Let’s start with an interesting truth:

TikTok and meditation aren’t that different.

You probably think I’m joking. But stick around, and I’ll show you why it’s true.

Ever notice how your mind scrolls through thoughts just like your thumb scrolls TikTok videos?

One video leads seamlessly to another. Each thought flows effortlessly into the next.

You sit down to meditate, and suddenly your brain lights up like your TikTok feed.

Here’s the secret:

Meditation doesn’t create thoughts.

It just makes you aware they’re always there.

Your brain links thoughts together like TikTok links videos.

Each thought triggers another thought.

One sensation leads to another feeling, and soon you’re down a rabbit hole.

Ever find yourself trapped in a loop of thoughts?

People with OCD know these loops too well.

But we all have them, even if we don’t notice.

TikTok’s algorithm is the same.

It notices what you like.

It links videos based on your reactions.

And suddenly you’ve scrolled for hours without realizing.

Most TikTok videos are forgettable. They serve no real purpose.

The same goes for most of your thoughts.

Most thoughts aren’t insightful.

Some can even hurt you.

But here’s the trick:

Thoughts aren’t “you.”

Thoughts just happen.

They rise, they fade, and they’re gone.

Stress and anxiety appear when you start believing your thoughts define you.

Let’s break that illusion together.

Try this simple exercise:

Sit comfortably. Close your eyes.

Take a few deep breaths.

Exhale slowly—about nine seconds each breath, nine times.

Now set your intention:

“I will simply become aware of my thoughts.”

Don’t push thoughts away.

Invite them in gently.

Watch them closely.

If you do this right, the thoughts fade away like mist.

Repeat patiently.

At first, your thoughts might seem trivial.

But soon, you’ll notice thoughts about thoughts—meta-thoughts.

These are fascinating.

But remember, even these are just thoughts.

Watch them, accept them, and don’t claim them as yours.

This practice creates freedom.

Freedom from stress.

Freedom from anxiety.

Freedom from believing you are your thoughts.

And that’s true mindfulness.