Mindfullness (Watching the thinker)...any methods better than others?

[JayFL]

It seems to be a common theme in many different texts I've read (Tolle, Osho, etc...). Watching the endless stream of thoughts without judgement as they appear in my mind. Separating my self from these thoughts rather than identifying with them.

I can understand the positive benefits of applying these methods on an intellectual level, I just have a hard time applying them on a practical level.

Any thoughts?

[SriniG]

Well, there is no method that's 'better' than others and really, nobody can help you with this. You have to find out your own method. As they say, when you are ready your method unveils before you by itself.

But let me just share you some of the methods that has worked well for me.

One way you can do it is through self enquiry. First watch your thoughts, and as you watch your thoughts, ask yourself to whom does these thoughts occur. And then ask yourself to whom this thought of enquiring about "whom these thoughts occur" occur. Confusing eh? But as you go on this way you will ultimately find out that you are just a witness watching the endless stream of thoughts without any judgement and without getting affected by those thoughts.

Another method is to watch your breath. Watch your breath as you inhale and exhale, as it rises and falls, and again as it rises and falls. Don't try to control your breath, just watch your breath as it rises and falls, rhythmically. And don't try to control your thoughts. When your mind wanders, just watch your breath again. Just go on this way and see what happens. Your thoughts are powered by the same same energy that powers your breath. When you get hold of your breath and thereby the energy that powers your breath, you get hold of your thoughts.

But the best method, I think is not 'trying' to apply these methods . Just be aware of these methods, make an intention that you are going to be a witness watching your thoughts without judgement, and just, just let it happen to you.

[jaideepv1234]

yes,i have did this for 5 years back and i know it feels very good.i have taken initiation from the 'NATH SAMPRADAYA'so i have practised that ,but now i left due to intese pressure of

[jaideepv1234]

yes,i have did this for 5 years back and i know it feels very good.i have taken initiation from the 'NATH SAMPRADAYA'so i have practised that ,but now i left due to intese pressure of stydies

[Technicolor Tim]

Just learn releasing and still your thoughts. Works a charm!

[mercuryrising]

Originally Posted by JayFL

It seems to be a common theme in many different texts I've read (Tolle, Osho, etc...). Watching the endless stream of thoughts without judgement as they appear in my mind. Separating my self from these thoughts rather than identifying with them.

I can understand the positive benefits of applying these methods on an intellectual level, I just have a hard time applying them on a practical level.

Any thoughts?

Try focusing on one thought to the exclusion of all others. If other thoughts come up, simply return to the original thought. If you meditate like this twice daily for 15-20 minutes a day, you will greatly increase your attention span which will improve your abilities in almost every area of your life.

It will be easier for you to remove negative habits because you control what you focus upon. It will be easier for you to be more productive, organized and efficient. And as a side benefit, you will be more calm with an elated sense of well-being because your mind will not be so restless. There are also some secret benefits to this exercise, but I'm trying to appeal to your intellectual/practical side here.

If you have a difficult time choosing what to focus upon, you can count your breath. Count each exhale up to ten then start over at one. Hold the number in your mind until the next exhale. If you lose track, just start again. You can focus on just about any thought, but I would recommend something that doesn't arouse a lot of emotions, positive or negative. It just makes the exercise more difficult.



How does that sound?

[JayFL]

Thanks for all the insightful responses!

[Fullcrum]

You might also want to focus on your breath with the intention of feeling really good.

It's not only healthy for you and fixes your posture, helps you relax, and gets you into the zone, but it's kinda of like mindfulness in it's own right.

[ZHereford]

Hi JayFl,

Here's my take on mindfulness or at least an interpretation of it:

The Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness

I hope it clears things up a little.