Five Simple Techniques to Halt Overthinking
In today’s bustling world, it’s common for many of us to be engulfed by our thoughts. But sometimes, these thoughts can take over, causing us to feel overwhelmed and disconnected from our surroundings. Bentinho, in his teachings, has presented a profound yet simple approach to help us break free from the constant chatter of our minds. Here, we’ll explore five easy methods to stop thinking and regain our presence.
1. Simply Stop Thinking
It may sound obvious, but the first step is to try and halt your thoughts. Over time and with practice, you’ll find that you can decide to just be, without the interference of constant thought.
2. Become Aware of Thought Tensions
When we become entangled in our thoughts, our bodies often react with tension. By recognizing this bodily stress, we can release it and in turn, let go of the thoughts causing it.
3. Focus Intently on the Present
Grounding ourselves in the present moment can halt our thinking. The more we engage with the now, the less space there is for distracting thoughts about the past or future.
4. Adopt an Attitude of Disinterest
Realize that not every thought that comes your way needs attention. By deciding that a thought isn’t interesting or necessary at the moment, you can effortlessly drift back to a state of clarity.
5. Turn Away from Thoughts
If you find a thought trying to dominate your attention, simply ignore it. By consistently turning your focus away from these thoughts, a peaceful silence will gradually replace them.
These moments of stillness, even if they are brief, can be incredibly refreshing. Just as we take a moment to breathe when we feel physically winded, these pauses in thought allow us to rejuvenate our minds.
Bentinho beautifully articulated it, “A whole day of unconsciousness is balanced out by just one or two seconds of thoughtless awareness of your existence beyond thought.”
“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10. This verse captures the essence of finding peace and awareness in stillness.
Remember, it’s not about suppressing or erasing our thoughts, but rather learning how to navigate them, understand them, and choosing when to engage with them. With consistent practice, we can learn to appreciate the beauty of silence and presence in our daily lives.