Are you aware of your default thoughts?
The ceaseless thoughts that we all come back to.
Over the last month, particularly the last week, my mind, or thoughts, have been loud, to say the least.
It’s been challenging to quieten them and find mental peace.
Throughout this time, while there is no “science” behind my insight, I’ve realised that we tend to have thoughts that our minds come back to time and time again.
I call these our “default thoughts”.
This concept isn’t entirely new, although it might be for you, as it’s also known as thought mentation and is different from “thinking”. This is how…
Default Thoughts vs Thinking: Knowing the Difference
“Thought mentation” refers to the unconscious thoughts that happen automatically with little conscious effort. We don’t have much control over them.
“Thinking” refers to our conscious thoughts, often used for creation.
Knowing the difference and having an understanding of the two is important and valuable in understanding ourselves and navigating this thing called life.
Because when we learn how to distinguish the two, we are more aware of when our default thoughts are present, which often leads to the monkey mind and mental chatter running the show, or when we are thinking for creation!
What Is the Monkey Mind?
Our monkey mind/mental chatter is that voice within our head that doesn’t shut up! And most recently, I noticed how a lot of that “chatter” is, and stems from, our default thoughts.
This helps to raise self-awareness, and from my experience at least, leads me to feel less bad or guilty when my default thoughts are present and mental chatter is loud.
I realise that it’s not me, because these thoughts aren’t truly who we are, and I apply a strategy or two to help me navigate that moment in time!
More on strategies soon…
Where Default Thoughts Come From
Because before I get to strategies, I want to share where default thoughts come from so we can understand them better.
Reflecting on this in great depth, I think that our default thoughts vary depending on the season of our lives, what’s most important to us in that season, and the collective sum of our life experiences.
For example, my default thoughts are very loud about health and nutrition at the moment. And to cut a long story short as to why, it’s because that’s what’s most important to me in this season of my life.
I also have default thoughts that are a collective sum of my life experiences, and when I’m not thinking consciously (remember, for creation), they pop up!
They can get rather annoying. So what can we do about this? Is there anything we can do, or is that just how life is?
Be warned that the following is easier said than done, and that time, consciousness, and dedication will help us to navigate this, because…
The antidote to this is awareness!
Step One: Awareness Is the Antidote
Meaning the first step is to become aware of the difference between “default thoughts” and “thinking”, as you are now.
Once we reach this first step, we can start to do something about it…
Step Two: Tools to Quieten the Mind
This brings us to the second step, which is about being more aware of when default thoughts are running the show in our daily lives. This is where we need some tools and strategies.
Meditation, Breathwork and Journaling
The tools and strategies I use and recommend to help quieten the mind and find more mental peace from default thoughts (and life itself) include:
- Meditation in all its forms — there are many different types, styles, and practices out there; find one or two that work for you.
- Meditative activities, such as a walk — different from meditation, but they can have a meditative effect, which can be beneficial for those who struggle to meditate.
- Journaling and self-reflection.
- Breathwork and breathing exercises.
These tools have massively helped me to quieten my mind and find more mental peace, something I think we all need repeated help with. They aren’t perfect, though, and sometimes I still struggle.
They require time, consciousness, dedication, and consistency to benefit from the full positive effects that they can have.
I would recommend playing with them and finding what one, two, or three work for you. I’ve found that, much like a good builder, we want more than one tool in our toolbox.
Once this step has been dialled in, meaning that you have found tools that work for you (although it’s an ongoing process, and tools may change over time, but you get my point), we move to step three…
Step Three: Becoming Immune to Mental Chatter
Step three is becoming immune to your default thoughts and subsequent mental chatter!
It’s an advanced step that I only understand intellectually, although I have experienced times when I haven’t reacted to mental chatter, which is a start. But to be immune to them? I’m not there yet!
I’m continuing to master step two through my daily breathwork and meditative practices, as well as cultivating as much awareness as I can in my daily life.
Remember: Awareness is the antidote!
You’re now aware of the difference between “default thoughts” and “thinking”.
It’s now up to you to decide what to do with it.
Key Takeaways on Default Thoughts & Mental Chatter
- Distinguish Your Thoughts: Understand the crucial difference between automatic “default thoughts” (unconscious mentation) and active “thinking” (conscious creation). This awareness is the first step to gaining control.
- Identify the Monkey Mind: Recognise that the “monkey mind,” or constant mental chatter, is often fuelled by your default thoughts. Knowing this can help you detach from the chatter without guilt.
- Understand Their Origin: Your default thoughts are not random; they are shaped by your current life priorities and the sum of your past experiences.
- Embrace Awareness as the Antidote: The primary strategy for managing mental chatter is to become aware of when your default thoughts are running the show.
- Build Your Mental Toolbox: Actively use tools like meditation, breathwork, and journaling to quieten the mind. Having several tools helps you respond effectively in different situations.
- Aim for Immunity: The ultimate goal is to become immune to your mental chatter, meaning you no longer react to it. This is an advanced step that builds upon consistent awareness and practice.
FAQs for working through Default Thoughts & Mental Chatter
What is the main difference between default thoughts and thinking?
Default thoughts are the automatic, unconscious thoughts that your mind returns to without effort. In contrast, thinking is a conscious, deliberate mental process you use for creative or problem-solving tasks.
What exactly is the “monkey mind”?
The “monkey mind” is the term for the incessant, chattering inner voice in your head that often feels like it never stops. This mental chatter is frequently driven by your default thoughts.
Where do my default thoughts originate?
Your default thoughts typically come from two main sources: what is most important to you in your current season of life, and the collective sum of all your past life experiences.
What is the first step to managing mental chatter?
The first and most important step is awareness. Simply becoming aware of your default thoughts and recognising when they are present is the foundation for learning how to manage them.
Are there any practical tools to help quieten the mind?
Yes, the article recommends several effective tools. These include various forms of meditation, breathwork exercises, journaling for self-reflection, and meditative activities like walking in nature.
