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All negative thoughts – anger, fear, passion, compulsive…

“All negative thoughts – anger, fear, passion, compulsive craving -- tend to be fast. If we could see the mind when it is caught in such thoughts, we would really see it racing. But positive thoughts like love, patience, tenderness, compassion, and understanding are slow - not turbulent, rushing…” quote by Eknath Easwaran
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““All negative thoughts – anger, fear, passion, compulsive craving -- tend to be fast. If we could see the mind when it is caught in such thoughts, we would really see it racing. But positive thoughts like love, patience, tenderness, compassion, and understanding are slow - not turbulent, rushing brooks of thinking, so to speak but broad rivers that are calm, clear, and deep.””

Eknath Easwaran

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Fast, turbulent thoughts are fleeting and chaotic, while calm, deep thoughts flow slowly and clearly, revealing true mind state.

In simple terms: Fast thoughts are chaotic; calm thoughts are deep.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate patience and mindfulness.

Themes

mindfulness emotion thoughts calm clarity

Mood

reflective calm inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • meditation practice
  • stress management
  • creative work
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

psychology spirituality neuroscience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you recognize when your mind is racing?
  • What practices help slow mental turbulence?
A Different Perspective

Fast thoughts can dominate attention, making calm thoughts hard to notice.

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