Leaves on a stream

Email: How do we let go of negative thoughts? (Myanmar)

Nothing can bring us peace but ourselves. One helpful technique is ‘leaves on a stream‘. The 1st step is to recognise that we’re an ‘observer’ of our thoughts, not the thoughts itself. We notice that the negative thoughts enter into our conscious awareness, sit in the forefront of our mind, then simply leave our awareness. A state of flow.

1. Sit in a comfortable position, relax.
2. Visualise oneself sitting beside a gently flowing stream with leaves floating along.
3. Take each thought that enters our mind, place it on a leaf. Watch it gently float by.  
4. Repeat each thought, however negative or painful without judgement. 
5. Don’t try to speed, rush the thoughts, follow a natural pace, in the flow.

We can do this exercise physically as well. Sit quietly by a stream or a lake. Pick up the leaves, write each negative thought, let it drift over the water. Watch it float far, far away. Repeat. Quite an effective technique for honouring our thoughts or emotions, for bringing peace, for refreshing our mind to stay positive, hopeful & compassionate.