驟停

人的思緒很奧妙，無一刻停歇，在無意識的狀態下仍會擅自尋覓主題，找到後便不間斷地針對那一對象再三忖度，如果那對象是塊牛肉大概已被反覆煎成黑炭了。

The human mind is mysterious, never ceasing its activity. Even in unconscious states, it relentlessly seeks out topics, engaging in uninterrupted contemplation. If that focus happens to be a piece of beef, it might have been repeatedly seared into charcoal by now.

這種「多慮」，在身心狀態健全時無傷大雅，但若在身心虛弱時還如此，便會造成無謂的鬱卒。為了不讓自己徒勞在無生產性的思維裡糾纏，我們都需要一個讓一切思考驟停的開關。唯有意識到那個開關的存在，我們才有機會讓自己淨空，有片刻的安寧。

This tendency to “overthink” is harmless when one’s mental and physical states are sound. However, during times of vulnerability, it can lead to unnecessary distress. To avoid getting entangled in unproductive thoughts, we all need a switch that abruptly stops all contemplation. Only by acknowledging the existence of that switch do we have a chance to clear our minds, experiencing a moment of tranquility.

那麼一按便停的開關是什麼呢？我的經驗是藉由抽離並觀照自己，反問：「為什麼這個當下對這件事情如此苦惱、如此執著？」、「以前也苦惱過嗎？如果有，此時和彼時的差別為何？如果沒有，為什麼突然起了煩惱？」、「這個煩惱有及時性和必要性嗎？如果有，現在能做什麼努力呢？如果沒有，現在能不去思考嗎？」、「這個當下不再去想又如何？」

So, what is this switch that halts everything with a single press? In my experience, it involves distancing oneself and reflecting. Asking questions such as, “Why am I so troubled and fixated on this matter at this very moment?” or “Have I been troubled by this before? If yes, what’s the difference between now and then? If not, why is there sudden distress?” or “Does this current worry have immediacy and necessity? If yes, what efforts can be made now? If not, can I refrain from thinking about it?” or “What happens if I stop thinking about it now?”

這些詰問總能斬斷盤根錯節的思維網，讓我從思緒的虎口中脫身。解脫剎那，便能更意識到，能促使我們前進的始終是正面的動能，而不是自我批判、質疑。尤其在身心虛弱時，若還以大火炙燒，過度貶低自己並不能讓我們相信自己的能動性，只是成了被壓倒在地的黑炭。

These inquiries can always sever the tangled web of thoughts, allowing me to escape the jaws of rumination. In that moment of liberation, I become more conscious that the driving force propelling us forward is always positive energy, not self-criticism or doubt. Especially during times of physical and mental fragility, if we continue to fuel the flames with excessive self-deprecation, it won’t instill belief in our agency. Instead, it turns us into charred remnants pressed to the ground.