What inspired you to read the book?
The past two months have been some of the most emotional during my time in jail. My first year in jail, the missed birthdays, the holiday season, and the thoughts of loosing the people I love, have caused me to spiral into a constant state of anxiousness and depression. As soon as I read the cover of this book “why your thinking is the beginning & end of suffering” I knew immediately I needed to read it.
What you learned from reading the book?
We spend the majority of our day in a state of stress due to overthinking. We think about what has happened in the past and what could happen in the future, rather than focusing on what is actually happening now. The thoughts in our minds are not facts. Our state of overthinking causes our body to consume enormous amounts of energy, that make us to feel tired, stressed and worn out. Thinking is the negative judging of our thoughts and ideas. Thinking is what prevents us from living in a state of peace, love, joy and all positive emotions.
How the book will influence your life and prepare for success upon release? I realize that by overthinking I fill my mind with negativity that leaves no space for positive ideas, developing creativity, feeling positive emotions and thriving in life. I know that in order to give joy, peace and love to others, I must first feel it myself. I am working on a framework for how to stop thinking. I realize that negative thinking only has the power to take over if I allow it to. By understanding the true nature of thinking, I have become aware and have the courage to allow it to simply flow and look beyond to see the truth.
What was the most inspiring quote?
“There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so” – William Shakespeare