We all know how it feels like when the mind is full. Overflowing with thoughts, running races and loops in the head that make the heart beat faster, and shoulders tense up.
Thoughts will always come and go. We have to be honest and realistic here. But here's a mindfulness approach I learned from my teacher: Don’t serve your thoughts tea. Leave the front door and back door of your mind open, don’t invite the thoughts to stay (meaning don’t engage with them), let them come and go.
This way monkey mind has nothing to cling to. Easier said than done, for sure!
Monkey mind is a Buddhist term for a restless, uncontrolled mind. It’s the part inside of us that wants to stay in the comfort zone, in what’s familiar, play it safe (at all costs!) and which is terrified of change (even good change), because change signals danger and threatens survival (so it thinks). It’s no surprise then that monkey mind is used to jumping all over the place, especially when you sit down to meditate or try to rest.
- “I don’t have time for this. I’ll meditate / rest tomorrow.”
- “Oh, tomorrow is not good either. I’m too busy.”
- “Why do I need to meditate / rest anyhow? It’s not going to work anyway.”
- “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I just sit still and be quiet?”
- “Other people are so much better at this than me. Why do I even bother?”
Does this sound familiar? I thought so. To help you tune into your body and tame monkey mind, we need to get out of the head, become grounded and centered. Reiki sessions can help with that and meditation. That’s why I provide free guided meditations on my website. If you prefer to meditate in a group, I’ll facilitate two Lunchtime Meditations for the White Plains Library on Wednesday, Jan. 15 & 22, 12:00-12:45 p.m. via Zoom. Join us, if you like. All are welcome and no prior meditation experience is necessary.
May you experience moments of calm and peace today and every day.
About Andrea Deierlein & Thrive Reiki, LLC: Andrea's work specializes in helping people transform the pain of life challenges and daily adversity through the practice of Reiki. She helps people struggling with stress, anxiety and overwhelm, to relax, calm down and breathe again. Focusing on stress management and the mind-body-connection, her clients shift out of survival mode, build focus and resilience. Connect with her on www.thrivereiki.com or follow her on Instagram @andreadeierlein