Everyday Mindfulness

Lately I've been labeling the time frame of thoughts, which I found a very useful exercise, so I thought I'd share it!

When you've noticed a thought, try not only to notice what it is about, but also label the thought with the time frame in which it takes place. So you label it: past, present, future, or timeless

Examples:

Label: Past
You're replaying a conversation you whish you'd handled differently.

Label: Present
You think about how beautiful that flower is that you're looking at right now.

Label: Future
You're rehearsing a talk with your boss that will take place next week.

Label: Timeless
Analysing how something works (for instance a mathematical problem). Or something that takes place in a total fantasy that couldn't have taken place in the past nor could happen in the future.

It's pretty amazing how difficult this exercise is at first. You'll quickly become better at it though.

This exercise helps with feeling the relevance of thoughts. The irrelevant thoughts evaporate even quicker.

It also helps to see time related patterns of your thoughts.

Have fun with it!

Peter

Interesting!

I'll give this a go.

That's really helpful, great post. Thanks.

Interesting. THANK YOU OP But is this labelling and data in memory itself or suggesting on paper?

Just in your mind, not on paper.
Peter

That's a really interesting exercise!

Thanks for sharing!

Hi,
Great post. Really very helpful and informative.
I'll definitely try this exercise.
Thanks!!

@Peter wrote:
Label: Timeless
Analysing how something works (for instance a mathematical problem). Or something that takes place in a total fantasy that couldn't have taken place in the past nor could happen in the future.
r

Thank you Peter. I have been struggling not knowing quite how to describe the Timeless type without making it emotive and triggering lots of thoughts, e.g Fantasy/Void/Other. I like the Timeless label

Peter,
This is a very nice idea. It will be interesting to see any insights that come out.
Thank you for sharing.
All the best,
Johnny