This is what it means to be mindful. To watch the thoughts as they come and go without judgment while completely accepting what arises in the present moment.

You are the space in which these thoughts arise, but not the thoughts themselves.

For many of us, especially being so fortunate to live in a first-world country, the vast majority of pain we experience is due to the seriousness with which we identify with our thoughts.

We see that the vast majority of our suffering is needless, and simply arises from the misidentification with our thinking mind.

The very fact that you can observe this thinking mind is proof that you are not this thinking mind.

Deep down I believe each of us is a well-spring of understanding and wisdom, but we simply never allow the space or time for this understanding to rise to the level of conscious thought.

This constant mental diatribe and the frustrations, worries, insecurities and muscular tension that ensues are the self.

It is important to realize that we so often define ourselves by what is in opposition to ourselves.

That nagging state of constant thought that exists somewhere between the ears and behind the eyes is the self.