Making the Choice: Do you have a Busy (Monkey) Mind or a Centered (Calm) Mind?

Our mind is always processing information at some level within us. The mind gathers information, sorts and stores experiences. We use our library of experiences to filter information, structure how we will think about and approach future experiences, and make decisions. Our mind is fascinating and plays a vital function throughout our life.rnThere is also a downside to our mind, especially when it is not anchored to our real self (soul-self). Our mind begins to believe due to its importance that it rules the castle, as mentioned in – Mastering Life’s Adventures: On the Beam. It works hard to solve the problems in daily living, frets about arguments with an intimate partner, and may excessively worry about an impending layoff. It fantasies about the future and worries about the past. One’s mind can become overly stimulated, unsettled and restless. At times, our mind makes detours down roads that are endless dead ends, similar to being caught in a labyrinth. We say I can’t focus, or I’m easily distracted, which leads to lower productivity and at times states of fuzzy thinking, confusion and unfocused living.rnFor instance, if someone insults you, does your mind quickly jump into ruminating and running scenarios about what to say the next time you see the person? Strong emotions – anger, fear, worry, resentment, sense of injustice, or irritability can move the mind into the "monkey mind". In addition, excessive, multi-source sensory stimuli, as well as, under stimulation, e.g., boredom can result in a monkey mind. I describe the monkey mind as being easily distracted illustrated by the fleeting and flirting of various ideas/thoughts – analogous to a monkey swinging from tree to tree in an acre of forest. How long it takes for your mind to settle down is unique to each person. The monkey mind consumes your energy (e.g., like a low grade fever), creates misperception (e.g., being sidetracked and preoccupied) and poorly uses time (e.g., excessive worry) in an attempt to resolve a problem. Knowingly or unknowingly, the monkey mind stays in charge and keeps you off balance, through your negative emotional reactions and destructive inner chatter (self-talk).rnYou may be thinking, so what does a centered (calm) mind look like? A centered mind takes in the events, experiences and interacts from a balanced perspective – reacting less, asking more questions and being open to learning from the experience however negative or positive it may be. Centeredness is like standing on a balance beam and staying focused on what is most important. A centered mind has learned through disciplined mindfulness how to react less to the insults or angry, disrespectful comments made by an intimate partner or acquaintance. Being less attached to outcome and more attached to understanding the Truth about each situation, it is the centered, calm mind, which acts from a space of wise-compassion. A centered mind is cultivated throughout one’s lifetime. It energizes and keeps you open to learning through every experience. A calm mind allows you be sensitive to your intuitive, soul-promptings, which always wishes your highest good. Be Your Best,rnDr. Judith