Very rarely are we able to think the thoughts we actually want to think. As Jack Kornfield has said, "The mind secretes thoughts the way the mouth secretes saliva." I like to say that the mind has a mind of its own.
Even though we don't have much choice about what we think, we do have a choice about where we place our attention. Turning from an unreal thought to a present-moment sensory reality causes the thought to end very quickly. The mind cannot think two things at once, and when given the choice between a present-moment experience or a thought, the mind will always choose the former over the latter. To test this theory, the next time you are eating ice cream, try to imagine what a dill pickle tastes like.
So if troubling or ruminating thoughts secrete themselves, make the choice to turn your full care and attention toward a present-moment sensory experience. In this way you can liberate yourself from the bondage of these thoughts and become empowered. After all, the mind is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master.
Blessings,
Roger
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