Headspace | Meditation Tips | Understanding Dark Thoughts

Sometimes thoughts arise that we might not like. They could be angry, exciting or just plain inappropriate. Meditation teaches us to sit with our thoughts, whatever they are. And in doing so we become more acceptant of ourselves, and maybe of others too.

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[matthatter]

Such a simple cartoon, but such a serious topic. My dark thoughts make me feel idiotic and make me angry at those thoughts, and furious with myself for even having them. But you're saying don't give them any attention, including anger, fear, or judgment. That's brilliant! Thank you deeply.

[Dornatum]

This ad is a godsend. I swear i thought i was going crazy this past month. I keep falling into the same daydreams where Im performing so much violence. Just last night, some of that madness came out and i said something unforgivable.

I need this.

[SCWood]

This ad was more interesting than the video I was going to watch.

[jandelacruz]

"We are not our thoughts"
Shit, i cant believe 5 words just changed all the perspective I had about me.

I guess..

[jonaharbet]

These videos are actually extremely helpful, I can honestly say that the concepts you mention are making an impact on my life. I love this one. Thank you 🙏

[yticalz]

This really helped comfort me. I have intrusive thoughts and sometimes, it made me feel disgusting, like a sociopath, or even a psycho but knowing that this is completely normal — makes me truly happy! This was very helpful.

[mekman]

*“We are not our thoughts!”*

Yes! Thank you! I learned this so long ago, it’s extremely helpful in becoming mindful.

That knowledge is pretty indispensable.

[fidangyang]

"Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water." - Bruce Lee

[victoriapeay]

All this time I thought I was some sociopath :/

[jessefranco]

This specific video made me feel so happy and so calm. These negative thoughts had a very big and negative impact on my life before now and I’m just happy to be in a better place.

[carolynm]

Thank you for posting I have PTSD and this really resignates with me. I love headspace !

[powderedwater]

I have OCD and these intrusive thoughts are a big part of it. But they happen at ANY given time.

[navyachauhan]

In addition to this, there's something I read a long while ago that really resonated with me. Its that you're not defined by your first thought, but your second one.
Basically, your first thought is what your brain has been conditioned to think and the second one is the more rational, and truer observation. I don't know how true the science of it is but it makes me look at myself with a little more kindness.

[joelsweeney]

oh man... i cant say how much this video levels with me, i recently started analyising dark thoughts that would occasionally pop up, and knowing anxiety; making it worse.

[Lavendeer]

I struggle a lot with intrusive thoughts and they've put me down and made me feel like a monster for so long to the point where I needed to be sent to counseling. I wish headspace had meditations specifically for intrusive thoughts :(. It could help those who actually need it a lot

[eddington]

I thought i was the only one that thought i was a terrible person for thinking these dark thought but i saw this on a youtube ad and it really opened my mind and showed me im not the only one who experiences that, thank you.

[thetexmexking]

This 1 minute and 30 second video changed my perspective on my dark thoughts in a way I've never thought before. I always felt sort of anger and shame for thinking dark thoughts but as he says "We are not our thoughts." Thank you headspace for giving me a new perspective on this. 💝

[Koops]

O wow, this one helped me out more than others: no one has ever brought up this topic with me before~

[cygnusvideo]

Absolutely brilliant. The little character in the zipper mask made me laugh so hard. You guys are great at illustration and analogy and it helps so much. Thanks Andy & co.!

[emmalin]

i have very bad OCD, and it took me 7 years of thinking i was insane before i got a diagnosis. i wish people knew that bad thoughts are normal and don’t make you a bad person. i think this should be taught in school