Monkey Mind?

"Monkey Mind"... this is a term sometimes used, particularly in the mindfulness movement, to describe how our minds can jump from one thing to another over-&-over. Sometimes it seems our minds are simply out of control! I find that when I get up in the morning, I'm especially susceptible to this.

"Tonglen" is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist practice. It was brought to the U.S. years ago by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. The practice of tonglen in the U.S & Canada, in particular, is now carried forward by the Buddhist nun: Ani Pema Chodron.

In the practice of tonglen we breathe in our own troubles, along with those of the world (because all peoples' troubles are essentially similar.) Then we breathe out thoughts of lovingkindness, healing, health, happiness or whatever other positive thoughts would be of benefit in the particular situation we're working with. This practice is healing for ourselves, plus it helps us develop compassion for our fellow human beings & all sentient beings.

This morning while in the shower, my monkey mind in full bloom, a little tonglen practice occurred to me. It may be helpful to those who struggle with "monkey mind". One does not have to do anything in particular physically, or to be doing anything in particular, to do this. When one notices that the mind is jumping from one thing to another one simply begins, on an in breath, to think or say something like: "I inhale monkey mind." Then on the outbreathe one thinks or says something like: "I exhale peace, lovingkindness and equanimity to all of humanity." Repeat as many times as you care to. The next time you notice yourself to be trapped again in monkey mind, begin the practice again. Use it as often as you like. You don't have to use the exact words I've used above. The objective is simply to absorb into oneself, monkey mind; and to radiate out to all others such positive wishes as: peace, lovingkindness & equanimity.

There are a couple of additional things one can do, if you happen to have a free hand. One is to lay your palm upon your heart as a sign of your own lovingkindness & compassion. Another thing is, there is supposedly an acupressure point, right around the middle of where the heart sits. If you apply light pressure to this acupressure point it is said to relieve anxiety. In using this technique myself I have found there is actually a slight indentation in the sternum where I believe this acupressure point lies. So, while performing the above tonglen practice, you could apply pressure to this acupressure point.

A third idea would be to hold one hand out, palm up, at about waist level with the elbow flexed. On the in-breath, raise the hand & arm (palm up) to about breast height. Turn the hand over so the palm now faces down & on the outbreath lower the hand & arm (palm down) back down to waist level. Repeat. So it is as though your hand cradles, perhaps, a ball of energy & / or light, or perhaps the breath itself, & it is being raised & lowered with the breath.

As I mentioned above, this idea just occurred to me this morning. I tried it & found it useful. So I wanted to share it here on PC. If you try it please reply here & tell me how it has worked for you. Also feel free to offer any suggestions. I bow to you...

Sounds interesting.

Monkey mind. My T often uses this expression. It is common in those with ADHD. Also, I would think those under stress would have it.