When the subject of meditation comes up during coaching sessions, I am often asked how to stop thoughts during meditation.
We need to understand that trying to stop thoughts is itself a thought generated by desire. Put simply, you can’t stop thoughts with desire. It is like trying to stop a fire by pouring gas on it.
It is also important to realize that thoughts are not the problem. Attachment to them is. Meditation trains you to be aware of thoughts but not be defined by them. This is the point of Shunryu Suzuki’s advice.
As meditation practice deepens, your identity will become separated from thoughts. Finally, you will see the world as it simply is and experience who you really are.
