Questions About Truth vs Belief

After reading Truth vs. Belief, people had similar questions.

Truth vs Belief

Question: How does someone know that their thinking is off?

The way to tell if your thinking is off is by paying attention to your emotions. Emotions work like traffic signals. Feeling self-righteous, smug, arrogant or having a condescending attitude toward people or ideas that differ from yours, is a blinking red light warning you that you’re missing something. Having such an uncompromising intensity toward your beliefs that you discount anyone who disagrees with you is also a surefire sign that your thinking is off.

Here’s the thing to remember: No matter what you believe, your beliefs and values aren’t any more important than anyone else’s.
Without study, contemplation and growth, peoples beliefs and values come directly from the way that they view their life experience. In the post Truth vs. Belief, neither Linc nor Ana had any question about their truth. The thought that there may be any other aspects to their stories never entered either of their minds. And believing as they did brought them both years of unhappiness.

Question: After reading Truth vs. Belief, I wonder how does a person change their thinking?

The first step is to become of aware of your emotions when you’re thinking or speaking about different topics. Go to the list above and determine if you’re feeling any of the listed emotions.

Then try this meditation:
1. Sit with whatever you’re feeling.
2. Identify your emotion. Name it from the above list or add your own.
3. Don’t try to analyze or justify; identify it and let it go.
4. Focus on your breathing.
5. Focus on the air as you inhale and exhale. Don’t try
to control your breathing, just become aware of it.
In and out.

With practice your breathing will begin to slow and you’ll naturally begin to relax. As you relax the intensity of your emotion will begin to ease and instead of being consumed by it, you’ll recognize it as just a part of you. When your emotions are just a part of you, you have room for new thoughts and feelings. Begin your next meditation using this mantra: I open every cell in my being to see other aspects of …. inserting the issue that you’re facing.

When you recognize that your thinking isn’t serving you and you commit to doing something about it, you’re opening yourself to extraordinary changes in your life. You’ll develop flexibility in your thinking which leads to letting go of stress, becoming a better listener and developing compassion. All of which will lead you to a happier and more fulfilled life.