It seems to be trendy – to advise against over-thinking; yet we humans are the only species that can: aspire, dream, and imagine- through our enviable grey matter.

It is our unique ability to be creative through our thinking; so surely, we need to overthink to problem solve? Sir Isaac Newton’s discovery of the law of gravity must have entailed much intensity of thought. Similarly, any one of us, frequently needs to drill down to nth detail- when learning, or wishing for a greater understanding of a scenario, or even other people. Therefore, why should we ration how much we think, and how can it possibly be measured – when we all do it consciously and subconsciously.

We would be better advised not to dwell on matters that are beyond our control; or to compartmentalize why certain aspects of free thought monopolize our minds. Doing so is easier to do than we think.

When we find ourselves deep in thought, staring or fiddling whilst we are engrossed in our heads; we could identify what it is that has captivated us.

It might be concern about a loved one. In this example, we can ask of ourselves, what we can do to support them. If it is a financial worry, then we could shift our thinking style to practical pragmatic: offer payback solutions and ideas. We can identify each area of our overthinking network of thoughts and begin to check them off and process them.

It would take practice, and consistency would soon follow; in much the same way as clearing out one kitchen drawer at a time.

The result would be a clearing of the mind, as though ridding the debris from a garden, yard, or paddock. We would know which aspects of our lives we disproportionally think about as though making sheds and storage places for garden tools or vehicles.’ We could see the peaceful creative flowers; enjoying the free-flowing breeze, basking in our orderly mind.

We could practice not thinking. Not thinking is fundamentally what meditation comprises of; and we would have a clearer path: – to invest in this soul-nourishing wellness tool.

In my active mind, I am happy to admit that I am an overthinker. I see no constructive reason to restrict it, and in any of us. It is our unique river, abundant in possibility, to adapt flow and simply be.

It would however be overgrown if I forgot to keep it organized… I know how to not think, I can simply close my eyes, and yes of course it takes continuous management. But behind my shut eyelids, I look for the colours out of my vision; those which are there, partly in our imagination and the light from the external space- where we choose to relax. Simply wait for these to appear, think of them as shy butterflies’ they will visit you too; when you organize your thoughts and you welcome in the serenity of not thinking. Try this simple technique today, just five minutes and you will soon find this relaxing and moreish. It is a free built-in tool, relatively easy to do, and forms the foundation of meditation.

I hope you find this helpful.

With SUNNY wishes,

Emma x