A belief is not merely an idea the mind possesses; it is an idea that possesses the mind. – Robert Oxton Bolton
One way I understand what beliefs are is to say they are thoughts we have don’t question and continue to think (albeit largely unconsciously).
I love how Bolton describes a belief as idea that “possesses” our mind.
It’s almost like the mind is subject to its beliefs.
As if it could think new or different thoughts, as long as it was okay with its beliefs.
The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot. – Michael Altshuler Actually, there is no bad news. You’re in charge. You always have been, just sometimes you haven’t been at your best. But you can do better. You can always do better. You can create a flight plan for your…
There’s a difference between desire and craving. The former is a healthy attraction to something not yet present, that through intention and practice can be created. The latter is an unsatisfiable – and unhealthy – impulse that, even when sated, reappears quickly, again and again. This distinction came up for me while watching a video…
“The ‘I think’ which Kant said must be able to accompany all my objects, is the ‘I breathe’ which actually does accompany them.” – William James I have long thought that Kant had it wrong when he said “I think, therefore I am.” Sometime not long after my Intro to Philosophy course at Hobart College…
Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself. – Ancient Chinese Proverb As a coach this is something that I occasionally encounter: working with a client who says they want to change, but doesn’t take action (or takes incomplete action). It’s important to understand that change is hard. We are genetically programmed to avoid…
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. – Helen Keller If anyone would know about character and overcoming adversity . . . . * * * If you want: to be different; to be better; something; to…
The root of all health is in the brain. The trunk of it is in emotion. The branches and leaves are the body. The flower of health blooms when all parts work together. – Kurdish saying Your thoughts create your emotions and your emotions fuel your actions. Good health begins with healthy thoughts. What do…