Micro Talk: 'Stepping Back' From Unhelpful Thinking

This is a micro talk. This is a tool that's used to help people unhook, or 'step back' from unhelpful thinking. It happens to us all, everyday. So use this if it resonates with you, and maybe even share this with others, to help them be part of the change that's going on in the world right now.

Reviews

Sometimes when asked what we’re feeling, we get confused between thoughts and feelings. We talk about what we’re thinking instead of what we’re feeling. I have Kiki Fehling PhD to thank for that little nugget of realisation. She says that if you’re describing a feeling in more than a few words, you’re actually describing a thought instead and getting caught up in it. It’s so important in trauma work to understand the difference between feelings crying out for attention and thoughts which are often a complete waste of time and energy paying any attention to at all.

Thank you so much Reuben. Just what I needed today.

I love this… a quick and easy way to move in from negative thinking. This makes me think of a thought 💭cloud passing by… it’s going to be new daily mantra!

My therapist has introduced me to saying this, your talk has been helpful to remind myself to do it so thank you.

So simple a technique can help me distance myself from unhealthy thoughts and improve my self regard. Thanks

Helped me step back a little from thoughts that were somewhat consuming.

P.S When I saw you talking to the blue cards during your workshop it was so funny & endearing. I imagined your quirky responses to the blue cards is the same way I would address some unhelful thinking on the spot. Thank You for holding such a healing compassionate space.🙏🏿💖🌸🦋🍃

So short and easily digestible! The idea of observation is not new to me but the phrase "I'm noticing the thought that..." is, and I predict it is going to be extremely helpful. Thank you!

Simple recommendations for dealing with negative thoughts. I'm going to try this today!

Helpful 2-step process worth frequent practicing. I love the re-phrasing of thought patterns. Thank you. 💝

Really helpful. On many occasions I try to ‘control’ in particular my negative thoughts by pushing them away or avoiding them, which can actually make it worse. A thought can grow the more I try to push it away. This technique has helped me to realise that simply being aware that I am engaging in unhelpful thinking patterns can help me switch to more helpful ways of thinking. Definitely gave a little distance and allowed me to step back. Thank you 💫

I'm noticing the thought that... this was a Great little piece of advice!

I will definitely be trying your helpful suggestion out in the days to come & saving it.
Thank you for this 🙏🏻

This is a great tool for creating space and taking some of the power out of thoughts. Thank you.

Great short advice! I will try this. Thank you 💙

What a great tool for my toolbox! Thank you Ruben✨🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻✨

A down to earth approach—easy to access tool to being self supportive and nicer to ourselves

That was quite insightful. 🙏Thank you so much! I’m gonna start turning my negative Self-Talk into this more wise talk instead 🙏❤️🙏

Very effective micro-talk, with one very concrete tip.

That was outstanding and so simple. Thank you very much. It absolutely helped and will a tool I use daily. ❤️