Can clarity exist with thoughts present?
Short Answer
Yes. Clarity is not the absence of thought; it’s the absence of confusion about what thought is. You can have thoughts and still be grounded in awareness. ---
Why This Matters
Most suffering comes from being fused with thoughts rather than having thoughts. Mindfulness creates a gap between thought and action, which reduces rumination and reactivity. That gap is where choice appears.
Where This Changes
If observing thoughts becomes over-analysis, shift to a sensory anchor (breath, sound) or to open awareness. The goal is clarity, not endless mental commentary about the mind.