Finding Calm in a Busy Mind

Would you like to worry less and free up your mental energy for more positive, meaningful pursuits?

The mind is always thinking—generating about 60,000 thoughts a day. Some thoughts are brilliant, others mundane, and some can be harmful.

The journey toward peace of mind begins by getting familiar with the thoughts running through your mind. There’s no need to block negative thoughts or force yourself to think happy ones. Instead, let go of labeling thoughts as good or bad, positive or negative.

The practice starts with adopting a neutral perspective, simply observing your thoughts as they arise, one by one. The goal isn’t to control worrisome thoughts but to cultivate awareness of your thinking patterns.

As you begin tuning into your thoughts, you may notice how much of your mental energy is spent in the future or the past. Planning, problem-solving, fantasizing, rehearsing, or worrying about things that may never happen.

You might also see how often your mind rehashes old experiences, replays memories, or dwells on things you wish you’d done differently. This is the nature of the untrained mind—it bounces between the future and the past. Not just your mind, but my mind. The human mind.

Of course, thinking about the future and the past has its place. Planning for a trip, an event, or retirement is essential. Reflecting on the past can provide valuable lessons. You may uncover patterns of behavior—some helpful, others less so. Reflecting allows us to learn from these patterns, so we can move forward with greater wisdom and intention.

A trained mind doesn’t eliminate thoughts but helps you manage where your attention goes. It empowers you to work with your thoughts skillfully and compassionately, rather than being at their mercy.

If you’re curious about how to start training your mind or want to explore this practice further, I’m here to help.

Be well and thrive on,
Cheryl