Why We Should Prioritize Mindfulness Over Thinking

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While thinking is useful at times, mindfulness—or clear seeing—should always take precedence. Why? Here’s a quick experiment to illustrate:

Bring to mind your best thought, one that makes you feel great. Now, attempt a small, attention-demanding task, like a calculation. Despite the positivity of the thought, you may find yourself making errors or struggling to focus. Imagine the consequences if this distraction occurs during something truly important.

Even the most pleasant thoughts or emotions can become dangerous if they pull you away from mindfulness. This is why mindfulness is essential, especially after a success—victory can quickly turn into failure if you’re not fully present.

Jack Kornfield, in The Wise Heart: A Guide to Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology, describes mindfulness as the “King of mental states.” Similarly, Osho emphasized that when thinking follows clear seeing, mistakes become impossible.

So, let your thoughts take a back seat. Mindfulness is your greatest ally in navigating life with clarity and precision.