Managing Our Monkey Mind
Posted on February 04, 2017 by Catherine Oliphant, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
Do you wish you could be in control of the negative messages that come through your mind? Here are some tips to deal with the monkey mind.
The term “monkey mind”, is an appropriate name for our ego. By these terms, I’m referring to thoughts that are irrational. It may seem rational, because through years of listening to it, we may have lost perspective. It can be very easy to be swayed by its cunning and strong influence. For example, I could be focusing my energy on getting a promotion at the risk of spending time with my family. In that example, the monkey mind wants to focus on money, fame or whatever, at the risk of losing relationships. Other examples could be when I tell myself that I haven’t eaten for at least three hours and I must eat or I will become sick and maybe die. Another one may be the negative self-talk that the monkey mind chatters at us when we mess up. For each of us, the monkey mind hones into our insecurities and knows how to lure us into its claws. The constant chattering at times can seem maddening for it may appear that it will never let up. In fact, our monkey mind chatters to us when we’re sleeping.
To live a life where we are in control, it’s important to separate from our monkey mind. But, how do we do that when it is so close and so strong? Here are a few ways, although it takes practice and commitment.
1. Consciously acknowledge when we’re hooked.
The first step is to have the insight to recognize when we are being pulled into the ego’s clutches. Without this realization, we are not conscious of what is going on and are being led by this chaotic chatter. What is your monkey mind saying to your, today? Be aware of that.
2. Take a Breath
The simple act of breathing gets us out of the turmoil and into the present moment. When we involve our body in the process, we detach, even if it is only seconds. Pema Chodron, the Buddhist nun, says to take three breaths. The longer you can involve your body in this process, the more separation you are creating. Like everything in life, the ego is also impermanent and the thoughts will pass within seconds.
Along with taking a breath, allow yourself to feel whatever sensation is in your body. By doing this, you are allowing yourself to be mindful of your whole being. The more you can tune into the different parts of your experience, the more conscious you will become.
3. Think the highest vibratory thought, at that moment.
By consciously choosing what you know is your truth, you are learning to master life and not live by your ego. Practice living this way by writing out your highest truths. You can use these to practice, when the time arises. Of course, you’ll have plenty of chances to practice, because the monkey mind arises, every day.
I challenge you to pick three times a day to experience what you are: feeling, thinking, and sensing in your body and your environment. Be mindful of everything inside and outside you. Then, pull out your highest truth and say it to yourself. You be the master. When you practice, consistently, before the monkey mind starts chattering, you will develop a habit. Then, when the ego starts telling its stories, you have a practice you can integrate into the moment.
Be compassionate with yourself, wherever you are,
Catherine Oliphant, M.Div., M.S.S.W.
Spiritual Life Coach
Facebook: Just Flow Spiritual Life Coaching
cloliphant@yahoo.com
