I've worked with some bi-polar meditators. My doctor used to think I was bi-polar, but we now realize that I actually experience a combination of clinical depression, PTSD and mild OCD. My symptoms, when taken together, can mimic bi-polar "disorder," but that's not really my diagnosis. I appreciate the advice I'm seeing here, and I have a couple of pieces of advice to offer.
Yes, there are times to just go with the thoughts. Explore them. Journal them - this often dispels them because it reassures you that you haven't lost any information. However, there will also be times when you want to turn the racing thoughts off.
Our thoughts tend to race when we're in waking, especially agitated, states of consciousness (what's sometimes called Beta state). You may wish to ask for help from a guide, god, or goddess who particularly works with altered states of consciousness or shamanistic practices. For instance, I find that either Cernunnos or Odin is a great help to me when my thoughts are racing and I don't want them to.
I also believe that, because there is a neuro-chemical reason for the racing thoughts, you can find neuro-chemical solutions through bio-feedback. Many bi-polar people have to start with slowing breathing, adjusting heart rate, and other techniques related to controlling systems that are usually autonomic. In fact, you may want to do some research on bio-feedback to start the process.
No matter what you do, don't get mad at yourself or your racing thoughts. There is a reason you have these thoughts (and, no, it's not that you're crazy). Learn to accept them and then, if you need to, move on. Sometimes I make several false starts when thoughts lead me away from a meditative state. I acknowledge that I'm having the thoughts, then gently move myself back to the task at hand. I never get upset with myself for thinking, though - that's for other people to do.![]()
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