Thinking...Good or Bad?

I was thinking to myself (lol) if thinking in itself is good or bad? It seems like some individuals have a tendency to overthink or analyze things. In such cases, it does become a problem. First of all, I think it detracts from the present moment. Nietzsche is of the opinion that future obligations, promises, and so on keep us from experiencing the present. I tend to agree here. By withdrawing in your cognitive faculties, remaining in deep thought, it is hard to enjoy the present moment.

The problem is that the only time we have IS the present. The past is gone, and the future has not yet arrived, so dwelling on either can cause discontentment or anxiety. Too much thinking deprives us of enjoying the present moment in my opinion. Being present involves surrendering yourself to the senses of touch, sight, smell, hearing, tasting. While eating dinner, we often contemplate the day's experience, or think about our tasks, obligations and so forth, instead of enjoying our meal. Instead we can get lost in the rhythm of some smooth jazz, breath in the aroma of fresh Parmesan cheese and focus on the sensation of the sweet tomato sauce lathered onto a plate of whole wheat pasta and washing it down with a glass of aged wine.

Thinking is good, of course, but only to the extent that you are able to "control" the thinker within. If you cannot rid yourself of your thoughts, you do not control your mind, your mind controls you. Your thoughts aren't you, and a simple exercise of 'watching the thinker', as Eckart Tolle teaches, will demonstrate to you this fact, and allow you to experience an increased awareness of your consciousness.

I can write a lot about this topic, but I'll stop here for now seeing as I have introduced the topic.