Inside My Head

I’m feeling blocked.  It isn’t that I don’t have any thoughts to write about…it’s that I have too many.  I am experiencing “monkey mind”.  That’s what they call it when your mind jumps from thought to thought like a monkey jumps from tree to tree.

Here is an example of what my mind sounds like right now:

“I don’t have time for this…I have cleaning to do before they arrive… I still have to can the zucchini relish…will I ever actually eat zucchini relish…what do you eat zucchini relish with…the cabin needs to be freshened up and the sheets put on the beds…the floors all need to be washed…hey, I don’t feel like I’m getting a cold today…aw, Spot, you’re so cute…I need to take Spot for a walk…wasn’t I supposed to go to city hall to ask them some questions about zoning or something…I miss James…have to send tuition money to the university before the deadline…when is the deadline again…I wonder what really happened to my cat…need to call my mother or she will be hurt…feels like summer is fading away…this wouldn’t be happening if I’d taken the time to meditate…I only have an hour left to have this post up…should I go paddling tonight…my mind is rambling on about nothing while John is working his butt off…I miss John….John’s so sexy…holy crap look at the size of that spider…it’s Masons birthday tomorrow…must remember to call Mason tomorrow…

And on and on it goes but I won’t bore you with anymore of this nonsense.

I found an article online about how to conquer this dilemma.  I don’t have time to try it right now, but if I did I bet it would work.

Quiet Please!
Taming Monkey Mind In Meditation

It’s been called the monkey mind – the endless chattering in your head as you jump in your mind from thought to thought while you daydream, analyze your relationships, or worry over the future. Eventually, you start to feel like your thoughts are spinning in circles and you’re left totally confused.

One way to tame this wild creature in your head is through meditation – although the paradox is that when you clear your mind for meditation you actually invite the monkey in your mind to play. This is when you are given the opportunity to tame this mental beast by moving beyond thought – to become aware of a thought rather than thinking a thought. The difference is subtle, but significant. When you are aware of your thoughts, you can let your thoughts rise and float away without letting them pull you in different directions. Being able to concentrate is one of the tools that allows you to slow down your thought process and focus on observing your thoughts.

To develop your concentration, you may want to start by focusing on the breath while you meditate. Whenever your monkey mind starts acting up, observe your thoughts and then return your focus to your breath. Some breathing meditations call on you to focus on the rise and fall of the breath through the abdomen, while others have you concentrate on the sound of the breath. Fire can also be mesmerizing, and focusing on a candle flame is another useful tool for harnessing the mind. Keep the gaze soft and unfocused while observing the color, shape, and movement of the flame, and try not to blink. Close your eyes when you feel the need and continue watching the flame in your head. Chanting, devotional singing, and mantras also still the mind. However you choose to tame the monkey mind, do so with firm kindness. The next time the chattering arises, notice it and then allow it to go away. With practice, your monkey mind will become quiet and so will you.

Sounds great…what should I prepare for dinner…where is that recipe for blueberry coffee cake muffins…I can’t believe my feet are cold in August…OMG my mothers birthday is coming up…I should really finish framing those photos…I want to finish that book before everyone arrives…I need to shop for some new clothes soon…