Beyond Thoughts: An Exploration of Who We Are Beyond Our Minds

by Joseph Nguyen

‘Beyond Thoughts’ is a poetry collection that explores the root cause of anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, negative thinking, and emotional suffering to help you heal. This book will take you on a beautiful journey of self-discovery, self- love, happiness, hope, and deep healing to help you find inner peace in a simple, yet profound way. Here’s what you’ll How to let go of negative thinking, anxiety, guilt, and shame How to hold space for yourself and all emotions so that you are less affected by them How to heal from the past and let go of the fear of the future How to end the vicious cycle of self-judgment How to love yourself and others unconditionally How to find yourself and discover who you truly are How to let go of self-limiting beliefs How to find happiness and peace in the present moment no matter what you are going through How to trust yourself and develop strength, confidence, and courage in yourself again How to become conscious of the subconscious, so that it stops controlling you and you can finally be liberated How to not only be okay in the unknown, but to thrive in it to create an abundant life filled with love and joy There is something within you that is greater than everything you’ve ever been through. There is a deep part of you that knows this, which is what drew you here. Beyond everything you think is your true essence that has been patiently waiting to be discovered. Welcome home.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality, Psychology, Philosophy, Mental Health

188 pages, Paperback

Published May 25, 2023

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aphorisms (not really poetry)… some handy reminders. But you’d prob do better reading Buddhism, Advaita, et. al.

[Marwan Elnakeeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

This is a book for every overthinker out there struggling with their own anxieties, expectations, and fulfillment. The brevity of the book is its most powerful quality. It's as if the author strums the chords of a musical instrument that can only be heard by your soul. For maximum enjoyment, I suggest you do as I did and listen to it in the absolute quiet of night especially if you can take a walk outside or sit somewhere where the night breeze washes your face as the words cleanse your spirit with the gentle caressing of kind truths. Again, beautiful.

[Radhika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought Provoking

[Hannah Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

not my usual read, but really enjoyed going through this with my husband! lots of really interesting thoughts/concepts to chew on that sparked great conversation!

[Pravallika Mandapalli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy Beyond Thoughts at all
....it’s marketed as poetry, but most of it reads like scattered quotes stretched into a book. Nothing felt original or moving, just recycled self-help lines..

[ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

it wasn't bad but it wasn't that great either. I tabbed 7 poems. this type of poetry I feel like is common today. such short poems. there's nothing bad about that I've just read better poetry books. I'll share some things I liked.

"have you ever noticed
behind what you fear
is what you want most?

(fear is the path)"- pg 75


"how long are you going to keep holding on
to the story you don't want to keep reliving?" -pg 97


"it's time to free yourself
from the prison of the past
and the fear of the future" -pg 100

(third stanza. these 3 lines made me shed a few tears because of how relatable it was. I struggle with a lot of what this was talking about.idk how to free myself from it.)


"without expectation
for how things should be

there is no longer frustration
with how things are" -pg 119


there are 4 poems I tabbed.

[Ashok Krishna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing year of reading with some truly wonderful books being added to my home library and this is one of them.

Insightful nuggets that are on par with Zen koans in terms of their depth and wisdom. How to let go of thoughts is what Joseph Nguyen keeps insisting on every work of his and this book is a complete lesson on letting go of thoughts and mental conditions in order to live freely.

Worthy of being gifted to every young soul that you'd ever come across. ♥️

[Laura Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

had a definite book hangover after the measure, so broke up longer books with this short poetry style one. loved each one of the sentiments on these pages and will definitely be recommending to those on a self love journey!

a 150ish page poetry style/self help/discovery book focusing on how we are beyond our thoughts and minds. really good and thought provoking, and a quick read. 5/5

[Leigha · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a few poems that were thought provoking; made me lean back and wonder. While this book is not “one size fits all”, I feel that SOME of the ideas and concepts could be beneficial for someone who suffers from anxiety, shame, or guilt. It’s a novice start for a path to self healing.

[~ kay ~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

3am thoughts of a 9th grader

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal writing that continues to make me reflect introspectively.

[Misse Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Thoughts is a further exploration of Nguyen's first book in the Beyond Suffering series, Don't Believe Everything You Think. A poetry collection, it addresses the root cause of suffering, depression, anxiety, shame, and negative thinking.

The poems here serve as loud reminders of how to overcome these things. I especially appreciate how there is time spent on how to be okay in the unknown, liminal space. Many of the themes were covered in the first book but I still like this. It reads like a companion piece.

[Yel Baldemor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and interesting views about
Attachment, letting go of thoughts, deep questions of life, being, creationg, attachment.

[Ary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good poetry book, it makes you think a lot, i loved it

[Brianna Ramos · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wild that the whole book puts an “emphasis” (I say that lightly because the poems are extremely surface level) on living life beyond the thoughts in your brain…. only for the second to last poem to be:

“what we do not question controls us

what we question
frees us”

… i thought we were supposed to stop thinking and start being? wouldn’t that mean I shouldn’t be questioning everything?

Disappointing. Very tik-tok mental health coded.

[TC Moreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book, speaks to the mind.

I'm not one to tell you all about the book but I will
say it's a wonderful and knowledgeable book. It gives you the tools to open the mind.

[Danét Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. I resonate with every idea in it. Anyone on a quest to know the true nature of themselves will love and benefit from reading it and taking the ideas to heart.

[Garima Chhikara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph Nguyen, Empowering Insights Unleashed

-- NO SPOILER SECTION --

Main Points Summary:
-> "Beyond Thoughts" continues the exploration of thoughts' impact on suffering, emphasizing happiness through intuitive living.
-> It presents complex ideas succinctly across well-structured chapters.
-> Particularly practical are "Beyond Fear" and "Letting Go," offering resonant advice for those battling anxiety and overthinking.

Empowered and Enlightened:
Joseph Nguyen's concise narrative in "Beyond Thoughts" facilitates a quick, profound reflection on transformative concepts. This book serves as a tool for reshaping perceptions of stress and anxiety, effectively guiding readers toward a happier life.

Insights and Practical Application:
The book's actionable advice, such as critically assessing our thoughts and embracing intuition, acts as a beacon for navigating personal anxieties. Each chapter methodically aids in developing a more peaceful mindset.

Narrative Pacing and Impact:
The swift pacing ensures easy understanding and immediate application of teachings, with each section crafted to initiate changes in the reader's thought processes.

Final Thoughts:
"Beyond Thoughts" by Joseph Nguyen is a crucial sequel that effectively delivers methods for personal change and happiness. It's essential for anyone looking to break free from negative thinking patterns.

-- SPOILER SECTION --
Personal Resonance and Validation:
The book validated my experiences, offering insights and solutions for anxiety. "Beyond Fear" and "Letting Go" were particularly impactful, encouraging a shift from old perceptions to new possibilities.

Empowering Quotes to Live By:

"What you think becomes your reality; let go of what you think, and your reality changes."
"A mind full of thinking is a heart full of anxiety."
"The path to peace is letting go of what we think we know."
Looking Forward to Everyday Applications:
I am eager to implement these teachings daily, particularly the idea of experiencing life as an observer, appreciating the present without expectations.

In conclusion, "Beyond Thoughts" stands out in self-help and personal development, providing not only theories but actionable steps towards a serene and fulfilling life.

[Arun Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞
    𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐬���� 𝐛𝐮𝐭
𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝
    𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐞 ?

      ((𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚’𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚))

‘Beyond Thoughts’ by Joseph Nyugen is a compilation of most beautiful free verses I've ever come across. The author has explored daily thoughts through a new prespective.

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥, 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧.

The author of ‘Don't believe everything you think’ has come up with mesmerizing collection of verses. Within 8 themes, he has tried to cover the essence of thought provoking perspective.

With lucid language and simple narration, the verses gets inscribed on soul of readers. Some verses are small while some are long but every verse is worth reading.

Joseph with his words has nailed each poem. With pleasant and warm writing style, it will win everyone hearts. The poems dwells you in world of high spirits, new hope and good feel.

It's the first time ever that I couldn't pick up most favorite poem as each and every poem is mind blowing and soul stiring. The poems are treat to the eye and soul.

Whatever kind of reader you are, this book is a must read.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝

           (( 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙈𝙞𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙧))

[Julie Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I thought it was going to be very cheem and hard to understand, but surprisingly it was quite simple and very calming. The way he talks about thoughts like how we don’t actually have to believe every single one really clicked with me. As someone who overthinks a lot (especially about school, expectations, and comparing myself to others), this book felt like someone finally explaining what my brain is doing.
What I really loved is that the book doesn’t force you to “be positive” or control your thoughts. Instead, it teaches you how to step back and observe them, which honestly feels much more realistic. There were parts where I actually stopped reading for a bit just to think, because it made me realise how much unnecessary stress I create in my own head.
The writing style is very straightforward and gentle, not trying to sound smart or spiritual for the sake of it. It’s the kind of book you can read slowly, and even if you don’t fully understand everything at first, it still makes sense emotionally. I also liked that it didn’t feel like a motivational book shouting at you more like , quiet reminder to slow down and let go.

[Nikki Clementi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Thoughts is an extremely provoking and poetical book about challenging your thoughts, being human, being okay, success, failure, the path of life, and so much more. This is one of those books that every page could be tabbed because every word is that important!!

If I could rate this higher than 5/5 stars then I would!

A few notable quotes:

“how people treat you is a reflection of how they treat themselves. this goes both ways”

“you are not what you think you are not your thoughts
just like how you are not your hand but that you have a hand you are not your thoughts you have thoughts
you are what is beyond your thoughts”

“have you ever noticed behind what you fear is what you want most?”

“is what you're thinking keeping you alive
or preventing you from living?”

“the path to self-actualization isn't to try to improve ourselves
because we think we're not enough
but to let go of the illusion that we're not already enough as we are”

[Marco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joseph Nguyen's Beyond Thoughts offers thoughtful reflections, but its brief length ultimately left me wanting more. While the ideas presented are engaging and insightful, the book's concise format doesn't allow for the depth or exploration that such a compelling subject deserves. The brevity of the work, though, doesn't diminish the quality of its content, but rather leaves the reader with a sense of unfulfilled potential. For those looking for a more expansive treatment of the themes presented, Beyond Thoughts may feel like a glimpse of something much larger.

[milly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beyond Thoughts: An Exploration of Who We Are Beyond Our Minds by Joseph Nguyen wasn’t quite what I expected. I initially thought it would be poetry, but it felt more like a collection of quotes and short reflections. while some passages were calming and offered gentle reminders about life and inner struggles, the book didn’t fully resonate with me. still, it’s an easy, quick read—best suited for moments when you want to pause between longer books rather than dive deeply into something substantial.

[Jenny Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of aphoristic phrases arranged to cue visually as poetry, but for me the meters weren’t strong enough to pull them all the way there. That said, I’m certainly being a bit of a snob if that’s my first reaction. I thought this approach worked better as a continued exploration of the ideas and themes of the first book; if this is resonating with people and working to help reorient their relationships with their own minds and thinking, then it’s accomplishing its goals.

[Rohani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I'm just old, boring and kind of a snob(?), but this new-age rupi-kaur-esque thing they call 'poetry' is really getting on my nerves. Give us back metre, rhymes, structure...give us back good ol' poetic STYLE! But look, if it works for yall modern readers, good on ya I guess. I mean I resonated with some ✨ thoughts ✨, but I dunno, I just see way too many YoUtHs adopt this style and it's really annoying actually.

[Pragatheesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Thoughts offers a refreshing perspective on mindfulness and self-awareness, making profound ideas feel simple and relatable. His words deeply resonated with me, inspiring reflection and a shift in mindset. The book served as a gentle yet powerful guide to finding clarity and inner peace beyond our thoughts.

I truly appreciate Nguyen’s work and I look forward to reading more of his books.
If you seek a transformative and motivating read, Beyond Thoughts is definitely worth it.

[meeta khatri · Rating 5 out of 5]

essential nourishment for the soul!

This book should be read by young adults newly stepping into a life of their own making, one away from their families and hometown.
The sooner you know who you are and love who you are, the sooner will you be able to live a life of happiness and peace.
Read it with a pencil in hand and re-read it often or as needed, when needed!!

[Ly Rojas · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it attempts to be profound and enlightened, this book regurgitates a lot of common themes around self help in an almost amateurish way. It’s as if the author wrote down random thoughts and decided that they were infinite sources of wisdom. There is nothing new to be learned nor would I recommend this book as there are much better self help options out there.

[Black Flamed Candle Books 🕯️📚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this 3.5 stars.
I liked it but I found a lot of these poems subjective and repetitive. Some (rhyming) poems came across cliché. I think some poems could have been expanded upon and others binned. Some poems were barely a sentence long. Overall not bad, but not amazing. I would maybe read it again. But it’s not something I would continuously reach for.

[Julius Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read but it’s words were truly impactful. Time and time again I’m receiving reminders that thinking is the true enemy of us all and we all need to aspire to a more peaceful level of existence focused on doing more, thinking less and being a fuller representation of what we should be in this life, human.