I first heard the term 'monkey mind' in yoga class and could relate right away. This Buddhist expression is an apt description and humorous visual of a racing mind. I’d guess most people are afflicted with this syndrome at one time or another. Some people probably experience it more often than others.
Here are some new (to me) texture stamps I made at a friend's clay studio while I was away from my own.
After a month away from my studio, my chattering creative mind is in full swing. It’s exhilarating and paralyzing at the same time. So many ideas swirl in my head, it’s hard to know just where to start. What I’ve learned from past manic creative episodes is to just get in the studio and begin. The ideas will settle and begin to organize themselves as I get back to the routine of clay. Writing a reference list of new ideas is helpful as well!
Stepping away from routine can be hard and rewarding. For me, new environments give time and space to think of alternate creative expressions.
Monkey mind can be tamed and made useful. Yoga’s practice-ending savasana is a fantastic reminder that letting go of racing thoughts is restorative. I think mindfully practicing meditation provides similar results. My daily knitting habit is one of the ways I conquer my own monkey mind. It is meditative and active at the same time. Do you have an activity you use to help you settle those racing thoughts and 'to do lists'?
Here's the project on my knitting needles right now. I'm trying to use up some of my left-over yarn, so this interesting shawl project is perfect! The jumble of colors (monkey mind) will result in a useful expression of creativity (meditation)!