How do we quiet out monkey mind? Well, first of all don't get engaged with it. Don't argue with monkeys - it just doesn't work. Say you hear your monkey mind says something like "this stupid novel is no good and who needs another book anyhow and your mother was right, you should have been a librarian. You certainly shouldn't bother with such nonsense as writing or any creative thing. Just a waste of time." (Whew! I'm way too good at bringing up a monkey mind train of thoughts) You might try arguing back "Well now I'm not sure - I think the world could use a good novel about love in Northern Climates and blah blah blah." If you do your monkey mind will go "pftttttt!" at you. Instead try something firm and decisive "Yes, you might be right but I'm in charge and we're working on this revision." And then smile at the poor little thing and get back to work. You won't believe how quick that monkey will fold her tents and slip away.
Some other ways to quiet our monkey mind are to keep it busy doing other things. When it starts in on you it is because that part of you is scared so distract it. I might say (or think, because sometimes I'm in public) "You know Monkey Mind - I have a problem for you to solve - I need to know how to get my protagonist out of Wisconsin in one piece - I'm going to work on my next chapter and I'd like you to ponder that while I do." This works and I'm not sure how nor do I care. All I care is that it works.
Also - our Monkey Mind can be diverted by making sure we get plenty of exercise, good food and lots of premium sleep so keep your body in optimum shape when you are marathoning your way through a revision. It is crucial! (every time I think or hear the word 'crucial' I think of this British show in the fifties that had a doctor who had a Scottish nurse named Janet that used to say "But Doctor - it's crucial" with her thick accent. Does anyone have the vaguest notion of what I'm on about?)
4 comments:
You're so right about this, Jan! It's not productive to argue with a monkey mind. It's much better to put that energy (that you're saving by not arguing) into the next task. It keeps you calmer and less stressed, too.
Never heard it called a monkey mind but it figures! Thanks for this fun post.
Never heard it called a monkey mind but it figures! Thanks for this fun post.
I love this Jan. The chattering monkey mind. But of course it can be put to work and some proper musing if it's befriended. Nice reminder too to getting out and about and free to think nothing and give that monkey mind a break too .. sometimes I find that blanking my mind when out walking brings fresh thoughts and ways of seeing things re my writing. Thank you.
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