"Cuando la mente está pensando, está hablándose a sí misma."

When we think, our mind is engaging in a kind of inner dialogue. It's like having a conversation with ourselves, where ideas, questions, and reflections bounce back and forth internally.

To understand this better, let’s look at the context. This idea traces back to ancient philosophy, particularly to the works of Plato. He had a concept that thinking is essentially the soul’s dialogue with itself. This means that when we're deep in thought, it's as if there are two parts of us: one that asks questions and another that seeks answers.

Imagine you're trying to decide whether to take a new job offer. You weigh the pros and cons, consider your current situation, and perhaps think about your future goals and what might make you happiest. All of these considerations are part of an internal conversation. You’re not vocalizing your thoughts, but your mind is actively engaged in a back-and-forth deliberation.

Here's a real-world example. Think of a writer working on a novel. She sits at her desk, staring at her screen. Her mind races with ideas about plot twists, character development, and dialogue. She might internally discuss whether a character should take a certain action, what the consequences might be, and how it will affect the story's arc. This silent brainstorming is her mind 'talking' to itself, refining and revising ideas before they make it onto the page.

So how can you use this insight in your own life? First, recognize the power of this inner dialogue. It’s through these self-conversations that we solve problems, make decisions, and set goals. If you catch yourself overthinking—spinning in circles with no resolution—try to steer the conversation more productively. Ask yourself direct questions and push for honest answers. Sometimes even writing it down can help clarify your thoughts.

Let me tell you a story to illustrate this. Picture Sarah, who's facing a tough decision about moving to a new city for a job opportunity. She's torn. So, she sits down with a notebook and starts writing out her thoughts. She asks herself: "What am I afraid of? What excites me about this move? What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best?" As she writes, she’s having a conversation with herself, but it’s structured and purposeful. By the end, she has a clearer idea of her fears and hopes, and can make a more informed decision.

In essence, our thoughts are conversations we have with ourselves. Recognizing this can help us harness these internal dialogues, guiding them towards more productive and insightful outcomes. So next time you find yourself lost in thought, remember—you're just chatting with your mind. Make it a good conversation.