Dear Readers
I imagine youāve come across the analogy at some point.
I also imagine you can relate to what it refers to.
If thoughts are like tree branches, we ā like monkeys ā cover a lot of terrain in a day.
A FEELING OF HELPLESSNESS
We might believe that our thinking patterns are impossible to control.
I can relate to the notion that sometimes the chatter is difficult to settle down.
Over time, I’ve developed my skills of witnessing and easing the monkey in my mind.
Especially when it detracts from my sense of inner peace.
MINDFUL AWARENESS
Through mindful awareness, Iāve learned to come back to what is āright hereā in any moment.
Helping to stop the internal chatter in its tracks.
DEVELOPINGĀ YOUR MINDFUL PRACTICE
There are a few steps you might consider to practice this ā and it doesnāt
require formal meditation.
You can practice on the subway, while in line at the grocery store, or in those first few moments after waking.
I even enjoy practicing as I sip on my cup of tea.
Hereās what you can do.
5 STEPS TO MINDFUL AWARENESS
1.Ā Make a commitment to noticing your habitual thought streams as much as possible.
You donāt need to be hyper-vigilant, but see if you can become more attuned to where the mind has a tendency to spiral.
2.Ā Notice when you are stuck in a repetitive thought that does not serve you.
3.Ā Deepen the breath and grant the mind a bit of compassion and patience.
4.Ā Note if the mental chatter is calling you to take care of something right away.
Is it calling you into tangible action, or does it need no immediate action on your part?
5.Ā Where no immediate action is required, renew your commitment to presence.
Rather than circling through your inner world once again, can you open your eyes to the external one?
Can you deepen your presence within the immediate world?
Take in the colours, the sights, the scents, and the beauty that fills your environment.
ENJOY THE PEACEFULNESS OF PRESENCE
When we are committed to presence, the mind quiets and the heart opens to the fullness of our experience.
Until next week, keep taming that monkey mind.
Much love,
Jason
SOCIAL MEDIA