Catching the MIND

The act of catching others doing wrong is a well-practiced human habit. Finding faults, blaming, criticizing and judging often becomes easier than examining ourselves.

Some people often criticize others for what they secretly dislike about themselves. Worst is when one indulges in contradictions, jealousy, dirty competition, selfishness, corruption, falsehood and worldly desires. Actually, living wrongfully is inviting tensions, strains, chaos confusion within oneself. It is quite a defense mechanism that keeps attention away from our own short comings, insecurities and unresolved issues.

Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but far less clarity about improving their own. The catching of others actions is quite dependent on one’s observation. The wise have said ‘observation can be more informative than conversation. Instead of observing others, self-observing should be our step for inner unfolding.

Self-observation is, in a way, “catching the Mind’. A practice of noticing your own thinking in real-time. It means detaching from your immediate thoughts or emotions to watch your own mind in action. Instead of being lost in an experience, you act as a neutral, third-party witness to how you are thinking, feeling, and reacting. By observing yourself observe, you step back and say, "I notice that I am feeling angry right now which creates a psychological gap, that stops you from acting purely on impulse.

To realise that you are not your thoughts, but you are the space in which thoughts occur. This way thoughts such as jumping to conclusions or self-criticism which one generally tends to hold onto long enough, can be overcome.

You will realise the distinct difference between observing the mind and getting caught up in it: Getting caught: allows yourself to be completely absorbed, overwhelmed, or hijacked by a thought, anxiety, or craving. Catching the mind: is creating a micro-second pause between a trigger (an event or emotion) and your reaction. It is this pause which creates room for intentional, empowered choices rather than automatic habits.

Observe yourself- become the silent "witness" to your stream of consciousness, facilitating mental training and emotional regulation. The chess board metaphor- envision your mind as a chessboard. Your thoughts are the pieces (some "good," some "bad"), but you are the board itself, providing a stable space for the game without being harmed by it.

Bhagavad Gita presents self-observation (Atma-Nirikshana) as the foundation of spiritual growth and emotional balance. Rather than repressing thoughts or forcing behavioural change, it teaches that dispassionately witnessing your mind allows you to separate your true, divine consciousness (Atma) from your material ego and fluctuating emotions.

In a similar context Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) teaches- know yourself first before you judge others. Nanak beseeches, what kind of person is a Giyani (wise person)? A true Giyani is he who has realised own self (SGGS Ang 25)

Life is better understood and lived observing-self, examining, investigating, inquiring, checking, reading one’s own mind. Debugging the mind, reflecting on self-virtues, taking stock of one’s vices demerits and the losses caused by one’s arrogance.  The mind is a wonderful servant but a dangerous master. The moment we become aware of its moments, we begin reclaiming our freedom from it.

When it hurts Observe- life is trying to teach you something. Molding oneself through the Guru’s teachings is the surest way of catching the mind before the mind catches you.