Chapter 1: Understanding Thought Patterns

The notion that we don’t actively think but rather experience thoughts can initially sound strange. If I'm not the one controlling my thoughts, then who is?

Do you breathe, or does breathing occur independently? What would happen if you attempted to halt your breathing? Do you dream, or do dreams just happen? Can you stop dreaming if you wish? Do you blink, or is blinking an automatic function? What if you tried to prevent blinking? Are we truly living, or is life unfolding around us?

“The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.” — Marcus Aurelius

But why do we find ourselves in this predicament? Many of the challenges we face today stem from survival instincts that evolved in us over time. The disconnect between our ancient brains and the modern world often leads to what we call first-world problems. Historically, it was essential for our minds to be constantly alert for threats and opportunities. This tendency to overthink is, in part, why humanity has persisted.

“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of them.” — Epictetus

Endless streams of thought can be overwhelming, a common struggle for many. Yet, most people are so intertwined with their thoughts that they may not even recognize that they are thinking. Spiritual leaders, such as Eckhart Tolle, suggest that many individuals equate their thought processes with their very existence. To them, thoughts, emotions, and circumstances define life and identity.

“Identification with the mind is the root of all suffering.” — Eckhart Tolle

Experiencing a moment of detachment from my thoughts, however brief, was transformative. It taught me that enlightenment is not a singular moment of revelation; rather, it emerges from a succession of small decisions, consistent practices, and seemingly minor actions that lead to profound change.

“Peace is every step. The path is the goal.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

Meditation and mindfulness have been invaluable to me. Learning to quiet the mind, detach from the ego, and immerse myself in the present moment is worth every effort it takes to master. The ability to pause thought, even momentarily, and then return to that stillness repeatedly creates the mental and emotional space necessary for thriving in today’s world.

“The mind is the place where we become conscious of ourselves and the world around us.” — Aristotle

To achieve this, I first had to recognize the space between stimulus and response. I needed to become aware that I am not my thoughts but rather the observer of them. This awareness allowed me to incorporate philosophical and spiritual insights into that space, guiding my thoughts, feelings, and actions toward more constructive paths. For years, I consumed self-help literature and personal development podcasts with minimal impact because I was too immersed in my ego-driven thought patterns. It felt as if a protective barrier obstructed my understanding.

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” — Wayne Dyer

The key is to disrupt the cycle of incessant thinking. Once that cycle is broken, you can fill the void with wisdom, knowledge, and strategies that promote a fresh approach to living—one that diverges from our instinctual drive for constant thought.

I am not a master in this realm; I struggle like many. Depression has been a significant part of my life for over half of my years. After losing my mother, I turned to hallucinogens to escape the overwhelming mix of grief and depression. That experience broke my cycle of persistent negativity.

What I practice now includes meditation and mindfulness, which help extend those breaks and make it easier to cultivate space in my mind. In those moments, I integrate philosophical study, spiritual practices, journaling, yoga, nature walks, and various mood-support supplements. I balance my eating habits while still allowing myself to enjoy life's indulgences.

Chapter 2: Practical Strategies for Change

This video titled "Tame The Beast — It's time to rethink persistent pain" explores how we can reconceptualize our relationship with pain and suffering, emphasizing strategies for better mental health.

The second video, "This is a world of taming beasts, but the beasts being tamed are not animals, but young girls!" delves into the societal pressures and expectations placed on individuals, particularly young women, and how we can navigate these challenges.