A big thing that I personally came across during my journey with OCD was a rather large villainization of thinking. Many people with OCD can see very clearly that the pain of aversion is typically present when OCD thinking takes place. So, yes, some thinking needs to be different or even no longer take place. You have to stop doing the thing that hurts you in order to stop hurting.

What’s important to understand, however, is that thinking itself is a perfectly ok and acceptable and even fun thing to do at times!

Yes, that means it is entirely possible to engage in joyful thinking, applying the mind to things that are worth thinking about, such as an act of generosity you remembered, or the joke your friend told you, or a fond childhood memory, or the plans you have for tomorrow, or brainstorming over the project you’re working on, or an exciting piece of art you’re creating.

There are, however, just as many things not worth thinking about, such as that time we went for a handshake while they went for a fist bump, or how we really, seriously, totally need that material item that will totally complete us, or a fear we have of a flight we’re taking in a month we’ve already prepared for, or that relationship that will finally complete us, or how we’re the worst person in the world and no one could ever possibly love us.

So the first understanding here is that we can use wisdom to discern what thoughts are worth thinking about and what thoughts are worth clearly seeing with non-judgment and kindness and then letting go of. (See the Two Kinds of Mind Seeds – What Will You Grow Today? article to understand how to do that.)

The second understanding is that there’s a time and place for different kinds of thinking. It is of great value to simply be present to your senses, appreciating your environment and the people you’re with rather than being in your head. Even then, however, this doesn’t need to be turned into an absolute rule. Be flexible.

So it can be seen clearly that the problem, just like anything in existence, is not the thing itself, which is naturally perfectly fine and acceptable and even beneficial, but rather, it is how the thing itself is used. An even better way to put it may be this: are you using thoughts and thinking, or are thoughts and thinking using you?

So enjoy thinking about things worth thinking about, and enjoy not thinking when you wish to be present to your environment or a meditation object or a movie whatever it is, both are acceptable, and use and cultivate wisdom to discern which is appropriate. Take a lighthearted and kind attitude towards yourself so when you do find that you’re thinking when you’d rather be present or find that you’re thinking about something not worth thinking about, you can gently set it down and get on with what’s worth getting on with!