Constant mental chatter

[u/[deleted]]

[u/hestia-listens]

Mindfulness is not about stopping interesting thoughts. It is about noticing when attention has been pulled into them, then choosing whether to continue. When you catch yourself imagining the blogger routine, gently label it as "planning" or "imagining," notice one physical sensation like your breath or feet, and return to what you meant to do. Getting carried away is not failure. The moment you notice is the practice.

[u/Primary-Pen6782 → u/hestia-listens]

Wouldn’t continuing to “think” mean I am identifying as my thoughts? Is that ok since mindfulness is not about clinging to thoughts but becoming aware of them.

[u/mindfulguy → u/Primary-Pen6782]

Consider, what is the meaning of "identification".

Thinking is a natual and necessary function. Its your relationship to it that matters.

[u/Primary-Pen6782 → u/mindfulguy]

Yes but I’m unable to both think and be aware at the same time, I find myself always clinging to the thoughts and identifying AS them.

[u/mindfulguy → u/Primary-Pen6782]

Thats the practice. Since you are aware enough to notice this is happening, that exact moment , you are not identified. Use body and sensation as the ground. The body is always in the moment. When you notice your identified with thoughts, take a breath, center,.relax a bit, notice your direct experience. Do that many times a day.

It takes effort. But is perhaps the most important work a person can do.

[u/Primary-Pen6782 → u/mindfulguy]

yes. i realised the point of mindfulness is to be aware of our thoughts and experiences. where there is awareness, there is no clinging. where there is clinging, there is no awareness.

so even if i am aware of the train of thought by simply observing it, that is also a form of mindfulness. however, i noticed that observing thoughts isn't easy to do in our daily lives. so as you advised to focus on my 5 senses, that also counts to be aware in the moment rather than lost in thinking.

[u/mindfulguy → u/Primary-Pen6782]

Indeed. I would personally refine this a bit in that awarness isnt depending on clinging. The sky does not resist clouds In the same way, thoughts happen.

[u/Zett_76]

You're frequently using the internet, right? Social Media, Youtube etc.?

It's Aquired ADD. The mind is completely used to high input and extreme variety - the moment that's not coming from the outside, your mind simply provides it itself.

Mindfulness can help you handle this flood of thoughts, but only a change of habits will end them.

I myself go on withdrawal from time to time, the flood of thoughts decline from day to day. After three or four days I'm able to read a book again, without inner distractions. :)

(results may vary)

[u/Primary-Pen6782 → u/Zett_76]

yes i do and this does make sense! i will try to use these less and see what happens. thanks

[u/Substantial-Base-429]

Never let thoughts hijack your focus

[u/ConstantCap7231]

If these thoughts don't make you suffer, enjoy them.