Thoughts Are Not Automatically Factual
As in water face reflects face, so the heart of a person reflections the person. (Proverbs 27:19)
Our thoughts have power. Our actions define us, but those actions do not exist in a vacuum. Actions are influenced by our past experiences and the memories they provide. What we believe is also influenced by how we evaluate our memories and think of those past actions. The problem is amplified when we realize our thoughts are often not factual but manipulated by our ego, which molds our views into whatever fits our mind’s preconceptions.
“How Your Beliefs Create The Reality You’re Living Now” is an article by Tony Fahkry, where he addresses how thoughts influence our decision-making. Fahkry quotes the Hermetic aphorism, “As within so without.” The maxim helps Fahkry understand that “What we think at the deepest level of our consciousness is bound to show up in our reality whether we like it or not.” We can choose to focus our consciousness on what uplifts, or we can wallow in true and illusory thoughts. When we evaluate our ideas, we can peel back what Fahkry calls “the layers of conditioning” in order to “shift to a higher level of consciousness.”
Fahkry reflects on the statement by Albert Einstein, “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” We are not the people we were a year ago, let alone twenty-five years ago. Yet, our minds often reflect on the present with an older mentality, which can negatively influence our present reality. Taking time to reflect on our thoughts can help us focus on facts rather than accepting emotional reactions and provides us with a healthier, more positive outlook on life.
We cannot be sure if we are evaluating our thoughts clearly or if we are falling into our usual negativity or narcissistic positivity. Knowing oneself comes through self-evaluation and the inner guidance of the Holy Spirit. Inviting the Spirit into our reflections makes it easier to trust we are not falling into old patterns or delusions. We can trust our thoughts when we call on the Holy Spirit to assist us in our inner evaluation. Do not cruise on emotional autopilot but try to think through memories. Thoughtful self-reflection with the Holy Spirit is the way to emotional and spiritual maturity.