The Happiness Trap Self-Consciousness Technique
by AlexDThe Happiness Trap (Russ Harris) is a book I read some time ago that talks about the limitations our own search for happiness can end up creating. In this article I would like to summarise a technique the book discusses in chapter 4: "The Great Storyteller", which introduces the idea that we tell ourselves stories about our own life that might not be accurate reflections of the truth.
Non-identification with thoughts
The book picks a few examples of common thinking patterns that tend to become habitual. These patterns are presented as "I am X", where X is the thing that we are thinking. Instead of going along with this format of thinking, the author of The Happiness Trap suggests transforming the statement or how we perceive the thought to "I am having the thought that I am X".
For example, take notice of a thought based on identification, such as "these clothes make me look bad", and transform that thought into the structure of "I am having the thought that these clothes make me look bad".
Your consciousness is then experienced as separate from the thought. Instead of giving in to that identification, a distinct decision is made to separate the thought from the truth of the experience.
Not all thoughts are true, but when we reinforce this same thinking format of "I am … (whatever the thought is)" it becomes a habit to confuse self image with thinking patterns.
Realising that thoughts are not realities
- Focus on a thought.
- Reframe that thinking from "I am … the thought" to "I am thinking … the thought".
- Notice the internal effect this has on the power of that thought.
- Consider how true that thought is after all.
- Reflect on how much power that thought had when it was fused with the "I" statement.
Irene | Light Beckons said
September 23, 2008 @ 1:00 am
Hi Alex, this is a rather refreshing method for people who are suffering from negativity and are finding it hard to break away from patterns that are not serving them. These days, we hear so much about the power of manifestation, and while it's worked well for many, there are also others who have experienced the power of manifestation in a negative way - by thinking bad thoughts and attracting negativity, often without realizing it.Thanks for sharing.
sambit said
September 23, 2008 @ 5:16 am
It is a great idea. It took me sometime to internalise it. It is right. I do not think. Certain thoughts come to me. I can take it or leave it. No compulsion to own it. When you do not own you don't have to care. You are free. Thanks for throwing light on this idea.