Have you ever thought about or been in a discussion about, “What’s the Biggest Addiction?”

Perhaps your thought is that the biggest addiction is “alcohol”…or “opioids”…or “food”…or maybe something else? What about “thinking”?!?!?

Familiar With “Monkey Mind”?

Are you addicted to thinking? Ever feel like your mind just will not shut off? Do you believe all your thoughts? 

Most of us are addicted to thinking. Most of us tend to believe any and all thoughts that show up. This addictive pattern tends to intensify as our mind perceives there is a problem needing to be solved. We want answers! We want to figure it out. Because we believe that once we do, everything will be better.

Mindfulness Shines a Light on Mind

As we practice mindfulness, we come to understand this, and we become more self-aware, more able to break free from our patterns of obsessive thinking (and in some cases compulsive behavior). We bring our awareness to our breath and watch the arising and passing of thoughts, sounds, feelings and sensations. We observe the breath itself changing…in out…in out…sometimes smooth…sometimes bumpy….etc.

Over time, practicing meditation provides the capacity to hold it all gently and realize that impermanence and change are the undeniable truths of our existence. What is real is the existing moment, the present that is a product of the past, or a result of the previous causes and actions. Because of ignorance, an ordinary mind conceives them all to be part of one continuous reality. But in truth they are not.

“When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.” – Thich Nhat Hanh