The Power of Meditation: Overcoming the Monkey Mind
Have you ever heard the term "monkey mind"? I first encountered this concept in a meditation course years ago. The instructor began by describing the "monkey mind"—how it behaves and why it often causes our anxiety, stress, and discomfort. As I listened, I felt an immense sense of relief and freedom. I realized that 1) what I was experiencing was common and 2) there was a way to overcome it. I no longer had to be a victim to my own mind.
Starting in high school, I experienced varying forms of anxiety. It ebbed and flowed in intensity and duration, but it always manifested the same way. I’d be enjoying life, and then an intrusive thought would pop into my head, sending my body into a spiral. I’d start to feel a wave ripple through my body as sadness and fear would take over my being. My mind would jump on the never-ending loop of thought…round and round I’d go, trying to reason with myself to break free but always ending up back on the same track. Eventually, the anxiety would fade (either by distraction or time), but not without disrupting my present moment and overall well-being.
It wasn’t until my early-30s that I discovered the tools which would allow me top stop being the victim to my anxiety. My yoga practice had connected me to my body, but my mind was still an untamed territory.
About 10 years ago, after a miscarriage at 12 weeks, I was riding the El train in Chicago one night after work. I was in a state of sadness and loneliness on the loss of the pregnancy and the fear on whether I’d be able to have a baby. I had gone my entire young adult life trying to NOT to get pregnant and now, when I was ready and eager to build my own family, I was faced with barriers I had never considered a possibility.
As I sat on the bench gazing out the window, watching the city pass below me, I felt an urge to look up meditation classes. I had never meditated before, but at that moment, I felt a force, other than my own, guiding me to take this next step. I pulled out my phone, googled "meditation classes near me," and The Meditation Center of Chicago popped up as the first organic search result. It was in a town up north, not too far from the city center. I could take the brown line there each week. After reading the description and the reviews I signed up without a second thought.
From that moment on, my life was forever changed. The meditation instructor, with his loving demeanor, always sitting in front of class with a gong behind him and a glass of water at his feet. I immersed myself in my meditation practice, finding comfort and empowerment in that little room on the Northside of Chicago.
I learned that the mind is like a new puppy without discipline and practice—excited, scattered, clumsy, and destructive. When at the helm of your actions and identity, it takes you away from the present moment, leads to disconnection from your body, and creates a sense of separation from your soul. I learned that the heart should be the captain of your being, not your mind. The mind can support the path, but the heart should be the one guiding the ship.
On the path to living a life of alignment, presence, and abundance, having peace of mind is key.
So how do you get there? The journey is unique for everyone, but here are some ways I have maintained a steady meditation practice and the resources that have elevated me along the way:
Daily Consistency is Key: I once heard Deepak Chopra say in an interview that “if you say you don’t have 20 minutes to meditate each day…then you probably need 40 minutes of meditation.” Consistency is the power.
Try a Meditation Style that Fits YOU: My meditation instructor from Chicago experienced various meditation styles from around the world and incorporated his favorite elements. Whether it’s sitting cross-legged on the floor or in a chair, meditating to music or silence, guided or on your own, find a style that fits your needs and allows you to return day after day.
It’s Okay if Your Mind Wanders: Thoughts will arise in meditation. When they do, acknowledge them and then let them go as quickly as they appeared. Don’t dwell on the thought; just see it, be aware of it, and then watch it float away.
Establish a Routine: Enter your meditation the same way each day. This trains the body and brain to enter a meditative state. For me, this involves lighting a candle and palo santo or sage. Sometimes I play music, other times I’m in silence. Recently, I’ve incorporated chanting mantras to start my meditation practice, which helps ground me, clear my mind, and connect me to a higher source (and my higher self).
Through a consistent meditation practice, you can find freedom, empowerment, and happiness.
Peace of mind is a key healing pillar in my Connect Back to You 1:1 coaching program. If you are struggling to find a life of alignment, balance, and abundance, I can support you on your journey. Book a free discovery call today—together we can map out what this could look like for you.