Don't Feed the Monkey Mind: How to Stop the Cycle of Anxiety, Fear, and Worry (How to Stop the Cycle of the Anxiety, Fear, and Worry)

by Jennifer Shannon

For thousands of years, sages have likened the human mind to a monkey—leaping into thin air from one branch of thought to another, never content, never at rest. Worries echo in our heads like so much monkey chatter. Powerful emotions have us jumping at anything that promises a little relief. Yet somehow relief always lies just beyond our reach.

We cannot relax and be at peace unless we feel safe.

In order to protect your social status, your monkey mind is always watching and listening to those around you, looking for signals telling whether you are respected, whether you are loved, and whether you belong.

what we resist persists.

Make giving and receiving praise a permanent part of your practice.

She actually believes now that she is responsible for herself and that her son is responsible for himself. She has a stake in something she can control—her own health and well-being—which she is not going to sacrifice for something she can’t control—her son’s.