Most of us are almost constantly churning — mentally — with various images, words, and patterns within our minds. (The words are often verbal in essence and usually occur as simulations of what one’s own physical voice sounds like.) Even when we listen to others, or observe others, what we perceive largely consists of patterns recognized (i.e., re-cognized) by mental patterns which already exist in (and “as”) the mind. We often take these patterns — these protrusions of thought/thinking — to be equivalent to pure reality. However, they are primarily just virtual representations that are fragmentary, symbolic, and of the past, since they are constituted of repetitive mental protrusions that reflect what was poured — piecemeal — into us by others. Even the “I” that each one seems to zealously harbor and worship consists of a protrusion of thought/thinking (that deceives the mind and often invites fragmentary, separative behavior).
A silent mind transcends this limitation by going beyond what is secondhand, virtual, and symbolic. Such a mind is not merely trapped in (and “as”) the representational. Such a mind is dynamic, alive, pristine, and beyond sequential, robotic imitation. Then, true care and compassion may manifest. Compassion does not emanate from what is fundamentally not alive.
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
GORGEOUS photo Tom…. oh how I thrive on such images… but you and I have to disagree about the negative aspects of patterning across time – there is a positive aspect to patterning that attach us to what is real, our ancestors, and ways to live our lives without becoming insane… please read the blog “WHO ARE THESE MEN>>> that I reposted because this kind of imagination KILLS.
Well, i read the article and, though it reflected some good points, i have to — overall — disagree with it. Like the 19 ways (to follow) that were mentioned, for instance… People have been designing such blueprints for others to live by for eons. (Organized religions are based on this stuff.) It may have helped a little but, fundamentally, it really didn’t change things enough. Ancestors? Very few people, in the past, had real, holistic wisdom, and most ancestors, except for those very few, primarily got it wrong.
Yep, we disagree
I would love to have the ability to silence or even quiet my mind. It is not disciplined and that is unfortunate. But….one must keep trying.
Don’t write yourself off, Sylvia. Silence cannot, anyway, be brought about by any kind of effort from some controlling ego.
If the mind keeps churning with stuff a lot, just observe it without trying to control, subjugate, or suppress what is happening. That effortlessness may be a form of quietness in itself (despite other parts of the mind rattling on). Awareness does wonders sometimes.
Yes, thoughts can be intrusive, unlike the lovely lichen.
Yes, Harini, exactly. However, we have to be careful to not use subjugation and battling regarding thoughts when they unwelcomely occur when we prefer — at the time — silence. That would cause unnecessary friction and conflict within the mind. There can be an effortless psychological dying to thought by the mind (at times); this psychological dying is not a battle and it has nothing to do with control, friction, or domination.
My mind is always churning … thinking about all the things swirling around in this world, none which I like. People say to me “well why do you read or listen to the news? “Because I want to stay informed … I have a need to know” is what I answer with and they look at me, like I’m daft. I’m exasperated with the world and its people most of the time. I thought the lichen looked interesting, a little like a salad bowl with some slices of carrot alongside it.
I listen to the news too. But i don’t continue to worry about things. It does no real good. If the rest of the world is insane, i’m not going to let them bring me down… no way!
Thanks about the lichen, Linda. It does look like a bowl of salad! 😊
Lovely lichens, Tom. ❤
I agree, while staying in silence 🙂