Your Are Not Your Thoughts
August 5, 2025
Hello, Friend,
This past month at Strong Heart, we explored a subtle but powerful shift:
How to work with the thought mind—rather than getting swept away by it.
We didn’t try to silence our thoughts.
We didn’t try to fix them.
Instead, we practiced noticing them—gently, curiously—while remembering:
I am not my thoughts
We explored how the thinking mind is not the enemy.
It’s just one part of us.
Sometimes helpful. Sometimes harsh. Sometimes just noisy.
Through breathwork, awareness, and attention training, we began to create space.
Space between us and the thoughts that arise.
A space where choice can return.
A space where stillness can be felt.
Before I share a few practices to support working with the thought mind, a quick note as you begin…
🌱 Practicing Gently
Working with the thought mind can be powerful—and sometimes tender.
If a thought arises that feels too difficult to witness or release, it’s absolutely okay to pause.
Shift your attention to something grounding:
a few slow breaths, a hand on your heart, or simply resting in silence.
If you're navigating a diagnosed mental health condition, please consult with a qualified mental health professional before beginning meditation or mindfulness-based practices.
This practice is here to support—not to strain.
You know yourself best. Please move gently, and do what feels safe for you.
🧘♀️ A Practice for You
Not Every Thought Needs Our Attention
Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and follow your breath.
When a thought arises, silently say: “Not now” or “Let it pass”
Then gently return to your breath or the feeling of support beneath you.
Let this be just that—a practice. Not something to get right, but something to return to. We’ll build on it together, one quiet moment at a time.
✨ Tip: Try this practice sitting upright or lying down in a quiet space. Let your shoulders soften and give yourself permission to slow down.
🎵 Sound Meditation
River of Thoughts by Sharon West
Each month inside the community, composer Sharon West (Dusty Dreams Music) creates original music inspired by our theme and specially for us.
Sharon composed River of Thoughts with a specific image in mind:
“I was thinking of a lazy, warm summer day by the banks of a cooling river, sitting under a tree and just enjoying nature… letting those pesky thoughts go flowing by. Clearing your mind, and just enjoying life.”
Let this imagery guide your listening. There’s nothing to fix or figure out—just the sound of the river, the space of stillness, and your presence in the middle of it.
When a thought arises, notice, release it into the river, and then return to the music and the image of a cooling river.
It’s not always easy.
When the mind is busy, it can feel like real work to detach and release.
But that’s the quiet skill we’re building here—
learning to notice, to witness, and to gently let go.
Sharon has offered a short version of the track to share with you here:
Let the music be your focal point
✨ Tip: Listen with headphones if you can.
🌿 As You Head Into August…
Whether you’ve been exploring these practices for a while—or are just now beginning to notice your relationship with your thoughts—there’s space for you here.
You don’t need to rush.
You don’t need to figure anything out.
Just take a quiet moment to breathe.
Let your awareness soften.
And see what shifts when you give yourself even a little space from the thought mind.
A new month is unfolding.
We’ll be here—ready with the next invitation—when you are.
With care,
Pam
Founder, Strong Heart Wellness
Curator of Stillness, Calm & Presence
P.S. If you ever want to explore these ideas and practices more deeply, I’d love to welcome you into the Strong Heart Community—a private, subscription-based space where we practice calm together, one intentional rhythm at a time.
✨ Special introductory pricing is available for a limited time as we continue to grow.
👉 Learn more here
P.P.S. Know someone who might appreciate a little more stillness and calm in their life? Feel free to forward this email to them. A soft invitation can go a long way.