The endless chatter fills our head, drowns our hearts, and starves our souls. We can’t concentrate on any one thing because dozens of thoughts steal our focus.
What are the causes of Monkey Mind? Who knows. It could be anything from stimulants (too much coffee or sugar, anyone?) to a chronic habit of worrying or more subtle things like simply never sitting down or forgetting to pay attention to our breath.
Many times we have monkey mind because we are trying to use our brains for remembering. Or we’ve simply overcommitted ourselves by refusing to use the power of the word “no.” And sometimes we are perched high on a cliff, proudly wearing our martyr cape, shouting, “I don’t neeeeeeed any help. I can do it all by myself!”
Whatever the reason, there are few things more frustrating in this world than not being able to focus. In the process of finding focus, we also find our flow. Without those things, what do we have?
THE MONKEY MIND – completely out of control.
What are some of the signs (symptoms) of Monkey Mind out of control?
- You think 500 different thoughts at once.
- You have 12 different to do lists to help you remember all you’re “supposed” to do.
- Your desk is filled with piles – “Out of sight, out mind,” you crow loudly.
- You start one thing, stop, and start on something else.
- You obsessively check email. Over. And Over. And Over.
- You don’t know where to start. The beginning? What’s that?
These thoughts and behaviors simply serve to keep you unfocused and unproductive.
“But,” you ask, “why would I choose to be unfocused and unproductive? I have so much to do!”
Have you considered that letting your monkey mind run amok has its rewards?
- procrastination
- delay
- excuses for not getting things done perfectly
- focus can be difficult to find – especially at first
- habits and routine can “feel” restrictive
By letting your monkey mind run wild, you get to AVOID. You can successfully avoid:
- starting OR finishing
- beginning OR ending
- communicating
- being clear
- doing a really great job
- disappointment
- elation (if you feel you don’t deserve it)
- praise and recognition (again, if you feel you don’t deserve it)
- perfectionism
- discipline
- being conscious (in the metaphysical sense)
So, what’s a hardworking soul to do? How does one turn off the monkey mind, find focus, and get into the bliss called flow?
It’s a simple as this: put your hand on your belly. Take a deep breath. I’m talking a REALLY deep breath. Pay attention to the air as it enters your nose. Feel your chest expand. Feel your belly get big. Exhale. Feel your belly contract. Feel your chest release. Feel the air as it rushes out your nose.
Wait! What’s that you feel?
Calm. Aware. Centered.
You just shut your monkey mind right up, didn’t you?
Now you know how to be a monkey mind tamer. Do it again. Often. Daily. Hourly. You’ll find your focus and your flow now.
Great article!
When I don’t tame my Monkey Mind I feel exhausted, stressed out and scattered. I am doing better, but I have to very vigilant to keep that darned Monkey at bay.
I am very proud of the fact that I came back from a two day conference last week and DIDN’T open my e-mail until I had completed the most important task of the day!
Angie rehab works!
Thanks, Laurie! And I applaud both your diligence with taming the Monkey Mind AND not opening your email until you’d completed that most important task! Bravo!
Angie, as usual, you’re a mind reader. And, apparently, many of us have the same things on our minds – too many things.