I am going through a tough time of huge changes, moving from one US coast to the other, giving up meaningful work and relationships, living now in a pretty isolated area (suburbs). Consequently I am finding myself feeling amazingly rudderless and in need to navigate a mind that is running wild.
I have been meditating for decades and am a mindfulness and meditation teacher. I am also feeling again a complete beginner in my practice. The difference is that when I usually approach the cushion with the beginner's mind, it is with a relatively calm, even joyful and curious mind - one without expectations. That mind is able to become aware of all that arises and let go of ongoing commentary.
In contrast this present mind, the "shrieking mind" is born out of and cultivated by the need to judge everything and to resist in a knee-jerk reaction all that has already happened, or is happening that is negatively judged.
This monkey mind (state) is governed by its need to grasp and hold on to what feels (or felt) good and avoid what is deemed negative or difficult but already here right now. I can feel its workings in the body.
The task is clear and familiar. To keep practicing. As I connect with this in breath and this out breath I notice changes in the body and mind. This is my medicine, on and off the cushion.
Personally I find that there is no better way to overcome/transform the shrieking mind except to faithfully, mindfully meditate with it.
On Dec 31, 2019 Dagmar wrote :
I have been meditating for decades and am a mindfulness and meditation teacher. I am also feeling again a complete beginner in my practice. The difference is that when I usually approach the cushion with the beginner's mind, it is with a relatively calm, even joyful and curious mind - one without expectations. That mind is able to become aware of all that arises and let go of ongoing commentary.
In contrast this present mind, the "shrieking mind" is born out of and cultivated by the need to judge everything and to resist in a knee-jerk reaction all that has already happened, or is happening that is negatively judged.
This monkey mind (state) is governed by its need to grasp and hold on to what feels (or felt) good and avoid what is deemed negative or difficult but already here right now. I can feel its workings in the body.
The task is clear and familiar. To keep practicing. As I connect with this in breath and this out breath I notice changes in the body and mind. This is my medicine, on and off the cushion.
Personally I find that there is no better way to overcome/transform the shrieking mind except to faithfully, mindfully meditate with it.