--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What is really happening in meditation is…" description: "\"What is really happening in meditation is that we are developing the ability to think when we want to, and to not think when we don’t want to.\" — Sakyo..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a2/sakyong-mipham-2871_ability_what-is-really-happening-in-meditation-i_2481449.jpg" --- # What is really happening in meditation is that we are… ![“What is really happening in meditation is that we are developing the ability to think when we want to, and to not think when we don’t want to.” quote by Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a2/sakyong-mipham-2871_ability_what-is-really-happening-in-meditation-i_2481449.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a2/sakyong-mipham-2871_ability_what-is-really-happening-in-meditation-i_2481449.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5a2/sakyong-mipham-2871_ability_what-is-really-happening-in-meditation-i_2481449.jpg) > “What is really happening in meditation is that we are developing the ability to think when we want to, and to not think when we don’t want to.” [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Meditation trains selective attention, allowing intentional thought and quieting unwanted mental chatter. **In simple terms:** Meditation lets you choose when to think and when to quiet your mind. Key Takeaway Practice focused breathing to gain control over mental activity. Themes mindfulness self‑control mental discipline Mood calm focused empowering Type advice practical When to use this quote - stress reduction - creative work - emotional regulation - decision making Key Concepts attention regulation neuroplasticity consciousness Questions to Reflect On - How does intentional thinking improve daily focus? - What techniques help you stop unwanted thoughts? A Different Perspective May be difficult for beginners to quiet the mind without frustration. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Meditation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meditation/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [In Zen the emphasis is on meditation and developing your body, mind and spirit to find inner peace, strength, clarity and enlightenment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-lenz/in-zen-the-emphasis-is-on-meditation-and-developing-your-body-mind/) [Frederick Lenz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-lenz/) > [To do things in a way you want to do them, you will have to acquire the ability to think the way you want…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wallace-d-wattles/to-do-things-in-a-way-you-want-to-do-them-you-will-have-to-acquire/) [Wallace D. Wattles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wallace-d-wattles/) > [Luck? Sure. 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What matters is the ability to think different... to think out of the box.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walter-isaacson/smart-people-are-a-dime-a-dozen-what-matters-is-the-ability-to-think/) [Walter Isaacson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-isaacson/) ## More by Sakyong Mipham > [If we do not appreciate the sensitivity and subtlety of the human heart, how can we appreciate the sensitivity and subtlety of the natural…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sakyong-mipham/if-we-do-not-appreciate-the-sensitivity-and-subtlety-of-the-human/) [Sakyong Mipham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sakyong-mipham/) > [“Thus the mind is more present and at peace. 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