What to do with thoughts during meditation
Thoughts have a terrible habit of gathering in our minds whenever we try to free space in our minds. It is like exhausting air from a room while air from outside starts blowing in. Our mind becomes the playground of thought during meditation or when we try to concentrate on our studies. Can we control our thoughts during meditation or stop thoughts from coming to our minds? What to do with ideas during meditation?
As I practised meditation, I realized you could not stop your thoughts. If you try to control your thoughts during meditation, you will engage your mind in an additional duty rather than freeing it and regaining the energy to think fresh.
Do not try to stop your thoughts
Let your ideas flow in usually during your meditation.
The thoughts flowing into your mind can be compared to cars and buses plying through a road. Consider yourself standing at a bus stop or roadside where traffic is passing by. Will you stop all the vehicles until your desired vehicle comes in?
Do not get carried away by your thoughts
It is usual for thoughts to come to your mind, like traffic on a road. But do you board any bus or car or only the one you need? If you do not intend to travel, and just standing roadside may be for a friend, will you try to stop buses and board them? Similarly, even though thoughts are coming to your mind, do not get carried away with your thoughts. This is very normal that unconsciously, we get ourselves attached to a single thought.
Leave all your thoughts as you become aware of it
Though theoretically, we should be present at the moment, at times, we get dragged away by a thought. That is fine, it is normal. This is bound to happen unless you have been in regular meditation practice for years. Even this happens during our studies. There is no need to lament for getting distracted or finish the thought that started. Have a dedicated time slot for all your thinking.
Just imagine you have boarded a wrong bus by mistake. Will you continue travelling? No, you will off-board the bus and get back to your position. Similarly, if you realize that unconsciously you have started telling a story to yourself, stop it immediately, even though it is fascinating. Tell your mind to park the idea for your thinking time slot.
Practice the above steps regularly without failure and make it an integral part of everyday life. You can take the help of any guided meditation video or any soothing music for meditation. You have to make sure that you are practising it regularly and honestly. Nobody can control your mind, so you have to train your mind.
It is not just about meditation but should be part of any work you are doing. While reading, you suddenly get pulled away by a fantasy without being aware of it. But as soon as you realize, neither you have to scold yourself nor should you complete your thinking.
It is necessary to stop immediately, however engaging your thoughts are and get back to your meditation or study. It is just a matter of time and discipline, and soon it will become a habit, and you will do it effortlessly.
FAQs
Q1: What should I do with thoughts that arise during meditation?
A1: It is common for thoughts to arise during meditation. Instead of suppressing or engaging with them, the recommended approach is to observe them non-judgmentally and let them pass by gently redirecting your attention back to your chosen focus point, such as your breath or a mantra.
Q2: Should I try to stop thinking altogether during meditation?
A2: The goal of meditation is not to stop thinking altogether. Instead, it is to cultivate focused awareness and inner calm. Thoughts may arise naturally, and the key is to observe them without getting caught up in them or following their train of thought. Acknowledge the thoughts and gently return your attention to your meditation practice.
Q3: What if I get carried away by thoughts during meditation?
A3: It is not uncommon to get carried away by thoughts during meditation, especially in the beginning. When you notice that you have become lost in thought, gently and without judgment, bring your awareness back to your chosen point of focus. Be patient and understand that it is a normal part of the meditation process. Each time you redirect your attention, you strengthen your ability to remain focused in the present.
Q4: Can certain thoughts be considered “good” or “bad” during meditation?
A4: In meditation, thoughts are not categorized as good or bad. The aim is to develop a non-judgmental attitude towards thoughts and observe them impartially. The focus is on cultivating awareness and a sense of detachment from the content of thoughts. Remember that the goal is not to eliminate thoughts but to develop a more mindful and present state of being.
Q5: How can I deepen my meditation practice and reduce the influence of thoughts?
1. Set aside a dedicated time and space for your meditation practice.
2. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as you progress.
3. Explore different meditation techniques to find what works best for you.
4. Consider working with a qualified meditation teacher or joining a meditation group for guidance and support.
5. Practice self-compassion and non-judgment towards your thoughts. Over time, you will develop more incredible inner stillness and the ability to observe thoughts more clearly and detached.
