Despite myriad non-dual spiritual teachings that tell us the “mind is the problem” or “we need to eliminate our thoughts,” the mind isn’t an adversary; it’s a loyal guardian shaped by past experiences and ingrained beliefs. Its intentions are noble—to protect us in the only ways it knows how. Instead of waging war against it or trying to “fire” it, we need to foster a friendship with our mind. By doing so, we grant it the peace it seeks, allowing it to work harmoniously and deliver what we truly need: the ability to make plans, discern, and so forth.

Now the mind does go off on tangents and can sound quite negative (again, from past programming). Since all minds are joined, we are also picking up on thoughts from people close to us, including those we may live with, or from those who live nearby. And depending on our consciousness, we may tune into the thoughts from people who live across the globe…and beyond. But here is a very direct and quick way to quiet your mind that proves effective anywhere, anytime.

The next time your mind is chattering, ask it: What are you? Pause, then notice what happens. Repeat: What are you?

When confronted directly, the mind cannot respond.

It’s a profound phenomenon, isn’t it? When you ask the mind, “What are you?” it essentially confronts something it cannot define. The question directs attention inward, beyond the realm of conditioned thought and programming. The mind, which is typically busy analyzing, labelling, and narrating, finds itself without a frame of reference. It’s like a spotlight suddenly shining on the mind itself—leaving it with no external object to latch onto.

This silence could be a moment of realization or stillness, where the mind momentarily steps aside, revealing the space of pure awareness behind all thought. It’s not so much that the mind has been forced into silence, but rather that it has no scripted answer to a question so existential. In that stillness, you’re glimpsing something deeper than the chatter of thought. You’re getting a real glimpse of your true nature, which never changes or moves. It is always silent and forever still.

Namaste.