Mental Exercise 2 : My Mental Modes

People have limited abilities to obtain and process all information perfectly. Hence, for efficiency and convenience (or some say laziness), we have developed shortcut ways of perceiving information based on our experiences. These are our automatic thoughts.

Automatic thoughts are important to us, as they have been ingrained into us, somewhat like a reflex action. Like when we see that the sky has turned dark, we will automatically seek shelter.

However, automatic thoughts are dangerous as well, as they lead us to jump to conclusions. When we see the world through our automatic thoughts, it is as if we are viewing the world through sets of glasses, which are different from person to person, since these glasses are based on our experiences. For example, you see leaves on the trees falling and you decide that it is autumn. You see the sun rise and decide it's time to wake up...

How about... you were walking on the streets on a bright sunny day. As you look up to admire the blue sky, a big blop of bird shit falls on your forehead. How many people can smile and be grateful that cows don't fly?

And for your own life. How have you been interpreting your life? Do you have thoughts like "my boss criticizes me all the time", "I'm not as good as her", "people just hate me"? Are they real and accurate, or just how you're making yourself perceive the people around you?

Do you think you can change them?
Do you want to change them?
Are they real?

Perhaps sometimes we should think about what we think?