So, I’m sure this will come as a huge shock to those of you that have been keeping up with me, but my mind has a tendency to jump around a bit. It leaps from thought to thought like a monkey swinging through the trees, grasping one just long enough to get to the next, chattering all the while.
At various points throughout my life, I have made attempts to tame this monkey-mind of mine, only to surrender to its wild state. Well, as that monkey gets older, I’m a little afraid that it may become more resistant to training, as it becomes accustomed to having its way. So, I am going to try once again to tame it.
This time, I am going in prepared. I am setting a goal. Creating structure. Bringing along support.
So, what does one need to tame a monkey-mind, you ask? Here is what is in my arsenal for this go-round:
1 copy of Real Happiness: the Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg with CD
6 boxes of incense
1 comfy fuzzy blanket for when my office is cold
1 lamp for soft lighting
1 large pillow for proper seating
assorted candles
various smell-good balms and lotions
Of course, none of this is really necessary to tame a monkey-mind, but I like to be prepared.
In the past, I would start to develop a habit of meditation and then I would slide. I do not know why I am resistant to something that feels good in the moment and makes me feel better in general, but I always seem to find something else to do. Ah ha, therein lies the problem. I want to DO, instead of just BE.
In order to hold myself accountable through this 28 day challenge, I am going to write about my experience. It may not make for the most interesting reading, but I need to make it public so that I won’t let it slide.
So here goes nothing, I’m about to face that monkey-mind of mine.
Related articles
- Just Breathe: The Experiences of a Reluctant Meditator (my.psychologytoday.com)
- Day 3: 28 Day Meditation Challenge with Sharon Salzberg (drjenniferhoward.com)
- A True Refuge ~ Sharon Salzberg (evolutionarymystic.wordpress.com)
- Exploring Spirituality with Sharon Salzberg (namasteconsultinginc.com)
- Reblogged: Sharon Salzberg (namasteconsultinginc.com)
I will do the 28 days with you. I will take time (30-60mins) each day and do the things I do to meditate.
I should do these things all the time but I have been a bit sporadic. Too much so.
Now with your good example, I will do this with you.
Thanks!
Funny pic of the monkey, I can relate.
And I will start right now, as soon as I click…
Great post… My co-worker got me on board a similar 30 day venture by Depok Chopra..
It’s wonderful..
Sharon is an excellent choice. She is one of the leaders in the field.
You wrote, “I want to DO, instead of just BE.” I’m exactly the same way. Sitting still is not my thing; even when my outside appears still, my inside is moving faster than a hamster on caffeine. I can do quiet meditations if it’s an assignment or meets a specific goal. As part of my mediumship classes we had to meditate nightly and report on our experiences. I did this faithfully for two years and found it very beneficial. After the classes ended, I tried to continue, but found I did best with moving meditations, things I can do that allow me to “zone-out” and let my mind relax. One such zone-out brought this poem to mind. Take a peek at it and see if it helps you: http://tamingthechameleon.com/2012/03/18/observations-on-learning-to-meditate/
Thank you for sharing; I definitely relate. I do find it easier to meditate while doing, which is exactly why I am working on the being still side.
Very cute, but you may have a problem on your hands. If Orangutans hear that you are cnlailg them monkies instead of apes, they might rip your arms off and beat you to death with them.
I know; I’ve been trying to keep it from them:)