Tag: observation

In our last post, we explored the concept of hitting the brakes on the runaway train of our thoughts. But what exactly does it mean to “hit the brakes” in the context of mindfulness?

Imagine you’re driving down a scenic road, enjoying the view. Suddenly, a dark, unsettling thought pops up – a storm cloud crossing your sunny mental landscape. Our natural tendency is to identify with that thought, to become its passenger, getting tossed around by its emotional turbulence.

Mindfulness offers a different approach: hitting the brakes on that identification. Instead of getting swept away, we use the power of observation. We acknowledge the thought has arisen, but instead of believing everything it whispers, we recognize it as just that – a thought. This simple act shifts our perspective from being the content of our experience (the passenger) to being the watcher of our experience (the pilot).

This shift is crucial. It allows us to detach from the thought’s power and choose how we react. We can stop feeding its energy by dwelling on it. Instead, we can engage skillful ways of responding – starting with the simple act of observing.

But observing isn’t passive. It’s a mindful engagement with the present moment. It’s noticing the thought, its tone, and any emotions it stirs. Think of it as gathering intel about the thought-storm before deciding how to navigate it.

There’s also an element of playfulness in this approach. We’re not blindly accepting everything our mind throws at us. We’re acknowledging it’s there, but we’re not obligated to believe it. It’s a subtle yet powerful shift, one that allows us to take ownership of our own experience, and also to provide a sense of ease in our lives.

This is just the initial first step on our journey of hitting the brakes on unwanted thoughts. In future posts, we’ll delve deeper into the other steps, exploring practices and techniques to navigate these mental storms with greater skill and ease. Remember, mindfulness isn’t about denying or suppressing thoughts – it’s about acknowledging them and choosing how we respond.