The Monkey Mind Folly – Part 2 of 2

Stay present and stop thinking

Spiritual teacher, Eckhart Tolle, speaks extensively about staying in the present moment and to learn to stop thinking. For instance, if we lose the present moment by thinking too much about the future, this can cause extreme frustration, stress, fear, and anxiety. He goes on to say that by not being in the present moment, we are not fulfilling our primary purpose which is the awareness of what we are doing in the present moment. If we are experiencing such emotions as fear, anxiety, stress, and frustration, we are trapped in thinking.

This is the monkey mind at work in a never ending circus of mud-slinging, unless we learn take control of the monkey mind.

The key is to learn to stop thinking.

Are you still breathing?

Eckhart Tolle gives a simple exercise to use on a consistent basis. Ask yourself, “Am I still breathing?” Become aware of your breathing. Then answer, “Yes.” With practice we can quieten the mind and gain more control of our thoughts. (The Purpose of Your Life: Eckhart Tolle).

It’s also of no use to resist the experience of the monkey mind. Throughout the day, be aware as much as possible of what you are feeling. Your feelings will guide you into becoming more aware of what thoughts are going through your head. Just ask yourself the question: “Am I still breathing?” In the gap between asking the question and becoming aware of your breathing, there is a moment of no thought. We can widen this gap with practice and keep the monkey mind in the illusory place where it belongs.

Tools to help control the monkey mind

I find walking in nature and becoming present to my surroundings effectively calms the monkey mind. Journaling has been and excellent tool for me to clear my thoughts and become more aware of my thought process and allows me to open to a higher power. Working with my dreams has been another valuable tool over the years. While dreams can be difficult to interpret, writing them down and seeing the messages is fascinating. Dreams are messages from the soul, and get the monkey mind out of the way during the dream state.

Trust in the soul’s voice. The mind is NOT the boss

It is necessary to remind yourself that the mind is not the boss but the employee. You use the mind, the mind does not use you – unless you allow the mind to do so. The mind, or ego, needs to know that it cannot be at the helm. The soul that resides in the heart is the boss and CEO.

The soul’s voice can be but a whisper, easily obscured beneath the tumultuous monkey mind. The real challenge is to listen and TRUST in the soul’s voice as it is the driving force of who you are.

Look and see what is in your heart. Therein lies the key. Then remember that the monkey mind has no hold on you unless you give it permission.

Joyful journeying.

The Monkey Mind Folly – Part 1