You Are What You Think: What You Fill Your Mind With Shapes Your Reality

Carefully consider the media you consume. (RetroClipArt/Shutterstock)

They say, “You are what you eat”—referring, of course, to the importance of carefully considering which foods one chooses to take into one’s body. True enough.

But a person is more than simply a material being. It could be argued that it’s even more important to carefully consider which thoughts one chooses to take into one’s mind, for you truly are what you think.

The Quality of Thought

Mastering one’s thoughts might seem a more challenging prospect than managing one’s diet. There are many internal and external influences on our minds and our overall states of being. Still, it seems self-evident that when our thoughts are of a good, upright, true, and positive quality, we benefit ourselves and those within our sphere of influence (a sphere larger than many tend to realize).

Good thoughts are those that allow us to maintain a sense of calm and a level of composure. They are considerate of others, rational and reasonable, and devoid of ulterior motives. They allow us to recognize goodness, beauty, virtue, and truth, and give us strength to forbear. Good thoughts inspire us, foster joy, and bring about goodness in the world. They allow us to harbor humility, give others the benefit of the doubt, develop compassion, and forgive. They open our minds and hearts to allow for continual spiritual growth.

Bad thoughts, on the other hand, cloud our judgment and cut us off from divine inspiration. They stir anger and engender selfishness, jealousy, cunning, dishonesty, resentment, overreaction, and wickedness. When thoughts are very selfish, one tends to look upon others with contempt and suspicion. Bad thoughts can restrict one’s ability to enjoy life, appreciate beauty, and fulfill one’s greatest potential.

The elements that affect the quality of our thoughts can be complicated, but there are some simple ways we can procure our influences and, just as we do with our diet, carefully consider what we take into our minds.

Be Intentional With Media

Carefully considering which movies and television shows we watch, which books we read, which news outlets we consult, and which social media accounts we follow will greatly impact the thoughts we carry. The psychological elements inherent within all of the above can be both obvious and subtle, and the messages we ingest stay with us long after our eyes have been diverted. So it’s important to keep standards high when it comes to media of all sorts and to seek out things that are truthful, beautiful, virtuous, and good.

Take a Break From Technology

Our engagement with technology also affects our ability to manage our thoughts and maintain serenity. If we are constantly bombarded with external stimuli, peace of mind will be hard to come by and we’ll likely find ourselves more reactive and impulsive. Constantly distracting ourselves away from processing our thoughts and allowing ourselves to sit in stillness will hamper our ability to foster a clear and calm mind. It’s beneficial to minimize our use of technology and enjoy time with nature, people in real life, and solitary quiet.

Consider the People Around You

You’ve probably heard people say that you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. It’s true that the people around us will influence our notions and thoughts. We can aim to be a bright and positive influence on those around us and choose to spend our time with those that inspire the best in ourselves.

Emphasize Beauty

A focus on beauty is a worthwhile endeavor that can greatly benefit the quality of our thoughts. There is beauty everywhere, from the wonders of nature, to traditional cultures passed down around the world, to magnificent works of art, music, and literature the greats bestowed upon us, to a baby’s smile and a grandmother’s hug. Beauty is outside our windows and inside our families. Seek it out, and let it be the focus your mind is mostly centered upon.

As Marcus Aurelius put it, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” Take care to drive out the thoughts that do your life a disservice and foster good thoughts that allow you to reach your highest potential.