The Inner Clinic Series~ When Your Mind Won’t Stop Racing

A short practice for moments when your mind feels busy, restless, or unable to slow down. This meditation helps you gently step out of racing thoughts and return to the present moment.

Note: This meditation is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care.
Music: Deep Into Nature by Music of Wisdom

Transcript

Welcome to the Inner Clinic series. This first practice is for when your mind won't stop racing. It's a short practice for moments when your mind won't slow down. You don't need to stop your thoughts. You don't need to control them. I invite you to begin this practice by noticing. Noticing that thinking is happening. You don't have to be in a specific posture or place for this practice. Notice. You might notice thoughts jumping from one thing to another, Planning, Replaying, Anticipating. See if you can gently name it, Thinking, Thinking, Thinking. Not to get rid of it, Just to recognize the thoughts. Now bring your attention to your breath. Not changing it, Just noticing it. Notice the feeling of the inhale and the exhale. And when your mind pulls you away, Which it will, Gently name it again, Thinking. And come back to your breath. There is nothing wrong with a busy mind. That is what our minds are trained to do. And yet, You don't have to follow every thought. Just for the next few breaths, Just rest here. Noticing breath. Noticing when you have drifted and returning again. And when you are ready, Allow your attention to widen again. Your mind may still be active, But you are no longer inside every thought. Stay with yourself and know you can return to this anytime.