Controlling One's Thoughts

[Dream]

How does one control their thoughts?

I struggle a lot with verbally judging people and giving into certain temptations. But I struggle even more with judging people mentally, thinking evil thoughts, and lusting. As soon as I realize what I am thinking, it's already too late: I have already indulged myself in sinful behavior.

What can I do to prevent such events from occuring in the future?

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

You aren't sinning if you don't know what you are doing... once you realise that you are having an inappropriate though- stop thinking it- say a Hail Mary and ask to bre given the right thoughts and ask forgiveness for wrong thoughts. Do this as many times as it takes to think those thoughts no more.

Remember that this is a battle- it is by no means easy. You will have to fight and struggle- sometimes to the point where it seems as though you are losing. All you need to win is to continue to ask forgiveness for wrongs and a true desire to want to behave rightly- doing all that you can to do so according to your capacity at the time.

 

[St_Joseph_Cupertino]

What can I do to prevent such events from occuring in the future?

Hey DT

This is truly a difficult one! It is really a discipline tht you have to cultivate over a period of time.
What I did in the beginning, is when I caught myself, as you said, already thinking those thoughts, I'd pray immediately for forgiveness, and then hurt myself Just a bit...I used to bite the frumply skin on top of my knuckles....hard. I did it as a pennance, but also as a punishment for myself lest I fall into the trap again.
Slowly, I started controlling my thoughts more to the extent where I can look away before temptation hits....well, most of the time

It's a though journey, but showing concern for it is already a great victory!

Well done and good luck!

Peace in Christ!

 

[krstlros]

I can't believe I wrote such an eloquent response and the system kicked me off and I lost the entire message.

I'll see if I can post again some time later. Getting constantly kicked off the system is getting me seriously irritated.

 

[Miss Shelby]

How does one control their thoughts?

I struggle a lot with verbally judging people and giving into certain temptations. But I struggle even more with judging people mentally, thinking evil thoughts, and lusting. As soon as I realize what I am thinking, it's already too late: I have already indulged myself in sinful behavior.

What can I do to prevent such events from occuring in the future?

It's very challenging. I think the trick is to take every thought captive from the moment that it enters your head. Memorize Scripture (or write them down on index cards, and keep the cards with you all the time. )-- that coorelate to you temptations... and when the thoughts pop into your head either recite the scripture or get out your index card and read it, outloud. Saying things outloud helps immensely. Do that over and over. I recently read something that a priest said..'the thoughts that enfold us, mold us' , but sometimes we have to condition ourselves to think differently.

That's just one suggestion. Shannon's suggestion about the Hail Mary's and Rosary is excellent advice, too.

Michelle

 

[Alexis OCA]

I sometimes have a temper...especially in heavy traffic...and when it hits I try to immediately say, "Sorry Lord". But Cupertino is correct. It is a discipline. You just need to learn to move on quickly to more positive and productive thoughts.

 

[Irenaeus]

I have a problem with judging people too, Dream.

What helps me to stop is to remember my sins, and above all, the Lord's totally unmerited goodness toward me. This reminds me to show mercy, as he has shown me mercy.

I also ask for the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine, and of course above all, our Blessed Mother.

I've been getting better, but it's always a battle. A great way to stop judging people is to say a prayer for them.

As for unruly thoughts, I discipline my thoughts usually by prayer and fasting, even though I haven't really done a serious bread and water fast yet in my life. I usually shut off TV and all media outlets, as this tends to dissipate my senses.

Of course, maybe you should ask your Confessor, Dream.

 

[Miss Shelby]

.

I've been getting better, but it's always a battle. A great way to stop judging people is to say a prayer for them.

This is so true. My heart has been softened towards people just by saying a prayer for them.

Michelle