MONKEY MIND

A very busy brain may have trouble calming down and focusing on the present.  The mind may dwell on hurtful memories of the past or worry about the future.  Difficulty falling or staying asleep may be a symptom.  The mind can seem like a little monkey hopping from branch to branch, chattering away and laking self-control.

A person may relive an event in the past and think "If only I had done things differently" or feel resentment about what someone else has done to you.  Fearing something in the future may make you dwell on "What if this or that happens" frequently going to the worse-case scenarios.  The brain may also become uncomfortable with present situations and experience stress and anxiety.

We all occassionally have one or more of these problems.  A few solutions may include doing some research, talking to an understanding friend, or contacting a professional for help.  Ignoring the problem will just be a postponement. 

Some say listen to the monkey to hear what the chatter is all about.  Even write down the words you hear.  See why he keeps talking to you.  Then have a conversation; yes, talk to yourself.  Try to calm your fears, disappointments, and worries.   Put things into perspective.  Easier said than done.

Recognizing this very common problem is the first step in taming the monkey.