Thinking Deeply. Pondering Much.

What’s the difference between deep thinking and overthinking? My granddaughter and I had a conversation about that yesterday afternoon.

Overthinking can take us to a dark and unproductive place where we struggle to find momentum. We play and replay conversations and situations and imagine different outcomes. We wobble and change our minds, refusing to commit to a path.

Deep thinking, on the other hand, seems to invite action. Sometimes it’s as subtle as changing our way of thinking, other times it pushes us to act or speak in new ways as a result of a changed perspective or altered belief system. Deep thinking is necessary for us to grow as human beings, both as a society and as individuals.

The more time one invests in deep thinking, the more opportunities present to invite us into ruminations that challenge our preconceived notions. It’s like the well of things to ponder deeply is bottomless. One thing leads to another and connects to this and that plays into it and, if we’re not careful we can veer off track into the dangerous land of overthinking. So we reign it in and go deep rather than wide.

I’m deep in thought about many things this morning. Our country. Our world, that’s been groaning even before the pandemic set everything churning. People.

The change we’re living through is necessary, albeit overwhelmingly uncomfortable at times. I can’t help wonder how history will colour us. But now, we’re just stumbling around and, hopefully, thinking deeply because in the absence of it is stubborn know-it-all-ness. I’ve been gripped by that malady more than once. It doesn’t pair well with wisdom.

So, I ponder and wrestle and pray. And think deeply. And pray. And pray. And pray.

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This post meandered into territory I didn’t necessarily intend. We can ponder things and still appreciate the wonder of them. So, on that note, I’ll pair this post with a quick photo I shot of my tiny sleeping sun-seeking Yorkie, Murphy. Happy Monday, all.