Are you your thoughts? Are your thoughts something you purposely do? Or something that happens to you? For myself it seems like a bit of both.
At times it seems like I am my thoughts, but it seems letting go of them and practicing meditation/mindfulness is one way to stop identifying so much with the thoughts. But on the other hand my meditation practice has been pretty nonexistent for several years, so I'm maybe not the best person to ask, haha.
Yet in the past when I had a steady meditation practice I have gotten to a point where I did, at least somewhat, feel more like my thoughts were just a process that was happening to me. But also, the "observing them from outside" part isn't easy, and I feel, shouldn't be a goal, its more of a "side effect" of the practice. But, again, I am far from an expert, and I'd love to hear anyone else's thoughts on the matter.
A non existent practice creates non existent results. Same with most things.
The observing from outside. The duality is the first realisation. We are not our thoughts. Our thought are us. They create the sense of self.
The thoughts come from a variety of directions or arisings. The function of meditation is to initially slow this continual barrage of undisciplined mind and senses. To be aware of the nature of this very real situation and how it controls us, not the other way around.
With respect, you are not your thoughts. Observing the present moment is not thinking. These are things you learn through a long-term and dedicated meditation practice. Keep practicing! 😊🙏🏻