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Visualize your thoughts as leaves on a stream to practice mindful observation and non-attachment.

Science

Psychology

Health & Happiness

Letting Go

Guided Imagery

Visualization

English

Thoughts have a powerful effect on how we feel and how we behave. In this practice, you will learn how to observe your thoughts. You will watch, label, and let go of cognitions. By defusing from our thoughts, we are able to move into the present moment and back into our lives.

Leaves On A Stream

 This exercise is called Leaves on a Stream and it's one of the ways we learn to observe our thoughts. Go ahead and sit in a comfortable position. Either close your eyes or rest them gently on a fixed spot in the room. Surprised yourself sitting beside a gently flowing stream with leaves floating along the surface of the water. For the next few minutes, take each thought that enters your mind and place it on a leaf. Let it float by. Do this with each thought, pleasurable, painful or neutral. Even if you have joyous or enthusiastic thoughts, place them on a leaf and let them float by. If your thoughts momentarily stop, continue to watch the stream. Sooner or later, your thoughts will start up again. Allow the stream to flow at its own pace. Don't try to speed it up and rush your thoughts along. You're not trying to rush the leaves along or get rid of your thoughts. Rather you are allowing them to come and go at their own pace. If your mind says, this is dumb, I'm bored or I'm not doing this right, place those thoughts on leaves too and let them pass. If a leaf gets stuck, allow it to hang around until it's ready to float by. If the thought comes up again, watch it float by another time. If a difficult or painful feeling arises, simply acknowledge it. Say to yourself, I notice myself having a feeling of boredom, impatience, frustration. Place those thoughts on leaves and allow them to float along. From time to time, your thoughts may hook you and distract you from being fully present in this exercise. This is normal. As soon as you realize that you have become sidetracked, gently bring your attention back to the visualization exercise. Now, allow your body's sensations to come back into the room, noticing your feet on the floor. Take a deep breath. Gently open your eyes.