We are our thoughts. As our thoughts, our actions; as our actions our habits; as our habits our character; as our character our destiny. We may already know this relationship, but if thoughts are the fundamental building blocks of our life, we need to be constantly aware of three aspects of our thoughts – the quality, quantity, and direction of our thoughts.

We may be engaged in what we need to do, but the question is, what emotions are we approaching it with? If we operate with fear, anger, jealousy, selfishness or any negative emotion, we will harbour pain and discontent. But if we approach things with enthusiasm, inspiration, and positivity, not only do we stand a better chance in achieving our goals, we are able to maintain our calm even through chaos. The quality of our thoughts impacts the quality of our life.

Are we able to stay with a single thought for a length of time and go deep in our thinking, or are we harbouring too many thoughts and shifting our attention constantly? The mind is nothing but a flow of thoughts. If we are not aware, our mind will start chasing several thoughts and we soon find our mind wandering and losing focus. Reducing the quantity of thoughts enhances the quality of our life.

Most importantly, where are our thoughts directed? If we are not aware and in control, our thoughts will pull us in all directions taking us away from our goal and purpose. And even when we are applying ourselves in working towards our goal, are our thoughts directed to the purpose and the impact we can create, or are they directed towards feeding our ego? Thoughts in the right direction put life on the right path.

With the direction of our thoughts, we become aware of ‘why’ we are doing things. With the quantity of our thoughts, we become aware of ‘what’ we are doing. With the quality of our thoughts, we become aware of ‘how’ we are doing things.

When we are agitated, find ourselves struggling, feel out of sync, or are unable to understand what is bothering us, we don’t need to look far. We just need to take a momentary pause and relook at the quality, quantity and direction of our thoughts. We will get our answer.

(Picture-Rays of the setting sun peeping into our garden)