14/10/2025
Sorry to say this but we can’t rely on intellect to “think” our way out of intrusive thoughts and over thinking (though many of us try!)
As someone whose brain whirrs at a 100 miles an hour I used to drive myself CRAZY with thoughts, opinions, rumination’s stuck on a loop. And the more I tried to slow the thoughts, the more I’d have.
If this sounds familiar then please know there is another way. Meditation. Stay with me.. don’t run a mile please!
Meditation need not be scary and it certainly doesn’t need to be formal, or lengthy. It can simply be described as working with the nature of the mind, instead of fighting against it.
Just like with exercise for example we aren’t all into weights or running, some may like cycling or yoga.. Meditation is the same - we just need to find the right way for us.
Vipassana/Open Monitoring practices (sometimes referred to as “mindfulness” meditations) involves observing physical sensations in the body, your current thought patterns, present energies, the breath - without judgement or wanting to change things - just acceptance and openness as to how things are right now.
Concentrated/focused awareness meditations gently steer the mind towards a single point of focus, perhaps a candle, an image, the breath, a sound, a mantra, therefore away from the busy mind (and the past or the future).
Transcendental meditations are, for me, a little controversial.. In TM an individual is said to be given a personalised (“special”) mantra that is then repeated silently until the mantra drops away and then the mind becomes clear, focused and restful (with some experiencing transcendence to another realm)- all of which I am here for. I have practiced mantra meditations and they can be very beneficial and great for soothing over active minds. What doesn’t work for me is the “hierarchical” nature of TM and the assertion that you can only reach these levels by spending a LOT of money on a personalised mantra. There are many, powerful, spiritual mantras and chants which have been shared for centuries from different lineages available for us all to absorb and experience.
I would love to hear your views and experiences with meditation. 👇