There are no subtractions and divisions in our mind; there is only addition and multiplication. “I will just remove negative thoughts and I will have positive thoughts” – all the best, it’s not going to work. You need to pay a little attention to how it functions, and you will see the distinction between what is you and what you have gathered.
The Nature of the Mind:
Understanding Thought Processes: People often think there are negative thoughts and positive thoughts. They want to remove negative thoughts and have only positive ones. But if you forcefully try to remove a thought, it will only become stronger. For instance, if you try not to think of a monkey for the next ten seconds, you’ll find your mind full of monkeys. This is because in our mind, all the pedals are throttles – there is no brake or clutch. Whatever you focus on, it will only grow faster.
The Mind’s Mechanism:
Addition and Multiplication: Our mind is the most sophisticated computer on the planet. It functions without subtractions and divisions, only addition and multiplication. Trying to remove thoughts will only lead to their multiplication. Instead of identifying thoughts as positive or negative and trying to remove them, understand that the mind is supposed to serve you. Your body and mind are vehicles meant to serve the life you are.
Experiencing the Mind as a Nuisance:
Transforming Perspective: Most humans experience their mind as a nuisance, a troublesome thing. However, it can be the most beautiful tool you have if you understand how it functions. The first step is to distance yourself from your physiological and psychological processes through practices like ‘Isha Kriya.’ This helps you recognize that beyond your thoughts and emotions, there exists a ‘you’ that is separate.
Creating Distance from the Mind:
The End of Suffering: By focusing on the fundamental sense of aliveness within you, you can create a natural distance between you and your thought process. This separation between your psychological process and physiological process is the end of suffering. Human suffering comes in two forms: physical and mental. Creating space between you and your mind or body can end this suffering.
Avoiding Negative Reinforcement:
Why Avoidance Doesn’t Work: Trying to avoid negative thoughts by chanting mantras or distractions is only a temporary solution. The moment you stop, the thoughts will return with greater force. Understand that emotions like anger, resentment, fear, and anxiety are poisons we drink while expecting someone else to die. This negativity impacts your physical health, literally poisoning your body.
Focusing on the Life Process:
Finding Your Anchor: Instead of trying to force thoughts away, focus on something life-affirming like your heartbeat, breath, or the sensation of being alive. By doing so, you will gradually see the distinction between what is you and what you have gathered, which includes both your physiological and psychological aspects.
Conclusion:
The nature of your mind and its mechanisms is crucial. You cannot remove negative thoughts by force; instead, create a distance between you and your thoughts. Focus on the life process and recognize that your mind is a tool meant to serve you. By doing so, you will end suffering and experience the true potential of your mind.
FAQs:
Why can’t I remove negative thoughts?
The mind works through addition and multiplication. Trying to remove thoughts will only make them stronger.
What is the first step to managing my mind?
Distance yourself from your physiological and psychological processes through practices like ‘Isha Kriya.’
How does focusing on the life process help?
It creates a distinction between you and your thoughts, reducing suffering and helping you recognize your mind as a tool meant to serve you.
Why is avoidance not effective?
Avoiding negative thoughts only works temporarily. Once you stop, the thoughts will return with greater force.