Talk: Giving Unhelpful Thoughts Energy |Never Mind Your Mind

This session is rooted in Contextual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evolution of traditional CBT that integrates mindfulness and psychological flexibility. Within this framework, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps us unhook from unhelpful thought patterns and engage more fully with life.

In this thought-provoking micro-talk, Reuben explores the empowering insight behind the phrase “I am not my thoughts unless I choose them.” He reveals how we often get caught up in the automatic chatter of the mind, mistaking it for who we are. But the real power lies in stepping back and becoming the observer.

Reuben gently guides us toward reclaiming choice, energy, and clarity—reminding us that our identity is not defined by every passing thought, but by the awareness that we can choose which thoughts to follow.

Transcript

I am not my thoughts unless I choose them.

I am not my thoughts unless I choose them,

Unless I invest energy in them.

This simple phrase holds profound truth.

It reminds us that who we are is separate from the constant stream of automatic thoughts flowing through our minds.

These thoughts can feel personal,

Even defining,

But they are not inherently who we are.

The nature of the mind.

I am not my thoughts unless I choose them.

I am not my thoughts unless I choose them.

But let's be honest,

Sometimes it feels like our thoughts choose us.

And that's true.

Our minds are designed to absorb us in the content they generate.

That's their job.

Minds want us to focus on the thoughts they produce,

Keeping us occupied,

Problem solving,

Imagining,

Judging,

Comparing,

Contrasting.

Etc.

This is why it's so easy to get caught up in our thoughts.

To look from our thoughts,

Instead of look at our thoughts.

The key distinction.

Looking from versus looking at.

I am my thoughts when I look from them.

I am not my thoughts when I look at them.

I am my thoughts when I give them my energy.

I am not my thoughts when I don't give them my energy.

I am not my thoughts when I don't give them energy.

If this has sparked some interest within you,

Get in touch with me,

Or search for Never Mind Your Mind,

And you can find out more.

Reviews

Reuben this is sheer coincidence!!!! I had just written a review to You Pulled Through and was looking through the teacher updates when this showed up! Everything summarized in those two sentences! ❤️💕

Hi Reuben, how are you today? I love this series NMYM, what is about having unhelpful thoughts? Why do they consume my energy? Thank you for sharing these tracks, I appreciate it.

Hi Reuben. This is a variant of something else I learned from you about our minds “I am noticing the thought that…”. So helpful when I need perspective. Thanks 🙏🏻

Ha ha
This track popped up as I was writing my last review.. synchronised mind reading?
I blame the rhymes🤣
Thanks Reuben
🙏