I am to a point where I am not always having negative thoughts. If I catch myself doing it, I turn it into a positive. My problem is this: I am so used to having my mind race about something that I feel weird when there is nothing on my mind. Is it normal to think about nothing and is it possible? I try to keep myself busy to occupy my mind but sometimes I don't want to work at creating distractions. Any suggestions?

quote:

Is it normal to think about nothing and is it possible?

Yes. From what I do, it is called meditation, just clearing and quieting the mind. I have several CD to mediate with. It quiets my mind and I feel myself relax. I never thought it would be possible to think about nothing. I just close my eyes and picture outer space, the blackness and stars, that is it. Then I calmly breath, then I just focus on my breathing calmy and then I think about nothing, my mind is clear and quiet. My husband has a hard time with it as he is borderline ADD, but he too can do it at times.

Just try to picture something that is beautiful to you, maybe a beach scene. Remember the sound of the waves lapping, the seagulls, the sun tan lotion coconut smell? Get lost in that until you quiet down, then just think about calmly breathing, then the calm breathng will be auto matic, then that is when my mind just quiets and is still. THAT is an awesome feeling that I never though I would achieve. It took aot of time and practice. Dr. Weil has some meditation CD's. There are also CD's and books that can teach you to meditate. Good luck!

Get use to it--the quieting of the mind and you will come to enjoy that "precious present moment".

A really good method is to memorize
a favorite poem or passage.
I use this one,
the prayer of St. Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me show love...
Where there is injury, pardon...
Where there is doubt, faith...
Where is is darkness, light
Where there is saddness, joy.
Oh Divine Master, grant that I may seek:
Not so much to be consoled as to console...
To be understood as to understand...
To be loved as to love...
For it is in giving that we receive
And in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it is in dying (to the self)
that we are born to eternal life.
Let each word drop slowly into your mind
as you sit in silence. Then wait for the
silence to speak to you after quieting your mind.