The Dynamics of Thought Suppression

In today's world, where the constant stream of ideas continually presents us with new notions, understanding exactly how our consciousness works becomes particularly relevant. When we decide to refrain from focusing on a particular thought—for instance, by trying not to think about something specific—we inadvertently begin to assign it significance. This process is similar to how a plant, deprived of essential nutrients, gradually loses its vitality; however, if it receives even the slightest bit of care, it begins to flourish and distracts us from what is truly important.

The main body of the research shows that controlling consciousness requires incredible willpower and quick reaction: the sooner we discard an intrusive thought, the easier it is for it to remain in the background of our attention. Trying not to think about something can have the opposite effect because even a brief engagement of the mind with the suppressed idea can lead it to actively "settle" into our consciousness, demanding constant attention and distracting us from current activities. This is precisely why many spiritual and psychological practices recommend not giving thoughts a chance to take root and materialize, but instead focusing on the moment in which we truly want to be.

In conclusion, it can be said that conscious control over attention does not mean senselessly ignoring thoughts; rather, it requires a delicate balance between awareness and the active choice of what we want to devote our time and energy to. By paving the way to mental freedom, we learn not only to understand ourselves better but also to create conditions for the development of a more resilient and focused consciousness.

How does the attempt to consciously not think about something (for example, a polar bear) affect our thinking and attention? When we intentionally try not to think about something—say, a polar bear—it means that we direct the effort of control towards the initial emergence of the thought. If the thought appears and we promptly choose not to engage with it, its influence on our attention is minimal. But if we allow even the slightest engagement of the mind with this thought, it becomes more challenging to simply “switch it off.” Paradoxically, this process causes our attention to inadvertently become fixated on the suppressed thought—as if it continues to “nourish” our consciousness just as a plant is nourished by soil and moisture.

This can be compared to the idea that if we consciously withdraw our attention from a thought, it, like a plant deprived of soil, eventually begins to fade. However, if even partial mental involvement is allowed, the thought blossoms, distracting us from our current activities and the surrounding environment.

Supporting citation(s):
"Now I will only say how the union of the mind with a particular notion occurs in our soul and how it should be resisted. The holy fathers say that it is best to reject a thought at the very beginning, when it just arises. If in our mind some thought has just begun to form and we have not yet engaged in conversation with it or started to consider it, it is easier for us to discard it... To take away attention from them is just as if one takes the soil and the revitalizing moisture from plants, and by merely withdrawing attention, thoughts gradually 'dry up.' You have probably noticed how sometimes a person, lost in thought, becomes so distracted from their surroundings that they do not hear what is being said to them or see what is in front of them." (source: link )