During meditation, you may have often heard the phrase “recognize your thoughts.” But why is it important to recognize thoughts? To understand this, we must first grasp the concept of ‘Distancing from Thoughts.’
What is Distancing from Thoughts?
Distancing from thoughts refers to the act of stepping back and observing your thoughts. This practice allows us to avoid being swayed by our thoughts and view situations from a broader perspective. It’s like looking at a city from an airplane, providing a wider view that enables us to respond calmly. This is particularly valuable when making important decisions, as it helps us make more thoughtful and wise choices.
Why is Distancing from Thoughts Important?
On the other hand, when we are too close to our thoughts, we become easily influenced by them. We tend to dwell on past regrets or future worries. This prevents us from focusing on the present moment and increases our stress. That’s why distancing from thoughts is crucial.
The Importance of Recognizing Thoughts
So, why is recognition important? The first step in distancing from thoughts is recognizing them. It involves becoming aware of what thoughts and emotions you are currently experiencing and understanding how they impact you.
For example, there’s a big difference between not realizing you’re angry and reacting immediately versus recognizing, “Oh, I’m angry right now.” When we are too close to our thoughts, we might suddenly yell or say something hurtful to others. However, by recognizing, “Oh, I’m angry right now,” we can take a moment to breathe and handle the situation more calmly. This can prevent minor conflicts from escalating into major issues and helps us respond to situations in a more rational and mature way.
Building the Skill of Distancing through Meditation
This ability to distance ourselves from our thoughts can be cultivated through meditation. With developed distancing skills, instead of being startled and swerving abruptly at the sight of an obstacle on a busy road, we can pause, observe the situation, and respond appropriately.
Try practicing meditation at a set time each day. As you become more accustomed to meditation, distancing yourself from your thoughts will become easier.