"I can't meditate. The thoughts don't stop."

When I tell people I meditate, one common response is "I tried that and I can't do it. I wasn't able to stop thinking". This post will explore why that assertion is incorrect. Meditation isn't about stopping the arising of thought. That's impossible. It's about being aware of thoughts as they arise and watching them disappear without getting carried away on trains of association.  Every time you are aware that you're thinking you shouldn't beat yourself up. That makes it hard to continue with the practice. Should be framed in a positive way as that's a true moment of mindfulness. Pay attention to what that feels like.

Joseph Goldstein - Insight Hour EP93 - 23:30 - We're not practicing to prevent thinking.

12:30 - Thoughts don't have the initial impact that sounds or sensation have. So we're usually not aware they've arisen. Then we're carried away on a stream of association.