How flexible thinking develops self-compassion
Jun 21, 2021
Being able to “go with the flow” and be flexible in your thinking is a necessary skill for dealing with life’s inevitable changes. This is a trait that helps us adjust more easily to new circumstances, challenges and situations as they arise. Also known as the concept of “psychological flexibility”, the ability to stay in contact with the present moment regardless of unpleasant experiences while choosing one’s behaviors based on the situation and personal values is an important step in achieving an overall balanced life. Having the ability to “bend” your thoughts and explore grey areas can lead to endless opportunities in your personal life and at the workplace.
What author Karen Hurd refers to as “bendiness of mind” begins the moment we become aware of the chatter going on inside and remember that thoughts are transient. Rigid thoughts, on the other hand, are critical in the worst way—stuck with one point of view that’s usually belittling, demanding and energy-sucking.
Explore the idea of using flexible thinking to guide you toward a more compassionate, balanced life in a recent MBGMindfulness article.
Why should you care?
Using these techniques can help you improve your mental flexibility which in turn can help reduce your worries, improve your relationships and reduce the distress you experience when you get stuck on unhealthy or negative thoughts and behaviors.
