Taming the Monkey Mind: The Long Journey to Mental Calm
The Buddha often said: “The mind is your best and worst friend, for no one can harm you more than an untrained mind. Likewise, no one can help you more than a well-trained mind.”
This is why training the mind through mindfulness is not just important—it’s essential. Our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing depends on it. But let’s be honest: training the mind is no simple task. It is a long process, one that requires steady commitment, consistent practice, and above all, patience. There will be obstacles along the way, yet perseverance always proves worth the effort.
In the beginning, when we first turn our attention inward, what we encounter can be overwhelming—a restless storm of repetitive, scattered thoughts. Buddhism calls this the monkey mind. This early stage can feel discouraging; we may feel tempted to give up, thinking we’re not “cut out” for meditation. This reaction is natural, and nearly everyone experiences it at first. With patience and persistence, however, the mind’s turbulence begins to settle.
It’s a lot like wading into the ocean on a choppy day. In the first few steps, strong waves crash into you, pushing you back, making forward movement feel nearly impossible. But if you keep going—leaning into the resistance—you eventually reach a point where the waves lose their force, the water calms, and moving forward becomes effortless.
In meditation, that calmer water is the moment when thoughts are less frantic, the body grows still, and a quiet presence emerges. Often, this is when we truly understand—and even feel drawn to—the value of meditation.
A few tips for establishing a regular practice:
Create a consistent time and place for your sessions
Start small—just 5–10 minutes a day—and build gradually
Approach each session with curiosity rather than expectation
Accept that distraction will happen; gently return to your breath or focus point
Remember: the journey is the practice, not the destination