Peter, I love the reframe of dialoging with the mind as a cooperative friend rather than a wild monkey refusing to be tamed. I've heard the wild monkey metaphor for so many decades that I enter the silence of my mind ready to go to battle with a force greater than me. Next time I will remember to make a friendly suggestion. The path of least resistance, as you so often say.
Thanks Corinne, I've never found the idea of the monkey mind that helpful. It sets up the idea of a battle. Yes, our attention will wander off on thoughts. And when we notice that, return gently to our practice.
I went back to my emotional energy forecast for the 2nd to see what vibe was. I'm always curious to see if my daily readings are in line with what others are thinking and writing about (or not!). And if I assume that you did indeed sit and write this on the 2nd, then your post I think fits that days message: "Relax into the day." What you highlighted about your retreat was about taking a different posture or adjusting your mental grip. PS - I'm a McGilchrist fan and am happy he recommended your newsletter.
Peter, I love the reframe of dialoging with the mind as a cooperative friend rather than a wild monkey refusing to be tamed. I've heard the wild monkey metaphor for so many decades that I enter the silence of my mind ready to go to battle with a force greater than me. Next time I will remember to make a friendly suggestion. The path of least resistance, as you so often say.
Thanks Corinne, I've never found the idea of the monkey mind that helpful. It sets up the idea of a battle. Yes, our attention will wander off on thoughts. And when we notice that, return gently to our practice.
"So I tried something. I inwardly asked my attention: “How would it be if you simply listened to the sound of silence in my mind?”"
Reading these words, I asked my attention the same question.
Just like that, the spotlight of attention turned around and was quite contented to listen to the silence within. Thank you, Peter.
Yes, its miraculous how such a simple shift can have such profound effects.
I went back to my emotional energy forecast for the 2nd to see what vibe was. I'm always curious to see if my daily readings are in line with what others are thinking and writing about (or not!). And if I assume that you did indeed sit and write this on the 2nd, then your post I think fits that days message: "Relax into the day." What you highlighted about your retreat was about taking a different posture or adjusting your mental grip. PS - I'm a McGilchrist fan and am happy he recommended your newsletter.