Are we actually thinking our thoughts, or do they just happen? Are they “ours”? Should we believe them? And how might such questions be of value to those in the business of creativity?

Beyond the basic Google search whereby many results say “you are not your thoughts” (then explain they are part of us and do come from us, etc) other wisdom teachers suggest that we are not in control of our thoughts at all. And they’re not coming from us. Wherever you land on this topic, openness to it brings ramifications & opportunities.

If you seem to have frequent thoughts of inadequacy, self-loathing, depression, anxiety (the list goes on), it can be a big relief to understand that we aren’t actually thinking “our” thoughts. It can also reframe the “just think positive” approach for those who “judge themselves” when they can’t. And so on.

However, it doesn’t let us off the hook. We have to constantly remember to regard thinking in a new way. And from here, importantly: Neither fight it nor follow it. Which is an INCREDIBLY SUBTLE practice. But in my own experience with this, as well as in my time with others as a “coach” of what I call “Stillness Creativity,” I’ve found that we can find the discipline.

Accepting that we may not be in control of thoughts may also encourage us to more often foster conditions where truly inspired creativity can emerge.

If we open to the premise that thoughts just happen by themselves, it can impact how we regard our talent. And how we see our value. To ourselves, or our clients.

MORE HUMILITY ~ “You” just happen to be a conduit for thoughts that seem to be appreciated and/or well compensated. If we’re not really the one doing it, maybe we’ll take less credit?

CREATIVE PRODUCTIVITY ~ We can flip our understanding “from whence” ideas come, and foster optimal conditions to see what comes. And feel like we’re “forcing it” a lot less.

APPRECIATION ~ We can begin to have more gratitude for what inspiration actually is. When “we” get out of the way. And that only happens when we resist nothing. Especially thoughts. *Knowing they’re not ‘ours’ helps tons.

LEVITY ~ When thoughts are constantly hammering us that we’re not enough, ugly, unwanted, shouldn’t feel a certain way, etc - it’s a fucking grind. When we practice *leaving thoughts completely alone, it can acquaint us with the “opinionless witness.” It takes highly subtle vigilance, but it can reveal light.

EMPATHY ~ We cultivate more consistent empathy for those caught in “thinking they’re thinking.” Which means: More consistent grace for ALL.

If interested, I can suggest resources to explore more on the “metaphysical depth” here. But instead of listing links or coming off as if “I know” anything, I’m banking on something else. If this topic resonates for you, “my” bet is that a “teacher” will appear. I also encourage you to try it for yourself.

Relax a minute, drop your shoulders, close your eyes blah blah blah. Now say to yourself: “I wonder what the next thought will be…”

When a thought comes, what was it? Did it surprise you? Whether it was an image, words, or a memory, did you “make it happen”? Or did it “just happen”? Try it a few more times. Or have someone guide you.

Another thing you can “do” is set a timer for 60 seconds. Or even 30. Then close your eyes, and make it your goal to have no thoughts for that entire time. NOTE: Noticing a thought such as “I’m doing it,” “I wonder what time it is,” “is this right?,” “my ass itches,” or even seeing an image or noticing of a noise is, well, a thought. Meaning: #failNOTfail

If any of this has been interesting, practice it. Notice what’s there when we let thoughts and emotions BE. No labeling good or bad. No matter what.

Brick & Mortar Work Tip 03: If you have to go poop, go poop. If there’s no air freshener such as “Poo-Pourri” or even Glade® (I’d rather smell the poop) go anyway. Whoever is about to go in there next is also a pooper. They’ll get it. Or not. Either way, you’ll watch the thoughts that come and say “just a thought.”

Interested in co-exploring how to be “at peace with non peace”?

I offer a “method” that can use everything in our lives as “fodder for the mill” – to foster a more emergent creative approach. We can cover anything: How to be a creative director when you’ve never managed teams. How to handle a coworker who gets your goat (or poops a lot). Why it might be smart to not bypass what comes up (but not brood on it either). Or how to make a trippy little pomeranian visual in Midjourney. If you’re interested, tap the button below. Or just e-Reply.