What are we to do with our afflictive emotions? Do we push them away, change the thoughts that cause them, accept them, or heal them? In the midst of all these conflicting advice, perhaps there is a middle path. Additionally, this is a guide to using cognitive techniques – when, not how.

A powerful overview of CBT techniques - a modern approach to knowing yourself by monitoring your own thoughts, and mastering yourself by taking back control of your internal world.

We never, ever, see the world as it is. Our awareness – our beliefs, past conditionings, upbringing, the list goes on – these distort everything we see. One of the most painful misinterpretations lies in self-perception. Weaknesses are magnified, assets and strengths are ignored. This leads to low self-esteem; a strong feeling of inadequacy and constant unhappiness.

Here is a mixture of cognitive psychology techniques and Zen, that will make a difference.

Should we have beliefs? Should we build up a network of thoughts about how we should be, or how the world should be? Have your say here.

This is the last part in a series on stopping negative thoughts. I will discuss techniques from Cognitive Psychology, which crosses over with the final level of the Buddhist Sutra. Then, as a bonus, a final level that overtakes all the previous ones.

What is the one of the biggest obstacles that you can face in achieving personal mastery?

Your mind, your thoughts. Master them, and you master yourself. Then there is little you cannot do over time. Happiness, character, external success – they all begin in the mind. As the famous saying goes – “As within, so without.” Part 2 of the series.