[0:00]And how we can overcome what's probably the biggest problem in people's meditation. You know, how to overcome, transcend this mind that is always thinking.
[0:13]And sometimes people keep telling me, oh, they can't meditate. I'm always thinking, thinking, thinking, thinking about something, thinking about anything, but I'm always thinking and I can't stop thinking.
[0:24]And that becomes one of the biggest obstacles to being a meditator. They cannot stop thinking.
[0:31]But the truth of the matter is it's very easy to stop thinking.
[0:36]And a lot of people do it quite naturally, very often they stop thinking.
[0:41]And there is a classic example, a demonstration, which I love doing on every retreat to show you how easy it is to stop thinking.
[0:54]And what it feels like when you stop thinking, because at least you can recognize, yes, it is possible, I can do it.
[1:03]And for many people, that is an amazing to realize, yes, they can stop thinking, it is possible and they've actually experienced it.
[1:12]And the the little demonstration is uh to ask you that when I am speaking to also be aware of the reaction to my words inside your mind.
[1:27]So don't just listen to what I'm saying, also to listen to just what it does to you inside your mind.
[1:34]Because as I am speaking, as long as you're mindful inside a little bit, as I am speaking, you will begin to notice something strange.
[1:51]That between my words there are long gaps.
[2:00]In those spaces between my words.
[2:11]What was happening in your mind?
[2:15]You were silent. You were aware.
[2:20]But not a thought was going on in your mind.
[2:24]You can do it.
[2:27]And this is what it feels like.
[2:33]Being aware, hearing the sounds of the birds.
[2:43]Without a thought going on in your head.
[2:47]Easy, isn't it? Now just carry on for another two hours.
[2:55]Now, now you know what silence is and how beautiful it feels.
[3:03]Now we have to try and understand why is it that we keep destroying this silence with all these thoughts.
[3:10]And you realize you're all old enough now to realize that 99% and I'm being quite generous.
[3:19]99% of your thoughts are total rubbish.
[3:23]It's one of the reasons.
