Re: thinking mind
Posted by Perk Clark on July 02, 1998 at 07:40:21:

In Reply to: thinking mind posted by anonymous on June 20, 1998:

I observe that it takes some real effort to dis-identify from the thinking mind. Lots of the techniques involve active attention to something else: counting breaths up to four, for instance, with the goal being to eventually get there without a thought intruding, and just starting over if one does intrude. Occupying the mind is another technique: with some form of repeating mantra or saying that is taken from a spiritual tradition that you admire. Notice that the emphasis here is on bringing more awareness rather than trying to stop thinking. The mind 'has a mind of its own,' at least mine does. It does what it wants, especially re: intrusive thoughts. These techniques work around that automatic production of imagery and ideas.

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