How does one master not thinking?
If I’m exercising I’m keeping counts or a running commentary. If I’m meditating like with a prayer I’m conscious of my inner voice saying the prayer. If I’m daydreaming, there are constant scenarios playing out. Even my dreams are filled with multi layers of awareness, with one layer as the narrator. If I’m reading I visualize while the characters voices are talking aloud. If I’m alone, I’m singing without realizing.
My mind never stops. I wish it would.
What's your goal behind not thinking?
My mind never stops either, but I have found ways of disengaging from the commentary, and more recently ways of coming down off of red alert and calming the rev. But "no thoughts" isn't ever going to be something I can do.
@ChippySuave I find my mind quiet and at peace often. Wish I had better (any?) advice to offer. Emptying the mind of thoughts is not easy.
@ChippySuave Practice passively watching thoughts coming and going without interacting or judging. This over time can lead to not thinking. 🙇♂️🙏 #zen
@ChippySuave
Concentration on breath doesn't work for me, because I have allergies and it's not a pleasant thing to concentrate on.
I close my eyes and wait for repeating patterns of dark and light colors to start. I assume it indicates my brain going into alpha rhythms, and I can see the two hemispheres do it separately as the patterns start in one visual field and then spread to the other. You have to get rid of the chatter in your brain for it to start.
@EileenKCarpenter @ChippySuave
I used to hold my hands over my eyes and watch the colors. It can be cool to watch!
Personally, I can't clear my mind without a physical anchor - hot water bottle usually works for me. I focus all of my attention on the heat.
@ChippySuave A well placed mallet strike to the head. Thinking is better. 😊
@ChippySuave Thoughts are unavoidable so let them pass like clouds overhead. Let them go and keep focusing on your posture. An abbott told me "Push your butt through the floor and your head through the ceiling" and just stay on that. Only posture. It isn't easy but you'll get better as your body gets used to it.
I chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo (Nicherin Buddhism) min 15 min which quiets my mind.
Then meditate.
@ChippySuave Same. I had a teacher who helped me create a visualization; for me it’s white butterflies, lifting up, flying away. “Thoughts leave as easily as they come, gently”.