How to Rise Above Overthinking: Wisdom from Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji

Thinking helps us understand, plan and make decisions. Yet, when the mind keeps returning to the same thought, replaying past situations or imagining problems that have not happened, thinking can become exhausting. Overthinking can make ordinary situations feel overwhelming and can take us away from the present moment.

Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji offers a different way of looking at this struggle. Instead of trying to force the mind to stop thinking, He encourages us to understand our relationship with thoughts and gradually learn to observe them without becoming controlled by them.

When Thinking Becomes Stressful?

A difficult situation does not always create the same level of stress in everyone. Our interpretation of the situation and the thoughts we attach to it can make it feel far heavier. Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji explains that overthinking can make situations overpowering, even when the situation itself may be manageable.

This is why simply trying to escape every difficult circumstance may not bring lasting relief. The deeper work begins when we become aware of the patterns through which the mind responds to circumstances. Instead of asking only, “How can I change this situation?”, we can also ask, “How am I thinking about it?”

Understanding the Mind Instead of Fighting It

When we struggle with recurring thoughts, the natural reaction is often to try to push them away. However, fighting the mind can create another layer of resistance. Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji suggests befriending the mind rather than treating it as an enemy.

This means becoming familiar with our thoughts and observing them with awareness. When we observe anger, worry, fear or repeated mental stories without immediately reacting to them, we begin to create some distance from them. The thought may still arise, but it does not have to decide how we feel or act.

The shift is subtle but important. We move from being caught in every thought to becoming aware of the One who is observing those thoughts.

Learning to Observe

Instead of analysing every thought or fighting against it, we can watch the mind with greater awareness. With practice, we begin to recognise that thoughts are constantly changing. They arise, remain for some time and eventually pass.

This understanding can loosen our identification with them. A worrying thought does not have to become a worry-filled day, and a negative thought does not have to become a negative outlook on life.

The practice of turning within is therefore not about creating a completely empty mind. It is about recognising our deeper identity beyond the constant movement of thoughts. As this awareness deepens, the mind can become less overpowering and inner tranquillity can emerge.

The Role of Meditation

Meditation can provide a practical space to develop this awareness. Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji explains that meditation is not about controlling the mind through force, but about going beyond its constant activity and discovering the peace that is natural to the Self.

For those looking into meditation for anxiety, regular practice can offer an opportunity to pause, observe the mind and cultivate greater awareness. Guided meditation courses can also provide structure for someone who finds it difficult to begin a practice independently.

The purpose is not to run away from thoughts, but to change our relationship with them. With consistent practice, we can learn to notice thoughts without automatically following every one of them.

Rising Above Overthinking

Rising above overthinking does not mean never having another worrying thought. It means developing the awareness to recognise a thought without allowing it to take over. As Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji points out, the mind can become a source of misery or joy depending on how we relate to it.

The wisdom of the great Gurus of India has often pointed seekers towards this inner awareness, and Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji brings this understanding into the challenges of modern life. When we learn to observe rather than constantly react, we begin to discover a greater sense of freedom within.

The mind may continue to think, but we do not have to be carried away by every thought. That awareness is where the journey from overthinking towards inner peace begins.