyone. If someone asks "how are you?" you don't need to lie by putting on a smile and saying "great!"
Lying to yourself like that may only make things worse
There are good psychiatric medications for constant panic attacks. Get help.😊
Fantastic video! Shakespeare explored this theme quite heavily in his plays and showed how it lead to ultimate tragedy. Macbeth, Henry V, Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, etc.
Everything about your experience has one thing in common. You. Be here in this moment.
What I advise you to do is, not to be unhappy before the crisis comes; since it may be that the dangers before which you paled as if they were threatening you, will never come upon you; they certainly have not yet come.
Accordingly, some things torment us more than they ought; some torment us before they ought; and some torment us when they ought not to torment us at all. We are in the habit of exaggerating, or imagining, or anticipating, sorrow.
- Seneca
The mind at times fashions for itself false shapes of evil when there are no signs that point to any evil; it twists into the worst construction some word of doubtful meaning; or it fancies some personal grudge to be more serious than it really is, considering not how angry the enemy is, but to what lengths he may go if he is angry. But life is not worth living, and there is no limit to our sorrows, if we indulge our fears to the greatest possible extent; in this matter, let prudence help you, and contemn with a resolute spirit even when it is in plain sight. If you cannot do this, counter one weakness with another, and temper your fear with hope. There is nothing so certain among these objects of fear that it is not more certain still that things we dread sink into nothing and that things we hope for mock us. Accordingly, weigh carefully your hopes as well as your fears, and whenever all the elements are in doubt, decide in your own favour; believe what you prefer. And if fear wins a majority of the votes, incline in the other direction anyhow, and cease to harass your soul, reflecting continually that most mortals, even when no troubles are actually at hand or are certainly to be expected in the future, become excited and disquieted.
- Seneca
We blow things out of proportion, over react and exaggerate. We are irrational at times making mountains out of mole hills. We make rash decisions based on preconceived notions based off one misconception.
Worrying about the Future 🤷♂️ it’s like borrowing trouble from the future 🏃♂️ to ruin your present 🔥🔥
All thoughts, feelings and opinions are based on our perception of every situation and, let's be honest, our perception is based on outside sources that have their own agenda. We are able to control those inner workings and let go of our misperceptions by understanding our nature and letting go of the BS we surround ourselves with.
this video is so true and helpful!!!
Great video, Einzel. Especially the ending😌
Our thoughts and beliefs are subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as personal experiences, biases, and emotions. Just because something is believed or thought does not automatically make it true or accurate.
Ive been binging your channel. Great content
I got into a debate with someone outside of the central Portland library... his final shot:
So you like facts, huh!?
i had a friend that always had stories. Crazy stuff that he said happened. instead of trying to figure out if they were true i simply thought do any of these things matter?
Just respond with that which seems logical and human. If the story goes against those two that person may need help. Worst even if people follow that story we all may need help.
We are not the mind nor the body. We are just the observer!
These truths shall set you free.
'Just because you think it, doesn't mean it's true.' Someone inform the idealists.
Thanks for sharing. ❤
another beautiful video, thank you sir
it's all about overcoming anxiety if you have a thought, fight for it facts.
I don't think most people who hold onto traditional views in the face of contradictory evidence are doing it based on true beliefs. Many are smart enough to recognize the flaws in their position, but they stand to benefit from projecting those beliefs. Example: politicians spouting off about God and the Bible, knowing full well that they don't believe any of it, but their donors and constituents might.
I'll catch myself believing my own thoughts once in a while, but have mostly been able to hold on to reasonable skepticism for most of the past 10 years or so. I need verification before committing to a belief. I call it a "faith audit" hehe.
Psychologists use cognitive behaviour therapy to help with these unhelpful thinking styles. You learn to identify and label thoughts and then use socratic questioning to get to the truth.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is thought replacement practice. It works if done CONSISTENTLY.
@@joannaedwards6325 yes it's a type of psychotherapy that definitely needs consistency. I've been doing it for many years for my anxiety and still my mind slips back into it's old ways every now and then and I need to remind myself to go back to the CBT. I find it practical and helpful.
@@lillierose5304
Was taught CBT (thought replacement) years ago and it saved my life.
Thank you for your response.
If anyone reading this has a problem with INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS that are negative please research Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. When one learns and PRACTICES thought replacement life becomes easier; less fearful. 😊😌🌈
I would love to be exiled to Corsica.
good: fulfils intended purpose
bad: does not fulfil intended purpose
I love all your videos
Same here
@@abuhzn Muslim ??
@@theajibanimator9518 Yeah I’m