Reginald and John only
Same Situation, Different Reaction
(For a refresher, click here).
Today we are going to take a deeper dive into the cognitive diamond to look at how our THOUGHTS and FEELINGS can influence our ACTIONS, which can lead to positive or negative consequences.
Things that happen to us
Situations we are in
Other peoples' actions.
However, what the cognitive diamond can show us is that our feelings and actions are usually determined, or at the very least, heavily influenced, by our thoughts - what we are telling ourselves about the situation.
The example below will demonstrate this point.
You and your friend go to a store to get some snacks. You wait outside while your friend goes in to get the snacks. While you are waiting outside, a group of guys that you don’t know come up to you and begin to talk to you.
Below are 5 fictional characters who all experience the situation above.
However, as you will see, they all have different thoughts and feelings about the situation.
Thoughts:
"If they don't leave me alone, I'm gonna hurt them."
Feelings:
Angry, Aggressive
Body Sensations
Hot, balled fists
Thoughts:
"They're gonna try and snake me and jump me."
Feelings:
Nervous, Worried
Body Sensations
Heart racing, chest tight
Thoughts:
"I don't know what they're on. Lemme see what's up."
Feelings:
Cautious, Watchful
Body Sensations:
A little jittery
Thoughts:
"Why does this always happen to me? There must be something wrong with me."
Feelings:
Ashamed, Depressed
Body Sensations:
Heavy
Thoughts:
"They're not really on nothing. I'm cool, I'll be straight."
Feelings:
Calm, Cool
Body Sensations:
Relaxed