Stop Thinking: Finding Peace in the Quiet
Ever feel like your mind is a runaway train, constantly chugging along with endless thoughts? You’re not alone. Our minds love to chatter, telling stories, planning, and worrying. But what if there was a way to find peace, just for a few seconds, by simply… stopping?
You might think, “Stop thinking? That sounds boring!” But trust me, it’s anything but. Imagine pressing a pause button on your mind for just two to five seconds. Not trying to replace one thought with another, like trading worries for daydreams of unicorns. Just pure, quiet stillness.
Why Stop Thinking?
When you stop the constant flow of thoughts, something amazing happens. You start to notice what’s always there, underneath all the noise. Some call it your true self, others call it love, awareness, or even God. It’s that part of you that’s always present, always calm, and always infinite.
Think of it like clearing fog from a window. All those thoughts and stories we tell ourselves can cloud our view of what’s real. By stopping the mental chatter, we clear the fog and see things more clearly.
How Do You Do It?
It’s simple, but not always easy. When you feel triggered or overwhelmed, try this:
- Stop the Narrative: Interrupt the flow of your thoughts. Just stop.
- Breathe: Take a deep breath and feel the stillness.
- Notice: What do you notice when the thoughts are gone? What remains?
Do this over and over again. You’re not trying to get rid of any thoughts, just creating space between them. Like shocking your mind into presence. It’s like hitting a reset button.
The Rush of Realization
We often think we have all the time in the world, but life can change in an instant. That’s why it’s important to start now. We’re all on a spiritual journey, and we’re never really “grown up” in that sense. We’re always learning, always discovering.
As the text mentions, we are in a “Perpetual spiritual childhood”. This means we are always learning and growing.
“Why chase pleasure if you can chase realization of what you are instead?”
This quote encourages us to move beyond fleeting pleasures and seek deeper understanding and connection with our true selves.
A Spiritual Perspective:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10. This Bible verse reminds us that in stillness, we can find a deeper connection to the divine.
The Sweetness of Letting Go
At first, letting go of our old thought patterns can feel bittersweet. You’re saying goodbye to familiar ways of thinking, and you’re also becoming more aware of the pain and suffering in the world. But at the same time, you realize that none of it is truly real.
You’re not just a body chasing after pleasure and avoiding pain. You’re so much more than that. And discovering your infinite self is way more exciting than any temporary thrill.
It might feel like digging a well at first, a bit of dry practice. But keep digging, and you’ll find the water – the peace, bliss, and freedom that’s always been there.
Eventually, you’ll only want the truth. You’ll want to let go of illusions and distortions because they’ll feel like burdens. And when you give up chasing pleasure, you’ll find a deeper, more lasting bliss.
The Real Fun
Discovering your infinite self is the real adventure. It’s about finding peace and joy that no pleasure can match. So, take a moment, stop thinking, and see what you discover. You might be surprised at what you find.
Diving Deeper with Bentinho – Why Bliss? Understanding the Journey Beyond Thought
Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the hustle and bustle of your thoughts? In our busy lives, we often forget to pause and explore the stillness within us. This post delves into why embracing moments of no thought can lead to a profound realization of bliss and self-awareness.
Bentinho suggests a simple yet powerful practice: stop thinking for short periods throughout your day. By doing this, you open the door to experiencing your true self – an awareness that exists beyond thoughts and descriptions. This practice is not about suppressing thoughts but rather interrupting the continuous flow of the mind to glimpse the deeper reality of our being.
This act of pausing our thoughts can initially feel like a challenge. It’s like digging a well; at first, it’s dry and requires effort, but eventually, you reach the refreshing waters below. The key lies in understanding that you are more than your thoughts and body; you’re part of a vast, infinite existence.
Bentinho emphasizes that realization is more fulfilling than the pursuit of transient pleasures. He poignantly states, “There is no fulfillment in pleasure. Pleasure is absolutely meaningless when you realize the meaninglessness of everything. That’s when bliss starts to happen.” This profound insight encourages us to look beyond our habitual chase for pleasure and delve into the deeper essence of our being.
The Bible also touches on this concept in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse aligns beautifully with Bentinho’s teachings, reminding us that in stillness, we find a deeper understanding and connection with the divine essence within us.
As you embrace this journey, you’ll find that your identity shifts. You begin to see the futility in chasing pleasure and start to appreciate the peace and bliss of your true nature. This realization doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process of uncovering and releasing the illusions and distortions that we’ve held onto.
Quote:
“There is no fulfillment in pleasure. Pleasure is absolutely meaningless when you realize the meaninglessness of everything. That’s when bliss starts to happen.” – Bentinho
Summary Points:
- Mental Chatter: Our minds are constantly active, filled with narratives and thoughts that can obscure our true selves.
- The Power of Stillness: Briefly stopping the flow of thoughts, even for 2-5 seconds, allows us to access a deeper sense of peace and awareness.
- Beyond Suppression: This practice isn’t about replacing thoughts, but creating space between them, like hitting a mental “pause” button.
- Discovering the Infinite Self: By interrupting the mind’s narrative, we can connect with our true, infinite nature, often described as love, awareness, or God.
- Clearing Mental Fog: Consistent practice helps clear the “fog” of distorted thoughts and assumptions, leading to greater clarity and balance.
- Realizing Timelessness: Shifting focus from fleeting pleasures to the realization of your true self offers a deeper, more lasting sense of bliss and peace.
Actions:
Shift Focus from Pleasure to Realization: Be mindful of your motivations. Instead of constantly chasing external pleasures, explore the inner peace and bliss of self-realization.
Practice Short Pauses: Throughout the day, intentionally stop your mental narrative for 2-5 seconds. Focus on your breath and the present moment.
Interrupt Triggered Thoughts: When you feel triggered or overwhelmed, immediately interrupt the flow of negative or anxious thoughts.
Observe What Remains: After pausing, pay attention to what arises in the stillness. Notice the feeling of presence and awareness.
Regular Practice: Make this a consistent practice, even if it feels challenging at first. Repeated practice strengthens your ability to access inner peace.
Reflect on Your True Self: Spend time reflecting on the concept of your infinite self. Consider what it means to be more than your thoughts and body.