Category: Wordery

Seven Tenses of Thought

A simple guide for thoughts that steal us from the now.

The Seven Tenses of Thought is a theory (not really) that provides a framework for understanding the different ways our minds process and engage with our experiences, memories, and emotions. By classifying our thoughts into seven distinct categories (tenses), we can better understand ourselves and learn to manage our thinking patterns for a more balanced and fulfilling life. This guide will explore each state of thought and provide practical tips on how to utilize them for personal growth.

Tenses of Thought
FUTURE BAD FEAR Paralysis via negativity
FUTURE FUTILE HOPING Wishes without planning
FUTURE GOOD PLANNING Making use of info
NOW IN THE MOMENT Present and alert
PAST GOOD EXPERIENCE Informed by past
PAST FUTILE NOSTALGIA Hoping for the past
PAST BAD REGRET Lost in past loss

IN The MOment (Now)

Description: Being in the moment, also known as mindfulness or present-moment awareness, is the state of focusing on the here and now, without judgment or distraction.

Benefits: This state of thought promotes relaxation, mental clarity, and a greater appreciation for life’s experiences. It can also reduce stress and anxiety, and increase overall well-being.

Tips for practice: Cultivate mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in activities that require your full attention, such as painting or playing a musical instrument.

PLanning (FUture good)

Description: Future good is the state of thought that involves constructive and purposeful planning for the future.

Benefits: Planning can help you achieve your goals, improve time management, and reduce stress by providing a clear path forward.

Tips for practice: Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals, break them down into smaller tasks, and regularly review your progress. Utilize tools such as calendars, to-do lists, and productivity apps to stay organized.

Experience (past good)

Description: Past good is the state of thought that involves learning from previous positive experiences and using them to inform future decisions.

Benefits: Reflecting on past experiences can lead to personal growth, increased self-awareness, and the development of valuable skills.

Tips for practice: Regularly review your past accomplishments and consider how they have contributed to your personal growth. Apply lessons learned to future endeavors.

HOPing (Future Useless)

Description: Future useless is the state of thought characterized by passive and unrealistic expectations for the future without taking action.

Drawbacks: Excessive hoping can lead to disappointment, inaction, and an inability to cope with life’s challenges.

Tips for balance: Transform hope into action by setting clear goals and taking concrete steps to achieve them. Focus on what you can control and let go of unrealistic expectations.

Nostalgia (Past Useless)

Description: Past useless is the state of thought characterized by excessive longing for the past, often idealizing it over the present.

Drawbacks: Nostalgia can lead to dissatisfaction with the present and hinder personal growth.

Tips for balance: Acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your past, but stay focused on the present and future. Set new goals and strive for growth in all areas of your life.

Fearing (future bad)

Description: Future bad is the state of thought dominated by anxiety and worry about potential negative outcomes.

Drawbacks: Fear can lead to stress, inaction, and poor decision-making.

Tips for balance: Practice cognitive restructuring techniques to challenge irrational fears, seek professional help if necessary, and engage in relaxation practices such as meditation or yoga.

Regret (past bad)

Description: Past bad is the state of thought that involves dwelling on past mistakes, missed opportunities, and negative experiences.

Drawbacks: Regret can lead to self-blame, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth.

Tips for balance: Accept and learn from your past mistakes, practice self-forgiveness, and focus on making positive changes in the present.

Conclusion:

Understanding the Seven Tenses of Thought can empower you to take control of your thinking patterns and cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life. By recognizing and managing these different states, you can harness the power of present-moment awareness, effectively plan for the future, learn from your past experiences, and maintain a balanced perspective on life. Remember, it’s normal to fluctuate between these states of thought, but the goal is to avoid getting stuck in any one state for too long, especially those that may have negative implications.

Professional Day

Dear Waterloo Public Library,

It has come to my attention that your downtown branch is closed today for a professional day. Professional days are great. May I suggest adding some basic communication skills your next professional day. 1) update your webpage hours and location to include the closure. 2) update the google of your closure. 3) put your “we are closed today” sign on the entrance door, not buried amongst 7 other identically shaped public announcements.

It was a lovely day so I decided to sit on a bench and try and get some work done on the intertubes. As I came to realize that your wireless access point was not operational today (even wifi router’s need professional days) about a dozen peeps came, tried the doors and left. Some of these folks were not that mobile. For them the simple act of switching from inside to outside drop off was a challenge. So don’t worry about grumpy old men like me. Consider improving your communications skills for the mobility challenged.

 

Yours

Me.

 

 

Let Grace Hopper Grace the Ten Spot

Dear America (United State of),

As a humble neighbour from the North I wish for you to consider placing Grace Hopper on your upcoming ten dollar bill. Your Commander in Chief, Barack Obama, has suggested that the new ten spot sport the face of a woman. Who has had more of an impact on the world than the “inventor of programming” Grace Hopper? For those of us who are not in the knowledge sphere of geekdom Grace Hopper invented the compiler. The compiler is the thing that made natural programming languages possible. She is one of the giants that all of your wonderful tech industries stand on the shoulder of. That includes Google, Apple and Facebook. It does not include Ashley Madison, which is a Canadian Company.

In a recent discussion group, comprised mostly of rich white men, many suggestions were made who should  be on the ten dollar bill. One of those rich white men suggested Margaret Thatcher. Speaking from a Canadian perspective, we have tried having a famous English woman on our currency and it has not helped us very much.

Photo Credit: Dorthea Lange
Photo Credit: Dorthea Lange

There have been lots of wonderful other suggestions for women to be put on the ten dollar bill. However there is one reason for Grace Hopper to be on the 10 dollar bill and all those other amazing women should be put on other bills. Ten is also a binary number. So Grace Hopper could be on the 10 which is 2 in binary. Nothing more apt that than putting the most influential woman programmer in history on your binary 10 dollar bill.

Yours Truly,

Me.

 

Links:

 

 

A Simplified Guide to the Ontario Provincial Election 2011

Conservatives – Assholes
Composed of rich assholes, fundamentalist assholes and bigoted assholes.

 

Liberals – Entitled
Composed of rich assholes too chicken to be Conservatives, Catholics, and middle managers.

 

New Democrats – Emos
Composed of assholes too poor to be Liberals, the five remaining middle class families, and the last two union leaders.

 

Greens – Naive 
Composed of the terminally unique, the magical thinkers, and those too disorganized to join the NDP.

 

All others – Insane
Composed of anti-social cultists following assholes with delusions of relevance.

 

This is the most accessible election in Canadian history. Please get involved. Vote Early. Vote Often. Elections Ontario