I recently gave a talk on mindfulness, and at the end, I was hit with this tricky question about how to step away from your thinking. Honestly, I was a bit caught off guard. I mean, this is something people spend years learning through meditation and retreats, so trying to cover it in a short Q&A seemed nearly impossible.
To break it down, I decided to record an episode explaining my approach. First off, it's crucial to recognize when you're thinking—just take a moment and acknowledge it. From there, it's about allowing the thoughts to be there without trying to push them away or clear your mind completely. Then, you get curious about what type of thinking you're engaged in, like whether it’s worry, rumination, or self-devaluation. Finally, name the type of thought you're dealing with; this step helps create some distance between you and the thought itself.
The ultimate goal here is to take control and not let your thoughts run the show. By learning to step back and observe your thinking, you gain more mental energy and a better sense of control over your life. It’s all about empowering yourself to decide how to handle your thoughts, whether it’s taking a mental break or tackling a problem head-on.
Listen to this episode of The Aware Mind - Mindfulness & Mental Health Podcast
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