Most people are constantly involved in an internal conversation, always trying to predict the future, worrying about what’s to come, judging their own or others' behavior, and evaluating their position within the hierarchy, ensuring that everything stays under control.

An enormous amount of energy is spent on this internal narrative. The spiritual path for most people begins when they realize there is this voice in their head, and the question arises: if I can hear it, how can I be it? Who is talking in here?

More and more research is pointing in the direction of quieting down this internal narrative. Practices like mindfulness have found their way into Silicon Valley, and every second CEO has heard the term “ego” and thinks it is wise to have a bit less of it.

However, most of the time, we are still heavily invested in this internal chatter, believing that if it’s there, it must have some utility. Right?

In my personal experience, and based on the works of people who have studied this question (big names like Ramana Maharshi, Eckhart Tolle, emerging neuroscience on the Default Mode Network, and more), it seems that it really has no value for what one ultimately wants.

Much of what people are trying to run away from is generated in a constant stream of anxious thinking.

Letting go of this chatter has been shown to enhance cognitive function, which does not require constant strategizing or worrying. In fact, the part of the brain that solves your problems is not the same one that talks to you all day long.

Athletes know that their best performance is generated in moments of so-called flow. Neuroscience research shows that, in this state, the “blah-blah” network is turned off or slowed down.

Most of our problem-solving happens offline, without our conscious interference.

Would it be possible to let go of all this mental striving and simply trust that the moment will provide you with what’s necessary?

Absolutely.

Listen to Gary Weber and his sharing of exactly that state and their research: https://linktw.in/PsSgha

The biggest hindrance to having a peaceful and quiet mind is our fear of losing control, as much of our thinking is disguised as somewhat necessary or useful. However, this is really being questioned in the latest research on this network and its effect on the individual.

I find that the best way to explore the relationship between high performance, peace of mind, and fewer thoughts is to simply observe your own experience. When does your best work happen? Does it happen when you’re busy with yourself? Does it happen when you have a worried mind, thinking about the future? Or does it occur when you’re deeply involved in whatever you do, with almost no thoughts about yourself?

I have found the investment in practices that quiet my mind to be extremely helpful. Now, writing simply happens (without lots of premeditation or planning), coaching happens, the right answers come, and they come better than when I had a very busy mind.

Try it out.

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Here are our ideas for the week:

1. “When all striving ends, one sees that it was never needed for there to be movement.”
2. “The only problem with falling down is when you don’t learn from it.”
3. “Control is a dream. You don’t know what will happen next, so how could you control it?”

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Ideas from Others:

“If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?”  
― Rumi

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Question to Ponder:

How would my life be if I gave up worry?