How to meditate on thought
Yes, you can use your thoughts to meditate
Just how do you meditate on thought? Even though our goal in meditation is to be in the present moment and accept it exactly as it is without judgment, the present moment may include busy, chatty, annoying thoughts we can’t stop. Rather than try to stop thoughts, we create conditions that allow the mind to calm on its own. We invite a quiet mind; we don’t force it. Trying to strong-arm thoughts to slow often has the opposite effect. Instead, we train and encourage the mind.
How do you create this encouraging environment when thoughts are so tricky?
Exactly the same way you meditate on body sensations: Infuse the experience, in this case, your thoughts, with awareness and equanimity.
Let’s say you’ve finished a game and you’re walking to your car. You have chosen thought as your object of meditation. As you walk along, notice your mind. It might seem like a blank slate. Scan your mind, or let your mind be completely open. Don’t look for anything.
At some point, a thought will arise. It may present itself like a seed, merely a bud of a thought, as opposed to a full-blown image or phrase. Use the concentration you are building to stay present to that thought. And use the equanimity you are building to allow that thought to…
