I don’t know about you, but last week was really rough for me.
Between below freezing temperatures, being sequestered inside for 3 days in a row, and the uncertainty of what’s going on in the world, my monkey mind was in full force.
If you haven’t heard the term monkey mind before, let me tell you what it is.
We all have mental chatter and noise in our minds, commonly known as the monkey mind. This phenomenon involves a continuous stream of thoughts that lead us through daydreams, relationship analyses, and future worries, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and perplexed.
One effective approach to manage this chaotic mental state is meditation.
Surprisingly, when you attempt to clear your mind for meditation, you inadvertently give the monkey mind more permission to play. This presents an opportunity to tame this mental chatter by becoming aware of your thoughts.
The subtle shift from thinking a thought to simply being aware of it is crucial. By acknowledging your thoughts without getting entangled in them, you can allow them to pass without being swept in different directions. Cultivating the ability to focus is a key tool in slowing down the thought process and directing attention towards observing thoughts.
To enhance your focus, a helpful starting point is concentrating on your breath during meditation. Whenever the monkey mind becomes restless, acknowledge your thoughts and then redirect your focus to your breath.
Additionally, gazing at a candle can be captivating, aiding in mental control. Maintain a gentle gaze on the flame, noting its color, shape, and movements trying not to blink.
Now, that the temperature is above freezing this week, walking meditation or a nature meditation is another wonderful way to calm your monkey mind. Walking, breathing in the fresh air, focusing on breath to movement is also very calming.
Regardless of the method you choose to calm the monkey mind, approach it with compassion.
Through consistent practice, you can achieve a state of tranquility where the monkey mind grows quiet, and you become calm and still.
Some days are harder to calm your monkey mind than others. Be patient with yourself.
