Sam, a podcast guest who answers questions about forgiveness and self-destructive behavior, discusses topics such as being present while still wanting to be productive, the relationship between thinking and emotion, the nature of emotions and thoughts, self-compassion and forgiveness, and the importance of seeking professional help for mental health conditions.
Our interpretations of events can influence our emotional states.
Reframing to-do lists as reminders of commitment and care can help shift the mindset from urgency to presence.
Deep dives
Understanding the Relationship Between Thinking and Emotion
In this episode, the hosts explore a listener's question about the sequence of thinking and feeling. They discuss the role of appraisals in triggering emotions and how our brains make quick assessments that can lead to emotional responses. They highlight the importance of understanding the cognitive basis of emotions and how our interpretations of events can influence our emotional states. The hosts provide examples, such as feeling anger when someone cuts in line, to illustrate how our appraisals shape our emotional experiences.
Finding Stillness in the Midst of a Busy To-Do List
The hosts address a listener's question about staying focused and calm amidst a never-ending to-do list. They encourage embracing one's personality and not fighting the inclination to check off tasks. The hosts suggest reframing to-do lists as reminders of commitment and care, rather than burdens. They emphasize the importance of observing thoughts without judgment during meditation and how mindfulness can help shift the mindset from urgency to presence.
Building Self-Trust and Forgiveness after Past Self-Destructive Behavior
The hosts offer guidance to a listener who struggles with guilt and anger towards their past self due to engaging in self-harming behavior. They discuss the concept of self-compassion and understanding that our actions in the past were influenced by circumstances and coping mechanisms. The hosts encourage embracing the journey of forgiveness and highlight the importance of integrating past experiences into personal growth and self-understanding. They suggest developing personalized affirmations to cultivate self-compassion and trust in oneself.
Sam and Robin answer questions about how to be still while wanting to check things off a to-do list; which comes first, the thinking or the feeling; and how to forgive yourself for past self-destructive behavior.
If you are struggling with a mental health condition, please talk with a licensed provider. You can also find support resources on Headspace's mental health resources page it’s in the show notes.
If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.