Freedom from intrusive thoughts

When I heard about the tragic incident of a soldier losing control and killing innocent civilians in Afghanistan, I wondered what state of mind could have possibly contributed to this horrible action: Stunned friends recall good deeds of Afghanistan killings suspect - CNN. While we may never know this, I thought of the problem of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Intense experiences such as wars, natural disasters, car crashes, and domestic violence often lead to this mental condition. As a consequence of some traumatic event, thoughts pertaining to this event insert themselves into a person’s consciousness. Mental images and the accompanying emotional responses wreak havoc in the present, causing distress and imbalance. These intrusive thoughts disrupt daily life, even though the actual traumatic event can be days or even years old. Going through the traumatic experience once was horrific, yet unfortunately the replay loop runs continuously.

PTSD illustrates uncontrolled thoughts and emotions’ destructive potential. Although PTSD represents an extreme example of invasive thoughts, we can also become consumed in our own way. For example, we may awaken one night with fearful and anxious thoughts about a particular circumstance. Dire thoughts and emotions fill our minds. We feel scared and out of control. The power of these intrusive thoughts to override reason humbles us, yet we seem powerless to change them.

Yet within each unwanted episode lies an opportunity for change. As distressing thoughts occur, at some point awareness can arise of an observer and the observed (the distressing or intrusive thoughts). A shift can occur from identifying with thoughts to observing them. Though still very troublesome, through this separation these thoughts no longer completely possess us. We recognize them for what they are: thoughts distinct from us as we observe them pass through our consciousness.

Though at times a difficult struggle, this separation of the observer from the observed offers a surprising opportunity: we can free ourselves from the perils of uncontrolled thoughts and emotions! Otherwise, whatever thoughts or feelings possess us at any given moment determines our quality of life. Since we all occasionally suffer from dysfunctional patterns of thoughts and emotions, unconsciously identifying with them ensures periods of misery. While strong thoughts and feelings have the potential to overwhelm us, through concerted awareness practices we can overcome their influence to achieve emotional and mental balance, bringing with this some welcomed sanity.