Something on My Mind

The song says, "You were always on my mind." The brain can begin thinking certain thoughts and these thoughts can be intrusive, continual and pressing. That is sometimes referred to as obsessive thinking or cognitive rumination. For example, thoughts that are characterized as "Worry" can be quite obsessive. Continuous thinking is, however, not an option. The mind is never void of thoughts; they are there 24/7.

Thoughts can be selected and managed. A challenging part of this cognitive management involves slowing down the thought process. Thoughts come one at a time. They may seem to overlap and run together, but a thought is basically a loner in the sense that each stands alone as a single entity. Some researchers speak of the "gap" between thoughts. Like gaps between notes of music. Each note stands alone. When music is being played the gaps are so close that no silence is detected, even though it is there. Some forms of meditation strive to slow the cognitive process down, striving to "get in the cognitive gap" of silence.

This type of thought management requires desire and practice. One must recognize and desire the benefits of the technique. One of the primary benefits involves slowing down the body's matabolism such as heart rate, blood pressure and stress index. The body and the mind get a rest, resulting in a sense of well-being, energy and motivation. A sign on our football dressing room wall read, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all."

One of the most effective ways of slowing thoughts involves becoming aware of brain activity. Simply taking a moment to feel the "thought rate" is important. Thought rate is the speed of ideas, images and thoughts through the brain. Manic and hypomanic thought rates are exceptionally to moderately quick often resulting in confusion and dellusions. Knowing one's "cognitive speed" is critical.

Once cognitive speed is calculated and a need for slowing down is determined, one can simply begin to focus the brain's activity on a "mantra" or a single word or sound that can help one "get in the gap." Once some profficency is achieved with this technique, one can usually simply adjust thinking with a thought, "Slow down!" Awareness and focus are the most critical factors in the slowing process. Although difficult in the beginning, some benefits are felt immediately.