20/03/2021
The Monkey Mind
The Monkey Mind is a common metaphor used in eastern practices. The idea is very clear in how the mind is easily distracted thus causing the "monkey" to make a bigger disturbance. Here is where the sage often will pivot to how we must tame the monkey, quiet it, and otherwise control it. A more lighthearted approach would be to give the monkey a banana. These analogies hint at different methods of calming the mind. One may be to offer structure, discipline, and logic to teach the monkey. Although this is not the monkey's nature. It may wear a tie (or in worse conditions a chain) but the monkey still wants to be free and play. Another method is to give the monkey (the mind) something to focus on. This metaphorical banana could be counting the breath, reciting scripture, or palming beads (the ancient meditative fidget spinner). Although this is less of a tool than it is a crutch. The monkey still wanders once the "banana" is finished. Rather we should place our attention on cultivating a healthy tree (body) so that the monkey has shade, fruit, and plenty of healthy branches to play on. Then the monkey will rest and be content. 😀
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