Unquestioned beliefs are major sources of unhappiness. Skepticism towards thoughts opens possibilities for reducing suffering. The simple word 'really' can effectively interrupt negative thoughts, acting as a tool for stress reduction. In counseling, one partner's complaints can shift dramatically when the other responds with curiosity. This word is powerful when used in a context of surprise or doubt. Practicing this on oneself encourages a new perspective on troubling thoughts and beliefs.
"There is only one cause of unhappiness: the false beliefs you have in your head, beliefs so widespread, so commonly held, that it never occurs to you to question them." — Anthony de Mello
There is a powerful word that, when used with sincere curiosity, acts like a magic eraser of unwanted thoughts. You have almost certainly uttered this word when addressing the ideas of others.
The powers of this simple word are based in both its simplicity and its place in our culture's current lexicon. It is when it is used as an exclamation of surprise or doubt that its usefulness really shines.
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