How to Quiet A Compulsive
Mind
Because your mind does not voluntarily
stay in the present moment, constantly shuffling back and forth between the
past and the future, the only way to stop the thinking mind is to direct it to
the present moment. When your mind stays in the present moment, it stops its
thinking process of the past or the future—at least for the time being. To make
your mind remain in the present moment—even though for just a short moment—you
need acute awareness and deep concentration. To do that, you need constant and
regular practice to focus or re-focus your mind on the present moment.
Once you can stop, at will,
your mind from thinking, you have control over your thinking process, you are
no longer a slave to your thoughts, and your mind becomes once again your
friend, instead of your enemy. Learn to switch your mind on and off, just as you
do with your computer.
Remember, we are all
addicted to thinking, whether we want it or not; we must stop our thinking
sometime and somehow.
Mind Training to Focus on the Present Moment
In your everyday life, you
can practice mind training to focus on the present moment. Essentially, you are
giving your full attention to what you are doing at that very present moment.
Reflective Thought
Focusing on the present
moment makes you forget the past and the future.
Case in Point
Some people like to engage
in dangerous sports, such as car racing or skydiving, because they would like
to obliterate thoughts of the past and the future by focusing only on the
thrills of the present moment.
If your mind is fully
engaged in doing something, you will not be thinking of the past or the future,
just like the car racers or skydivers. It is only when you are half-engaged
mentally, then your mind begins to wander, letting your subconscious mind take
over.
There is a difference
between the knowledge mind and the thinking mind. The former provides facts or
information about something or someone; the latter provides labels, judgments
and opinions. Practice mind training to focus on the present moment so as to
withdraw the thinking mind from the past and the future whenever it is not
needed.
For example, you can focus
your mind on your breathing. Notice how you breathe in and breathe out, how
your body feels during inhalation and exhalation, and how the flow and rhythm
of your breaths are affecting your mind. Put some stick-on notes on your
computer monitor or anywhere in your house to remind you to practice conscious
breathing every now and then throughout the day. Practicing conscious breathing
for 2-3 minutes every hour or so does not interrupt with your daily work; just
form this good habit of mindfulness and internal focus.
For example, you can focus
your mind on your walking. Pay close attention to every step, every movement of
your hands and feet, your breathing, and your body sensations while you are
walking. Many people do their walking while listening to their music, or worse,
talking on the cell phone; they are not letting their minds focus on the
present moment.
THE BOOK OF LIFE AND LIVING
THE BOOK OF LIFE AND LIVING
Copyright© by Stephen Lau
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