It all begins and ends in our mind. What we give power to, has power over us…. if we allow it.
The work of Byron Katie is a way to identify and question the thoughts that cause us suffering and that cause us to live in the past or the future. Her questions help us reflect on the truth in this moment, and to find peace and acceptance in our situation.
Next time you feel overwhelmed, or feel your cannot move past your anger, fear or rejection, here are Byron Katie’s four questions to ask yourself.
- Is it true?
- Can you absolutely know that what you are thinking is true?
- How do you react, what happens when you believe that thought?
- Who would you be without that thought?
When we give ourselves time to reflect on these questions, it can give us clarity, insight and acceptance of what is. Inquiry appears to be a process of thinking, but actually it’s a way to undo thinking. Thoughts lose their power over us, when we realize that they simply appear in our mind.
‘”You either believe what you think, or you question it. There’s no other choice. – Byron Katie.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
I really like the first question Karen. Often I have found that it is not true! ❤
Diana xo
Me too Diana! 💚
I think different people need different means by which to understand themselves. I’ve tried the more difficult path (degree in Depth Psych) and the New Age quickie methods, years ago. And just about everything in-between. Personally I find the most beneficial to be simple mindfulness. Simply drop awareness into this moment, and pretty soon it becomes second nature to do so. The mind wants to leap forward and back, but all we really exist in is the Now. Moment to precious moment. There cannot be anxiety there, for anxiety is produced by flitting into fear of future and memories of the past. And so 😉 Aloha, and have a good weekend!
Good ideas Bela. I find when my clients don’t practice mindfulness and feel very stuck in their situation, these questions gently help shift their thoughts into the truth of this moment. 🙏🏻
Sorry to pop in again, Karen, but back to my Reader and two posts below yours? This:
As we go through our daily activities, we frequently get lost in thoughts of past and future, not staying grounded in the awareness of our bodies. A simple reminder that we’re lost in thought is the very common feeling of rushing. Rushing is a feeling of toppling forward. Our minds run ahead of us, focusing on where we want to go, instead of settling into our bodies where we are.
Learn to pay attention to this feeling of rushing — which does not particularly have to do with how fast we are going. We can feel rushed while moving slowly, and we can be moving quickly and still be settled in our bodies. Either way, we’re likely not present. If you can, notice what thought or emotion has captured the attention. Then, just for a moment, stop and settle back into the body: feel the foot on the ground, feel the next step.
Joseph Goldstein, A Heart Full of Peace
A beautiful practice Bela. It is a gift when we are able to do this and trust it will ease us out of our suffering. 💚 Thankyou
I don’t know this work but I like it Bela. I call it skipping with my coaching clients … Perhaps a more lighthearted way to slow them down and not miss awareness of the moment. Sorry to butt in Karen xo
Good point Val. In counseling and in the course I did, I have found that when you are overwhelmed in a situation, those questions can break our stubbornness and train of thought and then we can move through to healing if we are ready. X
These really are great questions when we are stuck in angry righteousness!
Yes not easy to do, but definitely helps shift our energy if we can. Thanks Val 💚
This such a good summary of Byron Katie’s approach Karen. I do especially like the last quote. 💛
Thanks Val. It has worked for me when I get stuck in a situation 💚
This punch line on your post may be the most important lesson of our lives. It does all begin and end with our minds.
So true. 🙏🏻
THIS is getting printed and put where I can see it regularly, Karen. So much truth here..thank you.
She has a great formula Lori, which is practical and can help shift our thoughts. Thankyou
for some reason
my mind has
trouble with this 🙂
Is that really true David? 😃🙏🏻
i admit my mind
has a mind
of it’s own 🙂
Ha! Well, It is indeed a wonderful mind. 🙏🏻
Thanks for the lovely reminders Karen. May we explore the truth of who we are beyond thoughts.
It can give us such freedom Brad. Thankyou 🙏🏻
Thoughts and words certainly do hold the power we give to them. They carry us away, they bury us at times and as much as we might resist, the words of our stories often define who we are as people. Whether those words/stories are of our own making or what others have projected onto us. It is so important to realize that our words and others words, can only hold as much weight as we give them.
Your comment summarizes this post perfectly! Thankyou 🙏🏻
Yes,question it!
I agree Sawsan! Thankyou 🙏🏻
These are a great set of questions, the last one really bringing it home for me: “Who would you be without that thought?”
That is the most powerful question for me too Randall. When I have asked that of myself or others, there is a physical shift in our energy. The answer is often “I would be free.” 🙏🏻
The last question is the key for me too. It’s just that we don’t always remember to ask those questions when overwhelmed by the reality as we se it.
That’s so true Helen. It is not something we feel like doing when overwhelmed. 💚
Belief is a tricky, tricky, tricky thing. It can eat you alive. And it can spread like wild fires. Somehow I feel like we are egoistic in our own way because of our beliefs. Either we are loyal or faithful, or just stubborn that we tune out the rest because of our belief.
I agree Rommel. It is the cause of all our suffering. When I slow down and listen, I find peace. Thankyou 🙏🏻
Ah, yes. So many versions of the truth, even in our own heads. And I do believe our version of it shapes our reality. Merits some careful weighing.
It does Kristine. We have all been caught in the web of lies, untangling that is difficult at times. 🙏🏻
great post…..
Thankyou! 🙂
i admire and dig your overall questions, themes and vibe, very enlightening. peace and the best
Thankyou 🙏🏻