External reality : objective facts

 

Not admitting the truth to oneself, but modifying or changing it to fit 

our ideas and our view of ourselves and the world can be at the root of 

mental illness. 

It might be convenient at the given time, that is why we do it, but in the 

long term it is damaging.  

On the other hand, being manipulated or bullied into admitting something that is 

not true, but somebody else's opinion and which serves them and not you,

is equally sick. 


This is why we as Catholics are called to avoid interpretations (judgements), 

to always only stick to facts and never to add our own subjective impressions.


But of course it might be that the objective facts that we present might in themselves 

be interpreted as judgements by others, but that is their problem, not ours, 

we must only adhere to facts.

 

It is also important to take control of our thoughts, our imagination, our memories.

 

For example, if we have confessed a sin to a Catholic priest and  have

received absolution, we should never again dwell on it. God has forgiven it, 

He has also forgotten it, and we must do the same.

If we do not, we might be engaging in destructive self indulgence.

 

In a therapeutic setting; talking about our feelings as they are really felt, describes 

facts inside a person, it is real, it is true, but only to the person, it is subjective.  

As for our imagination; it is an amazing tool, but it ought to be used effectively and 

correctly, with discipline.  


 

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