Recognizing thoughts as just thoughts reduces their power.

Evidence

After all my reading about the empty nattering of the ego, I realized: These fearful forecasts were just thoughts skittering through my head. … It’s not that my worry suddenly ceased, I just wasn’t as taken in by it. — Dan Harris, 10 percent Happier, 295

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Dan Harris, 10 percent Happier, 295
• XREF: connects to: Thoughts can influence moods and behaviors throughout the day. — Dan Harris, 10 percent Happier, 722; Choiceless awareness allows one to observe thoughts without judgment. — Dan Harris, 10 percent Happier, 710; Mindfulness allows for thoughtful responses instead of mindless reactions. — Dan Harris, 10 percent Happier, 1132 (+11 more)

Library Connections

• Mindfulness alters perception of intrusive thoughts. #corroborates (0.90) — Dan Harris, 10 percent Happier, 564
• Mindfulness allows for nonjudgmental observation of thoughts. #expands (0.85) — Dan Harris, 10 percent Happier, 513

Broader Connections

• Perspective shifts can transform fear into relief. #exemplifies (0.70) — Leo Tolstoy, A Confession, 221