Thoughts Are Not Facts
Nicole Martin: This is Great! A wonderful yet simple explanation of what makes us all human. The ability to be self-aware and change our reaction is the 1st step in bringing effectiveness to our communication and self-love is foundational.
“I discovered that when I believed my thoughts I suffered, but when I didn’t believe them I didn’t suffer, and that this is true for every human being. Freedom is as simple as that.”
– Byron Katie, Author
BYRON KATIE’S 4 QUESTIONS
Q1: Is it true?
This question can change your life. Be still and ask yourself if the thought you wrote down is true.
Q2: Can you absolutely know it’s true?
This is another opportunity to open your mind and to go deeper into the unknown, to find the answers that live beneath what we think we know.
Q3: How do you react—what happens—when you believe that thought?
You can see that when you believe the thought, there is a disturbance that can range from mild discomfort to fear or panic. What do you feel? How do you treat the person (or the situation) you’ve written about, how do you treat yourself, when you believe that thought?
Q4: Who would you be without the thought?
Imagine yourself in the presence of that person (or in that situation), without believing the thought. How would your life be different if you didn’t have the ability to even think the stressful thought? How would you feel? Which do you prefer—life with or without the thought? Which feels kinder, more peaceful?
