You know the old adage: Plant an expectation, reap a disappointment.
Elizabeth GilbertRead
I am burdened with what the Buddhists call the 'monkey mind' -- the thoughts that swing from limb to limb, stopping only to scratch themselves, spit and howl.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote describes the restless and scattered nature of thoughts in a busy mind.
In this quote, Elizabeth Gilbert uses the metaphor of a 'monkey mind' to illustrate the chaotic and uncontrollable stream of thoughts that often occupy our minds. Just as a monkey moves erratically, jumping from one branch to another without focus, our thoughts can be similarly scattered, leading to distraction and a lack of mental clarity. This describes the challenge many face in achieving mindfulness and peace within their own minds.
Themes
MindThoughtsChaosPeaceClarityBuddhism
In practice
Example use cases
While discussing mental health in a workshop.
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I had always been taught that the pursuit of happiness was my natural (even national) birthright. It is the emotional trademark of my culture to seek happiness. Not just any kind of happiness, either, but profound happiness, even soaring happiness. And what could possibly bring a person more soaring happiness than romantic love.
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When I tried this morning, after an hour or so of unhappy thinking, to dip back into my meditation, I took a new idea with me: compassion. I asked my heart if it could please infuse my soul with a more generous perspective on my mind's workings. Instead of thinking that I was a failure, could I perhaps accept that I am only a human being--and a normal one, at that?
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And when you sense a faint potentiality for happiness after such dark times you must grab onto the ankles of that happiness and not let go until it drags you face-first out of the dirt - this is not selfishness, but obligation. You were given life; it is your duty to find something beautiful within life no matter how slight.
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But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilling yearnings.
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