Stop Thinking
4 Hows and 2 Whys
How I
There are many ways to stop doing something. A simple, but effective pattern is to do something else.
For example, one way to stop carrying a heavy vase, is to start carrying something else, like a heavy clay pot.
In the case of thinking, the “something else” is paying attention to what you are thinking.
It might sound counter intuitive, but the more one watches out for thought the more reluctant it seems to put in an appearance.
Note, watching out for thought is not the same as thinking about watching out for thought. Just as carrying a vase, is not the same as thinking about carrying a vase.
How II
Another technique for stopping thought involves a different kind of attentiveness; paying attention to your surroundings; that is, what you see, hear, smell etc.
The more you pay attention to what your senses tell you, the less you think.
Parenthesis
If I use a different technique to stop thinking, say How I, I’ve noticed my senses get keener. I literally see, hear, and sell more.
While the advocates of Technique II say that being more attentive to the senses leads to stopping thought, other says the converse; that stopping thought leads to a keener sense.
It might be both happening at the same time.
How III
A third technique involves focusing on your breathing. This is a method often used in meditation practices.
By simply observing the rhythm of your breath — how the air enters and leaves your body — you can shift your attention away from your thoughts.
How IV
A fourth method is to engage in repetitive physical activity, like walking, jogging, playing a musical instrument, or even knitting.
When you perform a task that requires minimal mental engagement but has a rhythmic quality, your thoughts tend to quiet down and eventually even cease.
Note, these Techniques can be applied both individually, and in combination.
But why?
Why should one stop thinking?
For two reasons.
Why I
The first is intuitive.
Thinking is like a knife. At times, for example, when you need to peel a potato, slice open a letter, or commit murder, it can be extremely useful.
At other times, it is not. Imagine you have a knife in your hand but have no earthly use for it. So, you keep slashing it about aimlessly, hurting yourself, destroying objects around you, and harming others.
Thought is a bit like that. At times, it can be very useful. At other times, it is, at best a waste of time, and at worst extremely harmful.
Why II
The second is somewhat counter intuitive
Stopping thought, improves thought.
Constant thought consumes a lot of energy, and eventually we get tired. It is like a muscle that has climbed for too long and needs a break. Stopping thought, provides this break. The muscle can rest, rebuild, and is rejuvenated.
So, will you stop thinking?
Don’t think about it…
