Set aside some time each day to sit alone and do nothing but observe. Your breath may serve as an anchor to the current moment, so pay attention to it first. Then try to observe any ideas, judgements, mental pictures, or emotions that arise. Do not push them away - simply notice them, watch them in the distance as it were, and then return your focus to your breath. This exercise is important because it gives you access to all those hidden parts of your mind that we usually act on automatically without even being aware of it. As you practice this observation technique, you will discover more about yourself and your mind. For example, you will learn how you feel about certain ideas or images, what effects certain words have on you, etc. Once you start paying attention to your thoughts, you will begin to see them everywhere! At first, this may seem distracting, but once you get used to it, you will find it very useful. In addition to observing your thoughts, it is also helpful if you can remember a few things about yourself: who you are, where you come from, and where you are going. Knowing these things will help you understand why you think and act the way you do. Finally, be patient with yourself. It may take you months before you see any changes because this is only one side of your brain that needs attention.