H.A.L.T. = Hungary - Angry - Lonely- Tired
As we become more mindful of ourselves and our surroundings it is important to identify the 'triggers' of emotional stress. Hungary, Angry, Lonely and Tired, these are the most common triggers in human beings the world over. Often times these triggers may be causing stress related behaviors which reinforce the emotional stress causing a positive feedback loop.
Wikipedia says:
Positive feedback is a process that occurs in a feedback loop in which the effects of a small disturbance on a system include an increase in the magnitude of the perturbation. That is, A produces more of B which in turn produces more of A. In contrast, a system in which the results of a change act to reduce or counteract it has negative feedback. Both concepts play an important role in science and engineering, including biology, chemistry, and cybernetics.
Positive feedback is a process that occurs in a feedback loop in which the effects of a small disturbance on a system include an increase in the magnitude of the perturbation. That is, A produces more of B which in turn produces more of A. In contrast, a system in which the results of a change act to reduce or counteract it has negative feedback. Both concepts play an important role in science and engineering, including biology, chemistry, and cybernetics.
A negative thought spiral is actually a positive feedback loop because a little bad thought causes more little bad thoughts causes more bigger bad thoughts etc. So 'positive' is only referring to the direction of disturbance as increasing. Most of us realize that bad thoughts beget bad thoughts but this also works with good thoughts. This is important for those of us who can get down and 'beat ourselves up' over all manner of things large and small.
Understanding how feedback loops work can help one to tune in and alter the patterns to prevent downward thought spirals or worse. Once you can recognize what is happening you have more power over the choices that are made. This is a skill, something that must be practiced to gain proficiency at. To change inner emotional programs that have been running for years or decades, persistence is absolutely necessary. The goal here is control and understanding of our emotions and how to master ourselves. No other endeavor is so important as the cultivation of your own soul and being.
Feedback loops and triggers are found in nature at all levels and our inner ecosystem is no different. Just like moving the body more creates more energy and more desire to move, thoughts can be cultivated the same way. If it seems difficult to control your thoughts then this is a good indication that progress may be made there by actively being mindful and aware of triggers and feedback loops.
Understanding how feedback loops work can help one to tune in and alter the patterns to prevent downward thought spirals or worse. Once you can recognize what is happening you have more power over the choices that are made. This is a skill, something that must be practiced to gain proficiency at. To change inner emotional programs that have been running for years or decades, persistence is absolutely necessary. The goal here is control and understanding of our emotions and how to master ourselves. No other endeavor is so important as the cultivation of your own soul and being.
Feedback loops and triggers are found in nature at all levels and our inner ecosystem is no different. Just like moving the body more creates more energy and more desire to move, thoughts can be cultivated the same way. If it seems difficult to control your thoughts then this is a good indication that progress may be made there by actively being mindful and aware of triggers and feedback loops.
