“I Can’t Not Think Certain Thoughts”
I have this computer, and it won’t shut off—ever. No, it won’t shut off, even when I want it to shut off. It is called my brain. I suppose that it would not be an altogether good thing if it did shut off.
However, when I’m thinking resentful thoughts, or self-pitying thoughts, or I-can’t-do-this thoughts, or lustful thoughts, I really would like to shut off my computer. But I can’t. So, I try not to think those thoughts. Never works, never has. Never will, I suppose. In fact, thinking that I am not going to think certain thoughts is a failproof method for continuing to think those very thoughts.
What I can do is to substitute other thoughts for thoughts that I don’t want to think. Yes, I know it sounds simple. I guess, in a way, it is simple. At least, it is simple to say. Practicing such mental substitution is, however, not so simple.
On the other hand, the old saying “Practice makes perfect” comes to mind. I don’t know about perfect, but practice certainly makes better. So, I am hereby drawing a line in the sand. I am turning in my resignation from my job of not thinking certain thoughts. I have a new job now. I am in the thought-substitution business.
I’m hiring. Care to apply?
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