Monkey Mind
My dear soul,
Have you ever felt like your mind is swinging from one thought to another—just like a monkey jumping from tree to tree? One moment you're thinking of what to cook, the next you're replaying a past hurt, and suddenly you're worrying about a future that hasn't even arrived. That, my love, is what the sages call the monkey mind.
It’s a beautiful metaphor.
Because just like a monkey—playful, curious, hyper, and easily distracted—our untrained mind behaves the same way. It resists silence. It craves attention. It reacts before reflecting. It seeks validation, avoids discomfort, and constantly whispers stories—some of them not even true.
But here’s the truth I’ve learned on my journey:
The monkey is not the enemy.
It’s just scared. It’s trying to keep you safe. It’s trying to feel seen, loved, and in control.
And just like a little child throwing a tantrum, all it needs is your patient love, your gentle awareness, your firm but kind boundaries.
The monkey mind is what happens when the mind leads the soul.
But your soul, my dear, was meant to lead the mind.
When you breathe slowly, when you sit in stillness, when you journal your thoughts or gently place your hand on your heart and say, “I am safe. I am present. I am enough,”
the monkey settles. The chatter softens. The heart opens.
So next time your thoughts start leaping around wildly, don’t judge them. Don’t fear them.
Smile and say, “Ah, my little monkey is restless today. Let me hold space for it.”
Because the moment you become aware of the monkey…
You are no longer the monkey.
You are the master.
You are the calm.
You are the consciousness behind the chatter.
And that, my dear, is your tru Power
Some tips
Managing the monkey mind—that restless, constantly chattering mind—is key to inner peace, clarity, and focus. Here’s a structured approach to calm and manage it:
1. Awareness is the First Step
Notice the chatter. Observe without judgment.
Label the thoughts: "planning," "worrying," "remembering."
2. Breathwork and Meditation
Box Breathing (4-4-4-4): Inhale for 4s, hold 4s, exhale 4s, hold 4s.
Mindfulness meditation: Focus on your breath, a candle flame, or bodily sensations.
Use guided meditations if silence feels overwhelming at first.
3. Journaling
Empty the clutter by writing it out.
Try stream-of-consciousness writing or prompts like:
“What’s on my mind right now?”
“What am I trying to control?”
4. Reduce Mental Stimulation
Limit social media, multitasking, and noise.
Practice digital detox for a few hours a day.
Set a routine to ground the mind.
5. Move the Body
Yoga, walking, dance, or exercise help release pent-up energy and quiet the mind.
Movement brings the monkey mind back to the body and present moment.
6. Use Anchors
Choose physical or mental anchors: touch a mala bead, say a mantra like “I am calm,” or place hand on heart.
Repeat this during stress or overthinking.
7. Cognitive Tools
Challenge your thoughts: Ask, Is this true? Is this helpful?
Practice thought reframing.
Learn to let go of the need to control everything.
8. Spiritual Practices
Chanting, affirmations, or connecting with your higher self can stabilize the mind.
Examples:
“I surrender to the present moment.”
“My mind is a servant, not a master.”
9. Grounding Techniques
5-4-3-2-1 Method: Name 5 things you see, 4 feel, 3 hear, 2 smell, 1 taste.
Walk barefoot, touch a tree, or focus on feet connecting to the Earth.
10. Compassion Over Control
Don’t fight the monkey—befriend it.
Be gentle with yourself. It’s okay if your mind wanders; the power lies in bringing it back.
To Your Calm Mind
Roop Lakhani
www rooplakhani.com
