A Life of Wonder

A close friend taught me a lesson today. “Thinking is taking an action.” I appreciated this lesson because it gave me a sense of agency over my thoughts and when I chose to think and when I would rather not. The implication is having power over rumination and distressing reflection by choosing how much time to give to the “action of thinking.” Of course I’m mindful of Shakespeare’s “O teach me how I should forget to think.” While we can’t learn to stop thinking we can decide how much time to lend to it. 

Let’s see what our favorite AI has to say about this:

“It’s important to remember that thinking is a natural and necessary part of life, and we can’t simply stop thinking altogether. However, it is possible to reduce excessive or unnecessary thinking, which can help us to enjoy life more. Here are a few specific steps you can take to help you think less and enjoy life more:

1. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. This can help you to break the habit of excessive thinking, and to stay grounded in the present moment.
2. Take regular breaks from technology. Spending too much time on our phones and computers can stimulate our minds and increase the amount of unnecessary thinking we do. Try to take regular breaks from technology, and spend some time in nature or doing activities that don’t require screens.
3. Engage in physical activity. Exercise has been shown to help reduce excessive thinking and improve mental clarity. So, try to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine.
4. Practice gratitude. Focusing on the things we are grateful for can help to shift our mindset away from negative or excessive thinking, and towards a more positive and enjoyable state of mind.
5. Seek out new experiences. Trying new things and engaging in new experiences can help to keep our minds fresh and prevent us from getting stuck in repetitive thought patterns. So, try to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.”