We have a busy mind. Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly in thinking mode. Words flow endlessly in our mind. There is no way we can stop them from flowing. The thoughts, ranging from our past to future, sometimes are related to each other and sometimes are not. They just come and go. There are times when we manage to ignore them but there are also times when we get caught up in the same thought over and over again. This can drive us crazy especially when they affect our daily routine negatively.

So, if we can’t stop thinking, how can we stop them from bothering us? With some effort, yes we can filter them, by consciously selecting our attention. During meditation, a person is trained to observe his thoughts flow without giving them any attention. The thoughts are allowed to come and go without any judgment. A meditator restrains his brain and feelings from processing his thoughts further. Instead, his attention is anchored on his breathing process. His brain and feelings are totally focusing on his breathing. Every time he gets distracted by the flow of thoughts, he brings his attention back to his breathing.

“Believe You Can and You're Halfway There”. It’s a quote by Theodore Roosevelt. Believe me, it is so true. Whatever you set your mind to, sooner or later will be materialized outside of you. If you think it is difficult, you’ll find nothing except difficulties. If you believe you can’t bear meeting someone you dislike, be prepared to suffer. So be aware of what you believe before you enter the room or begin your task.

When being told that we are about to do something we hate doing, most often our first reaction is resistance. Our mind instantly filled with negative thoughts. “It’s boring”, “It’s difficult”, “I hate it”, “I’m just too afraid, I can’t do it”. From thoughts, it comes down to our feelings. We feel the resistance in our heart and body. We perspire, and our heart rate is faster than normal. We start worrying. We even protest and find ways to avoid the situation. But sometimes, that’s the best option we have. Like it or not, we have to face it, or else we’ll be in a worse situation.

I used to be a complainer, the whiner, who judges and grumbles about others, whose behavior irritates me, whose actions according to my judgment is inappropriate, and whose appearance seems to attract my attention. Most of the time, it all happens in my head. Though I didn't make any noise or verbalize it to others, believe me, it is an unnecessary burden in my head, that's aching my heart, which sometimes shows up in my facial expression.

When I said it is an unnecessary burden, yes indeed, it is unnecessary. Though some of my judgments are correct, quite a number of times I felt guilty and embarrassed for my misjudgments. The fact that I know only one side of the story or about the past doesn't give me enough evidence to judge the present event. Anyway, does my judgment make any difference? Am I contributing any good to the world through my judgment? Sheepishly, no.