Controlling the Mind?

Over the past few days, in several different conversations and exchanges, I have come across what seems to be an almost indestructible myth about our relationship with the mind – reinforced by some obvious misunderstandings in certain yoga and meditation circles.

Many people believe we need to control our mind. That if we only work hard enough on ourselves, we can bring the mind under control and thereby secure our happiness.

But that is not really possible. Nor is it the aim of spiritual practice.

A more helpful approach is this: let the mind present whatever “it” wants to present. Don’t try to control it. Instead, take responsibility for how you deal with its input. Because even if we cannot always choose which thoughts, feelings or moods arise, we can choose how we respond to them.

Thoughts, feelings and moods come and go. They are like clouds. But you are the sky.

Our mind is a useful tool, not our enemy. Left to its own devices, however, it is a kind of psychic sponge, indiscriminately absorbing all sorts of things from our family and collective fields. And much of that we never question.

Whatever your mind presents to you – usually judgements, doubts, fears, memories, worries or destructive commentary – let it come and let it go. Observe, but don’t attach. Don’t throw an anchor into it and feed it with your attention and energy until it turns into a whole story.

Consciously go inside and see what actually does deserve your attention. Not every thought is true, not every feeling is an instruction to act and not every inner impulse needs to be followed.

You may not be able to control your mind, but you can influence how you deal with the impulses, moods and antics it produces.

And I find that sadhana, energy work and other forms of inner work can indeed change something: we no longer have to give every thought the same importance. We can perceive more clearly what is happening within us without automatically identifying with it or turning it into a story.

That’s all for today. Namasté.

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Photos: Marina

Original article, first published: 3. August 2015 for Atelier Ananda