#141 | May 14, 2025 | 16:55
Cycle: Follicular – Day 12
Location: Home – room
Context: Reflecting HOPE against job. And how HOPE is infected my way of pursuing projects as I wait for another cleaning maintenance job by 6pm.
🧠 Thought Stream
[reflective thought]: I used to keep thinking what else to do for my future. I have to create something now or asap because I know it takes time to build something, many reiterations, changes of mind and all but at least I’m starting something.
[present-centered thought]: But now, I’m at ease. Not waiting or anticipating but noticing what idea will dawn in my mind. I am at ease.
[appreciative thought]: Isn’t that beautiful? There’s contentment. You’re preserving, not wasting energy to panic.
[connection thought]: Ah, cleaning gives my mind a break and let realizations seep into the cracks of my brain. I could hear the whoosing sound of (that thought) the crackings of my brain.
[metaphorical thought]: This is all about cracks and be curious, not demand just like the archaeologist.
[affirming thought]: Beautiful to think and see you smiling, Maan. I am so proud of you of your new-found liberation. It wasn’t an easy journey. You’re trying with all you’ve got. But you made it to come to this point of realizing… that everything’s BEYOND HOPE.
THEORETICAL CONNECTIONS:
This experience connects to concepts such as:
1. Psychological Flexibility This entry captures the shift from future-focused striving to present-moment awareness, demonstrating what psychologists call “psychological flexibility.” Research by Hayes et al. shows this capacity to contact the present moment while changing or persisting in behavior based on values significantly reduces psychological distress. Studies indicate that people who develop this flexibility report greater well-being and reduced anxiety about future outcomes. To explore further research, search for “psychological flexibility ACT therapy outcomes” on Perplexity AI.
2. Flow State Through Mundane Activities The observation that “cleaning gives my mind a break and let realizations seep into the cracks of my brain” reflects what Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s research identifies as “flow state” accessed through routine activities. His studies show repetitive physical tasks often create optimal conditions for insight by occupying the conscious mind while allowing the subconscious to process complex information. This phenomenon explains why solutions often emerge during activities like cleaning, walking, or showering. For research on this, search “mundane activities flow state insight generation.”
3. Metaphorical Cognition The archaeologist metaphor demonstrates what cognitive linguists Lakoff and Johnson call “metaphorical cognition” – using concrete experiences to understand abstract concepts. Research shows metaphors aren’t just linguistic devices but fundamental thinking tools that shape how we approach challenges. Your archaeological approach to thoughts as “cracks” to explore with curiosity rather than problems to solve represents a cognitive reframing that research associates with improved psychological outcomes. To explore this concept, search “embodied cognition metaphor therapy.”
EXPLORATION STARTING POINTS:
- Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman (I’ve read this and highly recommend it)
- The Meditation Summit podcast episodes on “Everyday Mindfulness” (suggested by Claude AI)
- Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach (suggested by Claude AI)
- The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff – explores Eastern concepts of flow and non-striving through familiar Western characters (suggested by Claude AI)
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.
WooshBrain 