Stop Overthinking and Become Present: You Are Not Your Thoughts

We give a lot of credence to thought. And that’s the reason many of us fall prey to overthinking.

But why do we engage in overthinking in the first place?

The answer is identification. We identify with the limiting thoughts in our head and they make us run in circles. Because of fear or lack, we keep overthinking and worrying about the things that will never happen and don’t define us.

When The Mind Says You’re Not Enough

According to Greer Parry, a substance misuse practitioner, I do not need to compensate for the things I feel or believe because they are simply thoughts and sensations that cannot harm me.”

We need to learn that it’s not necessary to compensate for the negative thoughts we have with binge eating, drinking, or other coping behaviors. Why? Because negative thoughts and sensations are just thoughts and sensations, they will pass if we remain mindful of the present.

overthinking

Realize that you are the awareness that observes your thoughts. You are not your thoughts.

“…the past gives you an identity and the future holds the promise of salvation, of fulfillment in whatever form. Both are illusions.” –  Eckhart Tolle

Neither the past, nor the future, can rob you of life and fulfillment. It’s where you invest your attention that decides whether or not you will be fulfilled. Focus on the present and you’ll find that it’s all you ever wanted, to be free of the illusions of your mind.

“The stream of thinking has enormous momentum that can easily drag you along with it. Every thought pretends that it matters so much.” – Eckhart Tolle

Respond, Don’t React

When we are stuck in our thoughts we tend to react to situations rather than respond to them mindfully. We get swayed by the flow of our thoughts.

If we are self-aware and mindful of behavior, then we can exercise choice over what we do right now. We can act not in response to the pressure of our thoughts and feelings, but because we are aware of what we value.

The autopilot mode takes us into this never ending narrative, “the story of me”. If we actually end this narrative

Be Present, You Are Not Your Thoughts

“Whenever you are immersed in compulsive thinking, you are avoiding what is. You don’t want to be where you are. Here, Now.” – Eckhart Tolle

The right way to dissolve your thoughts is with enough presence. Become aware of the now. When you are aware, your mind cannot make you run in circles, thinking about things that will never happen.

Realize that the mind wants to control and comprehend, therefore when thought strikes, it takes them as the truth. The thoughts that run through your mind are just opinions of the mind. In fact, what you think about others, anything – is just a perspective, not the truth from the gospel.

Reality, on the other hand, is unified, it’s a place where we are all connected. Thinking makes us believe that we are alone and in danger. Thinking, in its desire to understand, makes concepts and puts everything in a box. Actual reality is far extraordinary to be put into a box, in a mental prison of thoughts and concepts.

The way out is to stop identifying with thought. Snap out of the thought train and just be. Become mindful of your feelings and emotions, your physical sensations, the things around you. Feel the energy of your inner body, in your hands, feet, chest, and abdomen.

You’ll notice that thoughts will stop and awareness will come.

This is you, this is life, happening in every moment.

Don’t miss it.

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