At some point, we realize that thoughts are…. thoughts. They contain no final or absolute truth. They are tools. They are here to help us orient and function in the world.
As we mature in that realization, we learn to function in the embrace of knowing that thoughts are thoughts while also using them as guides.
One way that works pretty well is to…..
Use consensus reality thoughts as general guide in everyday life, unless there are good reasons not to. This is especially helpful when we interact with people and in our work…!
Use maps that fit with our deeper experience of reality, perhaps similar to what is found in some spiritual traditions.
Use overarching maps of maps found in, for instance, integral models such as the AQAL model of Ken Wilber.
Use kindess as a guide. Use big picture views and long term perspectives as a guide.
Know that our experience, our choice of views, and the views themselves are inherently biased. They are the product of the whole history and evolution of the universe up to this point. They each have innumerable causes stretching back to the beginning of the universe.
Use the maps, views, and orientations with some fluidity, receptivity, and humility. Knowing that with more experience and maturity, we’ll find other ones that make more sense to us.
And there is always further to go. What I outlined here is pretty basic and a first step.