Your Mind as a Functioning Newspaper

The constant flow of stories.

Arbour therapists recognize that we have as much to learn from our clients as they do from us. In this article, one of our clients shares their insight about the stories we generate, edit, and publish, in ways that are similar to a newspaper.

The Job of Your Mind

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Are you aware that your waking mind is constantly generating stories? If so, it’s helpful to remember that this is the job of your mind: to try to explain and rationalize events that are occurring in your life. The mind hates a vacuum and seeks to fill the abyss with stories. These stories are often generated by struggles, wounds, and memories.

Examples of Stories We Tell Ourselves

For example, you might find this coming up: “Why does this keep happening to me?” “I’m not good at managing people in the workplace,” “I always screw up when someone questions and doubts me.” Sometimes, stories are much darker than that - or annoyingly trivial. Perhaps there are new stories arising, such as “This guy just doesn’t like me” or “I think I need to make a massive change in my life because this isn’t working.”

How do we know what to do with these stories? 

Meditation and Mindfulness

Perhaps you have taken up meditation in the hopes of quieting those stories, but you may be frustrated to realize that the mind continues dreaming up its stories. The job of the meditator, and indeed the practice of meditation is to notice the stories and pull your mind back, as you would with a rambunctious puppy, to the focal point - your breath or an external object. But the stories keep coming.

There can be a pause, while an Editor (a Higher Self or a Wise Adult) evaluates those humming stories and decides whether or not to let some go.

The Reporter’s Role in Your Mind

If you have noticed this, perhaps you can relate to this image. Think of a reporter from a 1950’s film - eager to jump onto a lead, and run with it? Perhaps they have a slightly dishevelled look from slaving over a hot typewriter (generating stories is hard work!) or the reporter is standing in the doorway of the office of the Editor with a pen and notebook in hand. This reporter is keen to advance their career and is hyper-alert to anything resembling a story.

The Editor’s Discerning Eye

You might then imagine The Editor, looking over the top of her glasses with some openness and some degree of skepticism. They have to consider whether or not there is evidence that this story is true, and whether or not this story lines up with the message of that particular publication. Is this story going to feed negativity and fear, or is there something positive and potentially fruitful about this story? Is there value in this story?

The Hierarchy of Your Mind’s Newspaper

Going a little deeper. think of the mind as a functioning newspaper publication with hierarchies consisting of reporters, an editor and a publisher. The old stories generated by the reporter are humming along in the background and some of them may have been present for a very long time. For our purposes, it’s probably best to concentrate on thinking of one reporter. They are a dogged, persistent, hard worker.

Is Your Mind a Cheap Rag or a Distinguished Journalistic Venture?

To further develop the analogy, a functioning newspaper business has a well-developed hierarchy: the Publisher or owner of the newspaper decides the overall colour of all aspects of the business. For instance, does this newspaper have a gossip column? Am I that kind of newspaper? Is there a Classified ad section where I can clearly state my wants and needs or release, get rid of, or sell the “stuff” I no longer want? “Stuff” can be material goods or just old baggage that can be let go of. 

What about editorials, which may appear separately from my news stories? Is there value in recognizing that what I’m thinking is just an opinion and not necessarily cold hard fact? Would there be a Letters to the Editor section where others can express their thoughts and opinions and am I open to feedback from others? Is my mind a cheap rag or a distinguished journalistic venture, seeking the truth? 

Embracing the Role of Editor in Your Own Story

Possibly, this system might appeal to you and could be used as a guide for your actions. The investigative reporter is merely doing his job, but those stories can be looked at and questioned. Maybe those stories kept us safe for a while, but we don’t need to run with all the stories that are generated.  There can be a pause, while an Editor (a Higher Self or a Wise Adult) evaluates those humming stories and decides whether or not to let some go.

Our Clients Teach Us

We learn as much from our clients as they do from us.  This article was written by a current or former client of Arbour who gave us permission to publish it on our blog.  We are sharing that wisdom and insight for you to enjoy.  To protect confidentiality, the author's name is not revealed.

If you're looking for more tools to manage your thoughts, visit The Center for Self-Compassion, or explore the benefits of journaling with Penzu.

Learn more about how our brains create and maintain patterns of thinking in How to Manage Negative Thoughts.

For more on meditation benefits, check out Psychology Today’s article on How Meditation Works.

Want to explore meditation? Headspace and Calm offer guided sessions to help you with mindfulness.

Frequently Asked Questions.

1. What does it mean to think of my mind as a "newspaper"?

Your mind, like a newspaper, constantly generates stories. You can edit, challenge, or discard these stories to create a healthier internal narrative.

2. Why is my mind always generating stories?

Your mind creates stories to make sense of experiences and fill gaps when faced with uncertainty.

3. How can I stop my mind from creating negative or harmful stories?

Practice mindfulness and meditation to observe your thoughts without judgment and let go of harmful stories. Platforms like Headspace can help you.

4. What role does the "Editor" play in managing my thoughts?

The Editor represents your Higher Self, helping you evaluate which stories are worth keeping and which should be discarded.

5. How can I identify which stories are helpful and which are harmful?

Helpful stories align with your values and growth, while harmful ones reinforce negativity. Use mindfulness to assess them.

6. What can I do when I feel overwhelmed by the constant flow of thoughts?

Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing or journaling to regain control over overwhelming thoughts.

7. What does it mean to be the "Publisher" of my own mind?

As the Publisher, you decide the tone and direction of your internal narrative, focusing on stories that serve you.

8. How do I practice mindfulness to control the stories in my mind?

Mindfulness helps you observe your thoughts without reacting. Regular practice through Calm or Headspace lets you detach from unhelpful stories.

9. Can journaling help me manage the stories in my mind?

Yes, journaling helps you process thoughts, identify patterns, and challenge negative narratives.

Start journaling with Penzu

10. What should I do if the stories in my mind are keeping me stuck?

Seek therapy from any of the Arbour therapists to help reframe negative stories and regain control over your thoughts. Get in touch with us now.