Can upsetting, unwanted thoughts be cleared out of our minds by a spiritual process?

Question

This Q was triggered by a Q in Psychology about turning our thoughts off when we choose, or, like a computer, having a clear-out in our minds by putting all our overload of thoughts into the recycling bin. Is there a spiritual equivalent of this?

Thank you for pointing out the potentially wishy-washy nature of that most vague of words, "spiritual". I should have defined it. I'm certainly not thinking of emotions. But, yes, understanding our thoughts is the only way to deal with the troublesome ones. What I'm hoping to explore is the possibility of being better able to understand those thoughts via an outside influence, a mind greater than ours, namely, God. If that idea upsets or annoys you, then can I suggest the reason for it might lie somewhere in the darkest recesses of the ego, which is simply trying to maintain itself on the throne of the mind?

Answer 1

The kind of meditation Jesus taught me to do is neither meditating on scripture (though it may be sometimes) nor is it mind-emptying, as Christians who fear meditation believe. Neither does it involve repetition of Jesus' name or any name, word or concept. It is also not necessary to focus on anything or anyone, such as breathing, visualisation of peaceful countryside or the sea, or Jesus Himself, unless you feel like doing so.

I can't explain it in words and certainly won't attempt to do that here.

Sometimes I am encouraged to think through what is agitating me; at other times I don't do anything except relax; sometimes I may pray conventionally in words and even kneel for a while; but I can best say I've learned through practice to discern what the Holy Spirit is leading me to do. Sometimes the problem is temporarily forgotten and later comes back in a different perspective; sometimes the problem gets "processed" in a way that is not part of normal waking consciousness.

I would just advise you to ask God to teach you to meditate or contemplate in the way He knows is best for you. It will take time, perseverance when you don't feel like it, and regular practice (once or twice a day for 20 minutes or more, I'd say) but I'm confident He will show you, lead you, teach you if you really want it.

I would say the best description of it is "learning to be in the Presence of God". But strongly pulling on Him, as it were, trying to visualise Him or something about Him, is not the way because that keeps you in your own will, ego and rational conscious mind. You must learn to be somewhere near dreaming, but at rest and alert. When you open more of yourself to Him, His Spirit has the power to completely dissolve away your agitated thoughts and problems.

Answer 2

People can 'train' themselves to subdue their feelings. The armed forces use techniques to accustom people to interrogation through various processes. Some people take better to it than others, and whether or not they actually cope better in the long term, in real situations, I am unsure.

As for a spiritual process, I believe we can. Some people pray, some meditate. Some people may just find a long country walk enough to blow the cobwebs out.

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http://www.snu.org.uk/churches.htm

Answer 3

Sasi, I think Princess gave a great answer with Phil 4: 4-8 The only thing I would add is: This is where Scripture memorization comes in. If we are to "Transform ourselves by the rewewing of our mind", the memorization of Scripture gives us the weapons "at the ready" to be able to do this. I know when I cant get unwelcome thoughts and negative things out of my head, I just start going over Scriptures that I have memorized. It really helps to get me mentally back on track. I really think this is the BIBLICAL way to "meditate" as opposed to the ways of those far eastern religions that can actually open your mind to santanic influence. (sorry folks, but I think that is a real danger with those religions). The more Scripture that you have in your heart, the more helpful this is. Its very biblical. "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11 This is Gods "prosac" LOL. Well, hope that helps....theBerean

Answer 4

I've never been able to clear my mind of its clutter, or block out any thoughts.

But usually when my mind gets totally cluttered and i have a whole lot to think about, freaky things happen, like the clutter is working its was out of my head and interfering with other things, like reception on a TV or the way the second hand moves on a clock.

Answer 5

I'm so glad you asked this q because I woke up just before 6 this morning with troublesome thoughts on my mind. We can't even control what goes on in our mind while asleep. Anyway, my solution to getting rid of upsetting, unwanted thoughts is to pray and meditate on God's word. I immediately went to Philippians 4: 4-8 and read the following:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts AND YOUR MINDS in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.... And the God of peace will be with you."

Isn't that absolutely brilliant? And, what's more, it works! Praise God!

Answer 6

until god finds you your thoughts are basing there assumptions based on the material world but if you run those same thoughts through the spiritual mind then upsetting and unwanted thoughts become your spirit guides but you must be able to recognise them it takes time but it does turn your mind into your best friend

Answer 7

For me there is. I've gotten into the habit of singing, humming, or singing in my head a particular song that reminds me who I am. At church the kids Sunday School is called Primary, this song I'm thinking of is known as a Primary song. The words are:
I am a child of God,
and He has sent me here
has given me an earthly home,
with parents kind and dear.

(Chorus)
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do,
to live with Him someday.

I am a child of God,
and so my needs are great,
help me to understand His words,
before it grows too late.

(Chorus)

I am a child of God,
rich blessings are in store,
if I but learn to do His will
I'll live with Him once more.

(Chorus)

As simple as it sounds, it really helps get rid of those unwanted thoughts. Other childrens religious songs work too (I'm sure). Any song that brings your mind back to Christ and Heavenly Father and what they want for you should work.

Answer 8

There is a type of prayer known as comtemplative prayer, where you meditate and focus all your thoughts on a spiritual word, such as "God" "Jesus" "Alleluia" "Peace" etc.

If you are not religious, you can do the same thing by focusing on a meaningless word.

Answer 9

Try to erase the bad memory by thinking of a "green place in the countryside on a sunny Summer's day".

Answer 10

Yes - the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ can "sprinkle our hearts from an evil conscience." (Hebrews 10:22)

Contrary to what many would have you think, Christianity is not about feeling guilty all the time, quite the contrary! Because I believe in Christ, my guilt is purged, and even my conscience is healed.