Struggling with thoughts - acedia

Words and philosophy combine to make some of the most engaging reading. A recent post explored a not so new malaise - Struggling with a 'bad thought' - focusing on the term - acedia and its destructive impact on community and individuals.

The author describes in almost Packer-like terms how to dispel bad thoughts.

"A method that was recommended by a Christian monk in the fourth century, and is also a technique employed in current cognitive behavioral therapy, is to "think about your thoughts." When anger comes, or acedia, examine it dispassionately and try to figure out where it is leading you.

There is no blame attached to having a "bad thought," because they come to everyone. But we do have some choice in how we respond to them."

In the case of acedia it deals with disengagement to the extreme that can manifest itself in several non-productive ways. I found the article, by Kathleen Norris both engaging and insightful and an all too common concern.