When I was a child, my parents would throw me and my herd of siblings into our bedrooms to “go to sleep.” Of course, my makeup has always been to want to nap in the afternoon and hoot with the owls. So I would spend a large time staring at the ceiling. As opposed to being bored, I was always entertained by that lovely creation— thoughts.

One of my favorite pastimes is still sitting down and just thinking. Sometimes about something, sometimes to tell stories, and sometimes just to watch my mental picture show. While sitting in a parked car waiting for my wife to buy some shoes, I don’t have to read or play chess on my Palm … I can just sit back and relax and enjoy the show…

Of course, it is amusing that I’m now trying desperately not to think … well, not always, but to every time there is a season, and sometimes it is good to think, and other times, it is not. It is just that if I don’t want to think … I can’t. I’m addicted.

Hi. I’m Howard, and I’m a chronic thinker.

I guess admitting that you have a problem is the first step in recovery. Oh sure, I know the steps to come clean, and I’ve progressed a long ways. I know am able to hold down a job without daydreaming and cherish my relationships much more. But sometimes while getting my baby to sleep, I catch myself working on my next Java program.

I know, its embarrassing.

But every day I practice sitting down and not thinking. And while I can’t stop the “thought energies” (for lack of a better term), my goal is to not follow them on those endless thought trains. I mean, I hate going for a long walk, and then returning home and not remembering the walk. Or taking a shower and trying to remember if I had actually washed my hair.

This group session has been really good for me. Now, how about a group hug?