How to Control Thoughts? | Brahma Kumaris

Our thoughts shape how we "𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕, 𝚊𝚌𝚝, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎" life—but they can sometimes become overwhelming, distracting, or negative. Learning how to control your thoughts doesn’t mean stopping them completely, but guiding them towards being POSITIVE, in a healthy way, more aligned with your goals (purpose).

Unwanted Thoughts

The thoughts we would like to control, are not just every thought, but only those 'unwanted' thoughts which rises waves in the silent ocean of the mind. Those thoughts which disturbs our peace and clarity.

We know that "positive thinking" and "optimism" can actually improve our health and physical well-being. But unwanted thoughts can fill us with negative emotions and make us feel defeated. They take us away from the present moment by having us dwell on the past or feel anxious about the future. With unwanted thoughts, we may struggle with negative self-talk as we feel less confident, have more self-doubt, and have poor self-esteem.

How to Control Overthinking?

Answer:

"Obverve/focus on the gaps between two thoughts"

Between one thought and the next, there exists a fleeting, silent space. It is not thought. It isn't an emotion. It is a pure presence—like the pause between heartbeats, or the silence between musical notes. When you become "aware" of this gap, you slip out of the cycle of overthinking and sit on the calm observer’s seat.

How to Focus on the Gaps:

Close your eyes.
Watch your thoughts. Don't resist them—just watch.
Notice when one thought ends and before the next begins.
Gently rest your attention on that empty space. It might be just a split-second. That’s okay. With awareness, it stretches.

Why This Works

When you focus on the gap, you are no longer riding the waves—you’re watching the ocean. Overthinking thrives on momentum; the gap breaks that momentum. It dissolves the narrative, the analysis, the loop. It brings you to the still point, where "clarity" lives.

Controlling and Managing Thoughts

Controlling thoughts begins with mindful awareness—observing them without judgment to create mental distance. Techniques like cognitive restructuring help challenge irrational patterns by reframing negativity into balanced perspectives. Redirecting focus toward purposeful activities and positive affirmations can shift mental energy constructively.

Regular practices such as meditation and journaling (writing a daily diary) strengthen focus and emotional regulation, while consistent self-compassion fosters patience, acknowledging that thoughts are transient and manageable rather than needing suppression. Over time, this intentional guidance cultivates mental resilience and clarity.

By becoming "aware" of what you’re thinking and choosing where to place your attention, you can reduce stress, improve concentration, and feel more at peace. Therefore, meditation is not about controlling the thoughts, but being aware of them and thus, more in control of them.

Every thought is a creative energy that we send out the universe... and it is then "manifested" in our reality (the more we think & work towards that thought)

Suggestion: Do watch this clip from a world bestselling book Conversations With God >> the clip is on "CREATE" where god explains how we create our reality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzPA1oGfVQA&list=PLs-ebcevZI7lM2ndmNPywZtLeFKUhZDQb