The main difference between meditation and thinking is that meditation is a form of passive mental activity, while thinking is a form of active mental activity. In meditation, you simply allow thoughts to come and go without engaging with them, while in thinking, you actively engage with your thoughts and try to analyze or make sense of them.
Meditation can be compared to watching TV, while thinking can be compared to having a conversation. Both activities can be relaxing or stimulating, depending on your intention. However, meditation is generally considered more beneficial for your mental health, as it allows you to detach from your thoughts and cultivate a sense of inner peace.
Let’s explore the differences between meditation and thinking.
The Japanese Zen Philosophy: Big Mind VS Small Mind
Meditation and thinking are very different things, but many people often confuse the two. To understand the difference between meditation and thinking, it is helpful to first understand the Japanese Zen philosophy.
The Zen philosophy teaches us that there is a big and small mind. The big mind is the infinite, all-encompassing space of consciousness, while the small mind is the individual ego or identity. When we meditate, we connect with the big mind by letting go of our thoughts and simply being present in the moment.
This allows us to see things as they really are, without the filters of our personal biases and assumptions. In contrast, thinking is a process of actively engaging with the small mind. We use thought to analyze, judge, and interpret our experiences.
This can be helpful in some situations, but it can also lead to suffering if we get stuck in loops of negative thinking. Ultimately, meditation and thinking are two very different ways of relating to our experiences. Meditation allows us to tap into a deeper level of wisdom and understanding, while thinking keeps us trapped in the limited perspective of the small mind.
Perception Quality
Meditation is the process of clearing the mind and turning your attention inward, while thinking is a process of organizing and analyzing information. There are several key differences between these two activities.
For one, meditation is free from opinion, belief, and judgment. This means that when you meditate, you are not attaching any importance or meaning to the thoughts that appear in your mind. You are simply observing them without judgment. In contrast, thinking is often associated with attachment and judgment.
We tend to form opinions and beliefs based on our thoughts, and these can color our perception of reality. Another key difference is that meditation increases your level of awareness, while thinking tends to involve more active involvement.
When you meditate, you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them. You are able to witness them without being pulled into their drama. However, when you are thinking, your mind is more actively involved in the process.
You are usually trying to solve a problem or understand something, which means that you are not as aware of your thoughts and emotions. Finally, meditation leads to a sense of peace and stillness, while thinking often creates stress and anxiety.
When you meditate, you are calming the mind and allowing yourself to be at ease. In contrast, when you think too much, you can stir up feelings of stress and anxiety. This is because thinking can often be repetitive and obsessive, which can lead to unnecessary worry and stress.
Tranquility VS Restlessness
Meditation and thinking are both ways to achieve focus. However, meditation is characterized by tranquility and eventual unification with nature, while thinking leaves you feeling exhausted and restless.
After a session of thinking, you will likely feel your mind racing and your eyelids drooping from the mental effort expended. On the flip side, after an hour of meditation, you will feel calm, and your body will be more relaxed.
This is because meditation helps to clear the mind and allows you to focus on the present moment. Meditation can also help you unify with nature and experience a sense of peace. In order to reap the full benefits of meditation, it is important to stay focused and push away any distractions that arise.
Positive Impacts of Meditation on One’s Thinking
Meditation has been shown to have a number of positive impacts on one’s thinking. Firstly, it helps reduce stress. This is because meditation enables you to focus on the present moment, which can help you to let go of worries about the past or future.
Secondly, meditation can lead to a sense of well-being. This is because it can help you to appreciate the good things in your life and to accept the things that you cannot change. Thirdly, meditation can improve your focus.
This is because it can help you to clear your mind of distractions and to concentrate on one task at a time. Fourthly, meditation can make you more creative. This is because it can help you to see things from different perspectives and to come up with new ideas.
Fifthly, meditation can improve your memory. This is because it can help you to focus on what you are trying to remember and to store memories more effectively. Sixthly, meditation can improve your ability to make decisions.
This is because it can help you to weigh up the pros and cons of different options and to reach a conclusion more quickly. Finally, meditation can take you towards enlightenment. This is because it can help you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Final Word
Though the line between thinking and meditating may be blurry, there are key distinctions to be made. Meditation is a practice that allows you to focus on one specific thing, such as your breath or a mantra. This focus helps to quiet the mind and achieve a state of mindfulness.
Thinking, on the other hand, involves analyzing past experiences or planning for the future. It’s important to understand these differences so you can choose which practice is best for you in any given situation.
