Explore the biased nature of thoughts and why we don't need to rely on them. Question the purpose of holding onto thoughts and beliefs. Delve into the illusion of thought and how it shapes our perception of reality. Discover the impact of being mind-identified and the benefits of quieting the mind.
Thought isn't necessary for practical tasks; exploring the question of thought's indispensability leads to deeper understanding.
Letting go of the need to constantly consult our thoughts leads to true freedom and recognition of what is truly real in life.
Deep dives
Letting go of the addiction to thought
In this episode, Dr. Amy Johnson explores our tendency to hold on to thought, despite acknowledging that the majority of our thoughts are biased and distorted. She challenges the belief that some thoughts are true or necessary, highlighting that much of life simply happens without needing constant reference to our own narratives. Breaking the dependence on thought can be perceived as threatening, as we have become addicted to the continuous flow of thoughts, identities, and interpretations. However, Dr. Johnson emphasizes that we don't have to believe or cling to any of it, and that true freedom lies in letting go of the need to constantly consult our thoughts.
The illusion of knowing and security in thought
Dr. Johnson delves into our longing for something graspable and secure in knowing and believing. She points out that thoughts and belief systems can be easily created and swapped, providing a false sense of safety and making us feel at least we know something. However, she invites us to question the substance and reality of these thoughts and beliefs, as they are merely the ever-changing ebbing and flowing of thought in consciousness. By dropping into the present moment, sensations, and sensory experiences, we can start to loosen our identification with thought and recognize that the security it promises is illusory.
The freedom of being in life without constant consultation of thought
Dr. Johnson suggests that true freedom lies in being in life without constantly consulting thought. While the mind may continue to generate thoughts, it becomes irrelevant when we are not addicted to the narrative. It no longer matters whether the mind is noisy or quiet, as we are no longer identified with it. By giving our attention to the present moment, the sensory information, and the immediacy of experience, we can create a vast pasture for thoughts to run free without being a source of worry or agitation. This opens up space to drop into what is truly real in life, beyond the constant need for thought.
I hear a lot of people not wanting to fully give up identification with thought. They get that not all thought is true, but some of it is, right?Or they get that thought is reflective and narrative, but we need it for practical tasks, right?These are very natural, innocent thoughts. And, there can be an