Would not have guessed this. According to reports I keep hearing about, at least half of everybody―and maybe a good deal more than that―don't have an inner monologue. In the abstract I guess I can see how other ways of thinking make sense, could have advantages. But the thing about having an inner voice is that I didn't set out to develop it. As long as I can remember it's just been there.
What's it sound like? Pretty much, you're looking at it. Or an edited version, at least.
1 comment:
That would go a long way in explaining the behavior of a number of people, wouldn't it? Nevertheless, I have a hard time even trying to imagine not having an inner monologue - sometimes it's more often a dialogue and occasionally more than that. The odd time when a shouting match developed I've considered instituting crowd control.
Seriously, though, Buddhism assumes that everybody has an inner monologue happening all the time we're awake. That's the whole point of 'quiet mind' meditation. The problem is the more you try to quiet your mind, the more the thoughts keep coming in a vicious circle. A worthy goal for all is described in Buddhist teaching:
A truly silent mind, on the other hand, is alert and sensitive to its surroundings. This is because a silent mind is devoid of judging, clinging or rejecting. The silent mind is free from hatred, anger, jealousy, confusion and conflict.
ommmmm.
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