Thinking ‘Bout It!

Thinking ‘Bout It!

©Allen Merritt (2015)

Think.

Thoughts.

Thinking.

This morning two women sat down at the coffee shop and set up their ThinkPads. Both laptops had orange stickers on them which read “Think First!” I found that interesting, because I have been contemplating the idea of thinking and what it means; how it impacts our lives.

I am not sure why, but the other day I remembered a saying I used as a kid which I haven’t used much lately. When people would ask me what I thought or what I was thinking about I’d say, “I don’t think. It’s a nasty habit” or “Thinking is a nasty habit. I try never to do it.” This was my feeble attempt at humor. In truth, I thought a lot; maybe too much.

My mother used to ask me all the time what I was thinking about and I would simply say, “Nothing.” Her response was, “That’s impossible.” No one can sit there and literally not think about something. The mind doesn’t work that way. However, I beg to differ. Sometimes, the mind is spaced out and drifts off without focus of thought. It simply ‘is’. I suppose the mind is always working on a subconscious level, but as far as the right here and right now, can we always say we are constantly thinking or should be constantly thinking?

As I write, my mind ticks off a list of references:

• I think, therefore I am.
• Think about it.
• Thinking out loud.
• Thinking of you.

Aretha Franklin sings, “You better think, think about what you’re trying to do to me. Yeah, Think!”

George Wallace has a popular statement. He says, “I be thinking.”

All of the above are good ideas and interesting to ponder considering the world we live in today. It seems people do not view the idea of thought and thought processes quite the same as in the past. I observe how people do not think for themselves anymore. Instead of being responsive, individuals are primarily reactive. It’s like we’re living in a constant fight or flight time period, an either put up or shut up mentality. Of course, it is never safe to blanket society with a comment, but it does appear a common trend…not to think or consider anything or anyone.

To me, the idea of ‘thinking’ is utilizing one’s own mind to make determinations, assess and find solutions, initiate creativity, process the world around us, attempt to understand and pave a pathway through life of nonstop decision making. Thinking becomes a navigation tool for which human beings live by or so we think. Common sense and thinking often have nothing to do one with the other. Reports illustrate the dummying down effect upon our society.

What does any of this have to do with keeping life on a positive upswing? It occurs to me that having a thought connects us to something. Exploring that thought further brings us to a new place to either consider it or discount it, which will ultimately lead us to yet another place where we store an opinion about a person, place or thing. Without thinking about it we would never get involved in any activity, relationship or job. Improving on a situation, finding solutions, self-preservation techniques and any and/or all progress would come to a complete and udder halt without some form of thought processing. Mankind has thought long and hard in years gone by and we reap the rewards of their efforts today. To me, that brings us to a positive place. The desire to leave the world in a better place is initiated by these efforts as well as our ability to continue it in the same vein.

Years ago, I wrote a poetic performance piece called Death by Thought Process. In considering the importance of thinking positively and pushing toward the positive, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that 'over-thinking' can put us in a negative place. Over-assessing and over-evaluating life leads to fretting, frustration and uncertainty. Death by Thought Process spoke to the idea of going too far, letting other people get inside our head and pushing us over the edge toward negative consequences.

In conclusion, thinking is good. Sometimes letting our thoughts flow freely or giving our brain a rest is productive, as well. Take a break once in a while. Know the difference in how thought processing effectively works toward the betterment of the whole. Think…yes! Never think….no. Respond…yes. Over think…no!

Remember, we have choices when, where, how and what we think.

Two final thoughts:

• Think for yourself
• Think before you speak.

If we let it, both of these will lean us toward something positive.

So have some good thoughts this week. Let them be positive and productive.

Enjoy.

Cheers!