Thought and thinking. We often use these words interchangeably, but they actually represent different aspects of our mind. Thought is an event like a memory, idea or feeling that arises in the mind. It comes and goes on its own. Thinking, on the other hand, is what you do with those thoughts. It’s when you start analysing, planning, or worrying.
In short, thoughts happen to us, while thinking is something we do. Understanding this difference matters because it helps us recognise when we’re simply having a thought versus when we’re engaging in overthinking or rumination. Not every thought requires action, and not every moment calls for deep thinking. Sometimes, just noticing a thought and letting it pass is the wisest response.
Stop blaming thoughts
The first thing that we usually do is name our thoughts: negative thoughts, depressing thoughts, anxious thoughts etc etc. And then we start beating ourselves for bringing these thoughts into our mind. As if we ‘can’ control which thought will appear when. While in fact thoughts just happen automatically without even trying. They pop up out of nowhere, shaped by everything around us. That is why in many meditation practices thoughts have been compared to floating clouds. They come and go on their own without our intervention. The problem arises when we start thinking about these thoughts. And this non-stop chattering of mind is not a thought but thinking.
Thinking is an action, hence it’s a choice. Whereas thoughts are our feelings due to the stuff we have been through, which is something we can’t choose. So rather than blaming yourself for your thoughts, let’s focus on what’s in our control: Thinking about our thoughts.
Work on the doable: thinking
Which is obviously NOT, to stop thinking. Our brain can never actually stop thinking, whether it’s in the conscious mind or the subconscious one. Our mind has many thoughts in the background without us being aware of them. And there is no way to shut the brain off. So what needs to be done is to think mindfully.
The problem is not thinking; the true issue lies in the endless dwelling on a thought. And getting trapped in a cycle of over-analysis. We judge our thoughts and start to question ourselves for having them. As if simply having the thought makes us less worthy or more flawed. What we call racing thoughts is actually our action of going overdrive with thinking. One thought leads to another, and we’re off thinking about all sorts of past moments, future what-ifs and whatnot. And what causes this mental chaos is not that one thought but us ruminating over it.
Mindfulness: change the way you think
Mindful thinking comes from awareness and acceptance. Remember, you are not your thoughts, you are the awareness watching them pass by. When you think mindfully you are:
Aware of your thoughts
This means you notice your thoughts when they arise without reacting or getting swept away with them. This awareness creates a space between you and your thoughts, allowing you to observe them with clarity instead of judgment. You start to understand that thoughts come and go, and they don’t have to control how you feel or act. That way you can avoid getting overwhelmed by what is going on in your mind.
Present in the moment
And your focus is on what is happening right now, instead of worrying about the past or future. All your senses are present in the moment and are observant of what you see, hear, smell and feel. Being present like this can reduce stress and make everyday experiences more meaningful and peaceful.
Asking grounding questions
When your mind starts racing with endless “what ifs,” pause to ask questions like “Is this thought true?”, “Can I do something about it right now?”, or “What do I need in this moment?”. These questions interrupt the cycle of negative thinking and shift your focus from imagined fears to present reality. They remind you that not all problems need to be solved immediately. Also, it reminds you of what is NOT in your control, hence is no point dwelling on it.
Thinking mindfully isn’t about emptying your mind. It’s about filling it with presence. The aim is not to achieve perfect peace, but gently guiding your mind back when it wanders.
"Nothing is worth more than this day. You cannot relive yesterday. Tomorrow is still beyond your reach." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe