#140 | May 14, 2025 | 11:56

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🧠 Thought Stream

[questioning thought]: Don’t you think that a part of craving a better job, in a sense that it’s socially viewed as acceptable, that it shows your skills and abilities and your way of living, you know, lifestyle? Don’t you think that is one of your sufferings?

[probing thought]: That you want to become this because you want to escape reality? Hmm. Well, it’s just a thought.

[evidence-gathering thought]: Because I remember you doing a lot of taking online courses and whatnot to upgrade your understanding to land a job that is better off than commercial cleaner. You know, just a thought.

[honesty-seeking thought]: Because I want honesty. Why would you chase or why would you stream off that kind of a job? Because you studied it? Or there is a power of social status connected to it?

[challenging thought]: That’s why when you talk about, even though you’re proud, let’s say that you’re doing a commercial cleaning, is there a sense of pride in it? Every attempt to say those words, are you trying to dismiss your reality?

[interrogating thought]: Now, how’s the tone of your voice? Is it trying to escape present and wants to transcend tomorrow? As if you’re giving a hint to someone. But this is not it. This is not a job that you hope for.

[gotcha thought]: See? Gotcha. Hope for. That’s why when someone asks you, what do you do? This gives you an easy feeling. Because now we know you’re in a hope scenario. It’s not the reality.

[forward-looking thought]: So now that you know, what will be different? Right? Let’s end this. Let’s end this misery.

[acceptance thought]: And just like you said, accept. You’re a good cleaner. You’ve built your endurance in cleaning, scrubbing, with focus. And sometimes with complaints, especially when the hope would sit in your thoughts.

[inviting thought]: What do you think?

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RESEARCH NOTE:

“This thought pattern reflects what Buddhist psychology calls ‘the second arrow’ – when suffering comes from resisting reality rather than accepting it. The physical release described as ‘a big sigh’ represents the body’s response when letting go of this resistance.” – Claude AI, referencing concepts from Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach

FURTHER EXPLORATION:

• The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga (highly recommended! I’ve read this)
• The Wisdom of No Escape by Pema Chödrön (suggested by Claude AI)
• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman (highly recommended! I’ve read this)

STANDARD DISCLAIMER:

WooshBrain connects personal experience with broader psychological concepts. While I aim for accuracy, these connections are starting points for exploration rather than definitive interpretations. I encourage readers to explore these ideas through their own research.

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