Many people assume that using their mental rehearsal and overthinking that they are being responsible. We assume that when a though returns, that something is missed or unresolved. But, mental rehearsal is rarely about widsom, but more about a habit.
Mental Rehearsal
When outcomes are unpredictable or safety is felt conditional, the mind has learned to stay alert by replaying scenarios, conversation, and decisions over and over. With time, rehearsing this can persist even when the conditions that you thought required it no longer exist. Mental rehearsal develops an environment where vigilance is necessary.
This I practiced for far too long until a change was required. I was so miserable reeling in the thought of the past and future. I kept wondering what I could have done differently. Thinking about scenarious, times I could do nothing about, and tried to change the outcome in my mind. I thought I was justifying how I would feel differently. But that did not help me or my thinking. This actually cause my depression – well, that and needing nutrients from some supplements that I was laking – but really, it stemmed from my thinking.
So, be experience, I know, this is not about overthinking. Overthinking gets you nowhere.
This is about mistaking repetition for discernment, planning or wisdom.
True reflection moves us toward clarity and gives us resolutions. Mental rehearsal only loops us around and around with progress. This drains our energy and can erode our confidence. Often, if feels responsible, even on the spiritual level, but it often lacks peace.
Renew Your Mind
The Bible instructs us to renew our minds. For example, in 2 Corinthians 10:5, it states “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (NIV)
One of the clearest indicators is the body.
For women, rebuilding trust in their own mind, especially after seasons of emotional strain or relationship instability, mental rehearsal can feel like something we must do. Letting go of it all can feel so unsafe and irresponsible. Maturity in thought, however, is not measured by how much we think, but on the quality of thought and that means knowing when to stop thinking about it. By knowing when the mental rehearsal is hurting you and not helping you.
Disengaging from all of the mental rehearsing of thought is not about controlling your thoughts. This I have tried many times. However, one can withdrawal from thought, conscientiously. By being aware of your thoughts and deciding to withdrawal from patterns you no longer wish to engage with, those that no longer serve you or speak truth.
Renewing your mind happens here.
Not through “more effort”, but through wiser engagement.
Here is a thought to help you. When you recognize that your thinking pattern has become just that, a pattern, choose to think about something else. Ahead of time, choose something that you want to renew your mind about. Stop yourself when you recognize the overthinking and choose to think about what you want to think about.
An example of this for me is, when I recognize that I am overthinking all about my work day, I stop and remind myself what I really want to be thinking on. I have made a choice of many things; the Word, my future, ways to change my house, and how to better connect with my family and friends. I have chosen things, in the summer, on how to give better gifts for the coming season. And, I even ask myself, who do I want to become in the next season of life. All good things to think about.
You may even want to consider the mental rehearsal of memorizing some good intentions, good quotes, good scripture, or good declarations. (Side note, if you are looking for some good declarations, you can find some free resources that I’ve put together at linktr.ee/rhondalamourex
I write a weekly devotional letter focused on renewing the mind through formation. If a steady rhythm of practice would support you, you can read along here: renewedmindrootedheart.substack.com
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