I am currently reading “The Untethered Soul” recommended by a wise and trusted mentor. In this book, Michael A. Singer likens the mind to a crazy roommate living in our heads which we never hold responsible for the trouble it causes. It’s often wrong, or offers bad advice, and yet we still take instructions from it.
The Buddhist tradition calls it the ‘monkey mind’. Restless, fanciful, confused, uncontrollable. Monkeys are notorious for getting into trouble, so this is a very apt description of the mind!
In my experience the mind is relentless, fast as lightning. It is like the sunshine dancing atop the ocean’s waves. It’s bright, shiny, and captivating. It is true that the mind is necessary, you have to use your brain for many things. Just don’t believe that you are the computer!
This quote may seem familiar, it’s inspired by Dr Seuss’s words “those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind” meaning if someone loves you they matter and they don’t criticise you for simply being who you are, whereas those who find fault are not important in your life.
Let’s extend this to things that mind i.e. all the things that the ‘monkey mind’ conjures up which at best are superfluous distractions and at worst cruel, negative, fault finding, and demoralising. The things that are really important in our lives are not of the mind but of the heart and soul.
How do we deal with the ‘monkey mind’? It’s actually super fast and easy. Here, Tibetan Buddhist Master Mingyur Rinpoche eloquently explains in under 2 minutes How to train your monkey mind. There are several methods you can try. It’s more important to find one you resonate with rather than use methods other people suggest but aren’t a great fit. I use a short 10 minute movement meditation which is incredibly powerful - I’m happy to teach to you - just reach out and ask!
What is the reward for not paying so much attention to the mind’s white noise? We are able to enjoy greater peace. This is where we get to know our true selves and can hear the heart and soul’s wisdom.
What is my heart’s wisdom? Go with the flow.
The reward? This morning when greeted by this beautiful sunrise, instead of getting busy making tea, checking emails, etc. I took a few minutes to pause and enjoy it. Then I made a cuppa and wrote this blog. It’s things like this that feed my soul!
What does your soul ask for when you are able to dive deep and quiet your mind?
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Nepalese Monkey. © Renee Chamberlin all rights reserved.
