Do thoughts stop in mindfulness?
Short Answer
Usually not. Mindfulness changes your relationship to thoughts more than it stops them. Thoughts can continue while you recognize them as mental events rather than commands.
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.