A Natural Approach
...And Thinking is Not a Problem
We are often taught that thinking is an obstacle to effective meditation. We are told that in order to meditate successfully, we must control or eliminate our thoughts. But how often have you found yourself bouncing from thought to thought, struggling to focus?
Maybe there’s another way. In my experience, any effort to control thinking tends to backfire. Minds are made to think—it’s their natural function. The more we try to suppress or limit our thoughts, the more they push back.
Let’s explore the process of meditation, particularly the role of thinking. What if thinking is not the problem? In fact, what if it is an important part of meditation? The real issue isn’t thought itself but our resistance to the mind’s natural tendency to think. This resistance creates tension, and tension is counterproductive to meditation.
The Premise
This meditation approach wisely harnesses the mind’s natural inclination to think rather than resisting it. Instead of trying to suppress our thoughts, we guide the mind inward by giving it something useful to focus on. Rather than allowing our thoughts to scatter outward, we show our minds how to work for us, not against us, in our meditative journey.
Consciousness consists of layers ranging from dense to subtle.
The densest, most superficial layers are the ones we are most familiar with: constant thinking, analyzing, and processing.
The most subtle levels of consciousness—the deepest layers of ourselves—are where we find release, comfort, and inner stillness. This is not a realm of thinking but of connection to our universal core.
At these deeper levels, we access the source of thought rather than thoughts themselves. We are able to witness our thoughts bubbling up and into form. This layer of our consciousness is more spacious, peaceful, and free from the self-involved "I/me" game that dominates surface-level thinking.
In yoga, we refer to this deep inner space as ananda—a Sanskrit term meaning bliss or profound comfort. Ananda is the realm of possibility, where restriction is released. It feels like coming home—a home you always knew but had forgotten was there.
This meditation method is based on the natural human desire for comfort and peace. The more we dip into the deeper layers of consciousness, the more comfort we experience. Why? Because these subtle layers are inherently more soothing than our usual surface-level mental chatter. As we enjoy this comfort, we naturally follow it inward, deepening our relaxation.
Why is this space so comfortable? Because we are dipping into the very source of thought itself—the source of all experience and manifest form. And the great discovery is that this source is nurturing and liberating. Experiencing this directly is freeing to the ego and to our self-perceptions.
This is not just a philosophy—it is a direct experience of our true nature, our deepest being.
Who wouldn’t want to know that for themselves and be able to witness it every day?
Why Do We Not Notice Ananda All the Time?
Does it disappear?
Ananda is always present—it never goes anywhere. The only reason we don’t experience it directly is that we are preoccupied with something else. Our attention is absorbed in thinking, worrying, analyzing, and reacting.
The issue isn’t thinking itself but our attachment to our thoughts. We become so engrossed in our mental activity that we overlook the deeper comfort and freedom just beneath the surface. Our thinking mind has a tight grip on consciousness, keeping us engaged in constant mental movement.
The Premise and the Practice
The key to this meditation is learning skillful means to release ourselves from the dominance of thought—not by resisting it, but by using it effectively.
We stop fighting thoughts. Instead, we allow the mind to do what it does best: think. We give the mind something specific to focus on—a mantra.
Using a Mantra
Mantras are Sanskrit sounds with distinct vibrational frequencies. Different mantras serve different purposes. In this meditation, we choose a mantra known for its ability to calm and nurture the heart, nervous system, and mind.
The way we use the mantra is key. Rather than gripping it tightly, we think it softly—like a whisper. Not out loud. We use the mantra as the vehicle for diving into and through these deeper layers of easeful relaxation.We allow the inner sound of the mantra to drift… to change… and eventually to disappear. As we softly engage with the mantra, the mind naturally releases its rigid grip on thoughts, allowing consciousness to settle into deeper states of clarity and peace.
The biggest trick to this meditation is to take it easy. The mantra provides the vehicle. The mantra’s sound is inherently soothing to the nervous system. It’s vibrational sound gently guides us inward, encouraging relaxation even as we come face to face with our deepest truths. All we need to do is get in the back seat, get comfortable, and take the ride.
The Meditation Process
Step One: Recognizing That Thinking is Natural
We first acknowledge that thoughts will always arise. No matter what we do, thinking will continue. This is not a problem—it’s part of the meditation process.
Step Two: Learning the Mantra
We introduce the mantra and practice using it with ease.
We do not force the mantra or try to make it crystal clear.
We listen for it softly, allowing it to ebb and flow.
We let it be a vehicle for inward movement, letting it fade and even disappear when necessary.
Step Three: Embracing the Natural Cycle of Thought
At some point, you will notice that you are no longer thinking the mantra. Instead, your mind has wandered back to other thoughts.
This is completely natural and, in fact, an important part of the meditation process.
Thinking re-emerges as a way of releasing internal stress and tension.
As soon as you notice your mind has wandered, simply return to softly listening for the mantra, picking it up as effortlessly as you would any other thought.
Stay tuned. In the next post we will begin the practice.
The entire meditation process is simple, natural, and effective.
I will guide you every step of the way and answer any questions you may have.
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