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thoughts like a river
Last updated on: July 9, 2012 at 5:56 pm by David Hayward
thoughts like a river 2012-07-09T17:56:52-04:00 David Hayward
Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.
There’s been quite a bit of discussion lately on my blog and all my social media sites about belief and unbelief, Christianity and Atheism. I’ve enjoyed it.
One of the things I’ve noticed and have mentioned it to a couple of people today is the obviously erroneous idea that our thoughts must be static. I do remember when it was important to me that my beliefs never change. However, I now see the importance of allowing my thoughts to change and as a result, my beliefs.
This is how I describe it: I see thoughts like a river going through our minds. Dogmatism would like to freeze these thoughts or even stagnate them in the mind. The river of thoughts and beliefs is moving and changing. Let it be so. I see “my” thoughts and beliefs as a part of a gigantic flowing river that we all share.
So the anxiety we feel when our thoughts and beliefs are under pressure to change is our attempt to damn up the river, contain it, control it and possess it. Rather, let the thoughts flow through the mind without trying to hang on to them. One day you might think this. Next day you might think that. But that’s okay.
It’s much like meditation. Let the thoughts flow through you and you will begin noticing a serenity in your mind and body. I admit it is frightening at first as we let go of treasured beliefs. But eventually it comes as naturally as inhaling and exhaling. Your mind is freshened daily and is actually more receptive to Truth.
Have you seen my new Sophia “metamorphosis”?
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