To Think or Not – that is the problem or the solution

1st September, 2011 - Posted by Sam - No Comments

“Think about it” or “Don’t think about it”

“You don’t think enough” or “Stop thinking so much”

The challenge for many people is to find the right balance between over-thinking and under-thinking so that they can use their minds to solve the problems of living.  Some people act without thinking (“impulsive”), while others think a lot without acting (“obsessive”).   Sometimes our thinking is fueled by our emotions and we can’t think rationally – as when someone says something that wounds us and we can’t get that out of our minds.  Often our emotions are fueled by negative thinking and we can’t get out of a bad mood state – as when we respond to an innocuous comment by interpreting it as a slight against us.   Both scenarios lead to perpetual emotional and mental gridlock.

What are some things that we can do to break through this gridlock?

Take a break from thinking by doing something different like going for a walk or some other physical activity often helps.  Being in a different environment, such as being outside and around nature can also allow the brain to reset and create new space for fresh thoughts and other feelings.  Finding a good friend to listen to you and invite them to help you evaluate your thinking can also be beneficial.   This can make all the difference in getting unstuck so that you can get some clarity about a problem or so that you can know how to proceed in repairing a rupture in a relationship.

Finally, remember the wisdom that comes from God whose thoughts are higher than our thoughts.  The Proverbs reminds us that “so as he thinks in his heart, so he is.” (Proverbs 23:7, Amplified Bible).    The Apostle Paul  encourages us with what to focus our minds upon:  “filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse (Philippians 4:8,  Message paraphrase).   Let us follow the advice given to young Timothy, and use the sound mind that the Good Lord has given us.

Written by Dr. Sam B Leong, Ph.D.