Finding Peace in Your Thoughts
Have you ever noticed how thoughts seem to appear out of nowhere?
One moment, you’re enjoying a sip of coffee, and the next, your mind is racing through memories, worries, or endless to-do lists. Our thoughts can feel like an unstoppable current, carrying us away from the present moment.
But what if we could learn to pause and simply notice?
The Power of the Pause
In the midst of life’s busyness, pausing can feel counterintuitive. We’re conditioned to move, to do, to achieve. But within a simple pause lies an immense power—the power to notice, to acknowledge, and to be with whatever arises within us.
When a thought emerges, take a deep breath. Instead of instantly reacting, allow yourself to observe it, like a leaf floating on a stream. No need to chase it, no need to push it away—just note it. Often, we judge our thoughts as good or bad, useful or distracting, wise or foolish. But thoughts are just thoughts, they do not define us, nor do they hold ultimate truth.
Acknowledgment Without Judgment
Thoughts are passing visitors in the vast space of our awareness. Avoiding judgment starts with shifting your mindset from reacting to observing.
Here are some ways to practice:
Use Neutral Language – Instead of saying, “I shouldn’t be thinking this” or “This is a bad thought,” try, “A thought just came up.” This keeps you in a place of observation rather than evaluation.
Detach from the Thought – Remind yourself, “This is just a thought, not a fact.” Thoughts come and go, and you don’t have to believe or engage with them.
Practice Curiosity – Approach thoughts with gentle curiosity, as if you’re watching clouds move across the sky. You can say, “That’s an interesting thought,” rather than assessing it.
Stay Present – Bring your attention back to your breath or senses. This grounds you in the moment rather than getting caught in judgments.
Self-Compassion – If judgment arises, do not judge yourself for judging! Just notice it and gently redirect your attention back to observing.
It’s all about noticing without reacting—like watching a river flow rather than jumping in and getting carried away.
Why This Practice Matters
This simple act of pausing and noticing can transform the way we engage with our minds. Instead of being pulled into every mental narrative, we become the observer. We create space between stimulus and response, allowing for clarity, calm, and greater presence in our daily lives.
So today, as thoughts arise, take a breath. Pause. Note. And let them be, knowing that you are not your thoughts, you are the loving awareness behind them.
Live Life Open Hearted 🩷
Love, Suzi