In this episode, Alex Olshonsky explores why you’re addicted to thinking, nd what to do instead. Drawing from his journey through addiction, recovery, meditation, and somatic psychology, Alex argues that overthinking is often a way of avoiding difficult emotions. He explains why compulsive thought can function like an addiction, how attention gets hijacked by rumination and distraction, and what it takes to reconnect with the present moment. Along the way, Eric and Alex discuss recovery, spiritual practice, the role of the body in healing, and practical ways to find more freedom from the endless loop of thoughts.

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Key Takeaways:

Personal journey through addiction and recovery
Concept of addiction beyond substances, including compulsive thinking
The metaphor of the “two wolves” and its relevance to personal and professional life
The role of attentional agency in cultivating presence and awareness
Healing practices including meditation, somatic psychology, and entheogens
The impact of modern life on mental health and compulsive thinking
Differentiating between useful thinking and compulsive rumination
The importance of somatic awareness in managing thoughts and emotions
Recommendations for simple somatic practices to reduce overthinking
The relationship between action and thought in creating lasting change

For full show notes:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you enjoyed this conversation with Alex Olshonsky, check out these other episodes:

The Age of Magical Overthinking: Why Our Minds Keep Doubling Down with Amanda Montell

Why You Can’t Think Your Way Out of Overthinking with Adam Mastroianni

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