Ereditating

Ereditating is a neologism used to describe a meditative practice that treats inner speech as editable content; practitioners imagine an editor at work on their thoughts, aiming to cultivate awareness and a more deliberate mental narrative.

In typical sessions, practitioners sit comfortably, focus on breath, notice thoughts as they arise, and label them (for example "planning," "worry"). They then apply an imagined edit: reframe or remove the unhelpful thought, substitute a constructive statement, and observe the effect on mood. The process emphasizes nonjudgmental awareness and intentional revision rather than suppression.

Methods vary; some use silent internal editing; others may silently recite revised phrases or write down edits afterward. Session lengths range from a few minutes to longer practices, and the approach is sometimes integrated with journaling, body scan, or gratitude rounds.

Reception and evidence: Proponents cite reduced rumination, improved focus, and greater emotional regulation, while critics note the lack of rigorous research and potential for over-editing or avoidance of distressing but adaptive thoughts. It is not a replacement for professional therapy.

See also: mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, metacognition, cognitive reappraisal, inner speech.