Observing Your Thoughts

this came in an email this morning and i thought it appropriate considering what i blogged about yesterday...
The emotions you have that are related to your relationships could make you feel ill at ease today. Perhaps it is because of your empathetic connection to the people closest to you that any form of upset or disturbance has a direct impact on your own mood. Knowing that this tension you feel is not permanent and that no matter what may happen with your loved ones, the only thing over which you truly have control is your own thoughts could help you feel a greater sense of comfort with your emotional state today. When you become aware of disturbing thoughts today, you might watch the thoughts as they go through your mind—rather than fighting or changing them, try to simply observe them. You may find that your thoughts may not be related to any immediate event in your life but that they are a series of random images and ideas that can directly affect your mood.Watching our thoughts helps us see that our emotional reactions are more often a product of our minds instead of a response to an immediate incident. Our minds tend to hold onto events that trigger emotional responses, which are even stronger if our family or friends are involved. Seeing the stream of thoughts as they float by us can make it easier for us to detach from their emotional influence, which can lighten our disposition. By understanding the ways your thoughts influence your emotional reactions, you will feel more comfortable with the feelings you have today.