Thoughts, images and inner dialogue constantly occur in our minds.  We cannot prevent them from popping up, but we can practice viewing them just as they are.

When we see our mind’s activity as passing, we are better able to not get hooked on it.  This releases us from the automatic compulsions to act in our usual way.

Understanding our thoughts is helpful as well.  Our active thoughts/beliefs cause our feelings that, in turn, play out in our bodies.  When we put meaning to them, these are our emotions. Once we are aware of our thoughts, we can then do something about them if we wish.

When we notice our thoughts, we can examine them for truth and accuracy.  We can correct exaggerated interpretations about what is going on.  The more balanced our thoughts are, the more balanced our emotional states become, and that allows us to act in a more balanced and wholesome manner.

In your everyday life, you can use what you have learned in your meditation practice by noticing how you are feeling, refocusing on what is present and conducting a three-breath practice.  You can do these as many times as you want throughout your day.  They are a great way to remind yourself of your learning and growing.  Best of all, they take less than a minute to do.