--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This watchfulness also applies to our…" description: "\"“This watchfulness also applies to our tendency to add thought upon thought upon thought. We notice, for example, our anger and how it is quickly follo..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d5e/martin-laird-32438_thoughts-and-feeling_this-watchfulness-also-applies-to-our-te_2060732.jpg" --- # This watchfulness also applies to our tendency to add… ![“This watchfulness also applies to our tendency to add thought upon thought upon thought. We notice, for example, our anger and how it is quickly followed by another thought that judges it: “I should not be having this angry thought” or “after all these years I still can’t let go of my anger” or “I…” quote by Martin Laird](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d5e/martin-laird-32438_thoughts-and-feeling_this-watchfulness-also-applies-to-our-te_2060732.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d5e/martin-laird-32438_thoughts-and-feeling_this-watchfulness-also-applies-to-our-te_2060732.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d5e/martin-laird-32438_thoughts-and-feeling_this-watchfulness-also-applies-to-our-te_2060732.jpg) > ““This watchfulness also applies to our tendency to add thought upon thought upon thought. We notice, for example, our anger and how it is quickly followed by another thought that judges it: “I should not be having this angry thought” or “after all these years I still can’t let go of my anger” or “I thought I dealt with this years ago.” This aggregate of thoughts must also be observed, and we must each see for ourselves that part of the reason we can’t let go is that we whip these thoughts and feelings into a great drama that we watch over and over again. It is not a question of having only acceptable thoughts, but of thoughts thoroughly observed as they appear and disappear in awareness. No thought or feeling should appear in the valley of awareness unobserved.”” [Martin Laird](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-laird/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Observing thoughts without judgment reveals that we create drama by repeatedly replaying them, preventing release. **In simple terms:** Watch thoughts without judging to stop mental drama. Key Takeaway Observe thoughts, let them pass. Themes mindfulness self‑awareness thought patterns emotional regulation Mood calm introspective Type inspirational practical When to use this quote - stress management - meditation - therapy sessions - conflict resolution Key Concepts psychology cognitive therapy consciousness Questions to Reflect On - What recurring thought patterns create drama for you? - How can you stay present when emotions surge? 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