Thought Intruders is a fun, imaginative book about the power we hold over what we choose to think about, and when we want to think about them. It's about the choices we make, the choices we can make, and the invasive intruding thoughts that try to stop us. Thought Intruders is meant to encourage kids to think for themselves, not be discouraged about distractions, make wise choices when temptation presents itself, and to know that it's sometimes ok to say 'no'. A few years back I read a book by Daniel M. Wegner entitled, ...
Read More
Thought Intruders is a fun, imaginative book about the power we hold over what we choose to think about, and when we want to think about them. It's about the choices we make, the choices we can make, and the invasive intruding thoughts that try to stop us. Thought Intruders is meant to encourage kids to think for themselves, not be discouraged about distractions, make wise choices when temptation presents itself, and to know that it's sometimes ok to say 'no'. A few years back I read a book by Daniel M. Wegner entitled, "White Bears and Other Unwanted Thoughts: Suppression, Obsession, and the Psychology of Mental Control". It was one of those books that I read at a time when I felt like I needed to, and one that has had a lasting impact on me. After having read the book, I began to utilize the ideas in work. Instead of a white bear, I used a green rabbit. Kids were handed a green marker, a green piece of construction paper, and an image of a green rabbit was placed in the middle of the table. They were all then instructed to think of anything they wanted, but to avoid the thought of a green rabbit. Each time the image of a green rabbit entered their minds, they were to make a check mark on the paper. Some kids covered the paper in check marks. Others were a bit more successful, having much less checks than some of their peers. It was expressed that the rabbit was a representation of intrusive thoughts that can sometimes occupy our time and zap us of energy. These thoughts can be that of a loss, a poor grade, concern about the future, or something that has occurred in the past. When we tell ourselves that we will not think of 'X', the first thought that pops into our minds is that of 'X', the very thought we were seeking to avoid. Now sometimes such thoughts should be processed, and we must allow ourselves to respond to them accordingly. But when such thoughts consume us, depleting us of our energy and happiness, and causing us to react to them in such ways that are harmful, then we must get these thoughts in check. It is admittedly an easier thing to say than to do; but the best way is to keep a busy mind and body, doing things that completely take your mind off of unwanted thought 'X'.
Read Less
