Meditation Tips On Taming The Monkey Mind (Having Too Many Thoughts) 

From this idea - this sort of personification of our thoughts as a monkey - I created my own method where I imagine my thoughts as an actual monkey that I’m petting to sleep.

I absolutely love the way she speaks and smiles. So compelling. She makes you want to listen. And so full of wisdom. _/\_

This helps a lot. Me being a Teenage Buddhist who recently converted to Buddhism in the Mahayanan tradition, and also being a novice to meditation, meditating can be a little bit of a struggle for me, with thoughts like "What am I gonna do after this?" "My leg feels asleep." "The lotus position hurts!" etc etc. These techniques help a lot, thanks Mindah! :D

So glad I found this channel. Your videos are really clear and easy to understand. I feel I've learned so much in just a few short videos. Thank you.

At least two of these tips are essentially about DETACHMENT; namely, objectifying our thoughts through labelling them, and realising that our thoughts are SEPARATE ENTITIES or notions, and not this STRING that we can get caught up in... You can also think of it as a film strip, where each individual picture represents a moment or thought, but it's the arrangement of it along with the momentum of life that animates it and gives it meaning and "sticking" power. Meanwhile the dividers between the pictures are the silence/stillness that dilates with practice and intent. To me meditation is all about "deconstructing the story" and extrapolating "creative meaning" out of thin air (or the quantum field of infinite possibilities...).

Omg! This morning when I was doing my usual "future scenario mental conversations" I told myself "NOT REAL" "NOT USEFUL" "WASTE OF TIME" & I pictured those useless thoughts being swept away (with a Rumba hoover!) & "Puff" they disappeared! I even caught myself laughing at myself for this ridiculous habit I have. It really helped me stay present. Also, reciting times tables keeps me from drifting to the past/future. Thank you for your tips!!!

You're so calming and so nice! And the videos are very clear! Thank you. :)

Hey Mindah, I hope you are well! There hasent been an upload from you in 2 years. I’m honestly such a big fan of your channel and your explanations, your so different from other Buddhist channels on YT, and I know you may be busy but honestly it would be great to see more videos from you! I’ve started to learn about Buddhism, and your channel has kept me motivated! Seriously Mindah, you are amazing! Sending lots of love from England 💛

I've been listening to Alan Watts. Hes good, but you are so calm and easy to listen to. Very peaceful and great information. Makes me feel good about catching my monkey mind as much as I do...

Hi, someone recommended one of your videos to me. I'm going through a difficult time right now and this has been so helpful. Thank you.

Thank you Mindah, these tips really helped! Loving your channel

I am beginning to appreciate the way She speaks God bless her

your a great spirit, soul spoken very true to you. Nothing more I need to say to let you know your truly awesome.

Thank you Mindah for posting these teachings they are very helpful you are a very good teacher.

Thank you so much. Your are extremely articulate and crystal clear. Xtremely grateful

really really liked your tips Mindah. Thank you so very much :)

Thank you for more practical advice. I will try and make a habit of seeing one video a day, to gradually absorb the wisdom of Buddhism - and then meditate for a short-time afterwards.

Your videos stimulate a mediative mind..thank you!!

she is a absolute joy to listen to and learn from 111

thank you very very much mindah,may u live peacefully,may u attain buddhahood

Really happy someone recommended this site, excellent videos

one talk I heard, said "when you notice the thought notice and let it go do not invite it to tea". Some reason that always stuck with me.

Very outgoing and very intelligent lady

Thank you very much... All merits to you...

I'm so glad that I found your channel.

Thank you for your wisdom. Don't just sit there doing nothing - meditate

You are so lovely. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

Thank you. Wish you were still active on you tube.❤

Fantastic video full of great hints how to improve meditation!

This is great. Was looking for this a lot.

Wow. I like all your work and am having a real good intro into Buddhism

Your words are beyond words! Keep illuminating, keep encouraging beings who seeks liberation! Don't know how to thank you... _/\_

Thank you so much for all the videos of yours.....They helped me so much.....

Thank you. I am finding your videos very helpful.

This was pure gold!! Instant subscribe, and can't wait to view more! For that reason, however, the ignorance surrounding tip seven was all the more surprising... I expected sensible advice on MITIGATING food intake--not LOADING UP on the very things that PROMOTE extraneous thoughts--i.e. carbohydrates! Anyway, the high calibre of the rest of it easily overrides this one criticism, so no biggie. Thank you, and I'm so glad I clicked the video!! :D

Thankyou dear heart ...... Blessings light and love 😊🙏❤️

Well thought out no pun clear concise video with practical tips well done thanks 🕉

Thankyou so much.❤️

Your channel is so helpful! Thank you! Love and gratitude. :)

Thank you 🙏

well said very informative

Wonderful

i wish i had discovered your videos 9 yrs ago!

thank you for this!

Hard work and dedication and you too will have that expression.

Be aware & let it be...Thukche Che Mindah. Your video are always helpful.

Very helpful video, thank you Mindah-Lee. I came across this video via your blog, through a google search. A lot of good tips in here. I appear to have what is referred to as hypnagogia, which is a problem when trying to meditate, since all of these 'stories' (sort of like mini-movies) start to appear in my mind (I'm one of those 'creative types'). They're not 'what ifs' past or future, but just stories. I expect some of your tips will help me guide those away. By the way, you are an excellent RU-vid presenter - keep up the excellent work!

thx you i was soo mad at myself at first for daydreaming soo helpful for me

Lovely my sister 😍😍

Ive enjoyed every one of your talks, thank you Mindah-Lee Kumar

thank u for the wonderful videos

I appreciate what you do

Hah,I heard U mention Ajaan Chah.I ve watched a lot of Ajaan Brahms vdos,Im glad Iv found you too,good to c a lay person who s such a proficient practicioner.The metta you ve got for us is great.

Hi I'm Bob and I like your message. Bob

Thank you

Good video

Thanks, I listened to the speech which is very eve give and useful to novice meditators. The water bubble, and dropping to the ocean theory is very effective I believe. Although my mind is well controlled if I have to I am going to use it. If one really want to acquire the benefits out of meditation, one have to dedicate at least one hour a day in your life. Which will have enormous effects your life. Also, without determination of course one will never achieve anything. " Samma Waayaama" it teaches in Buddhism. And also if you suspect or negativity, like "will this help help me, am I wasting my time" one will never never, win the war with the mind. " vichkichchaa" it teaches in Buddhism. Well, Lord Gauthama Buddha, has preached " don't argue, criticize or insult, ( "dhammo sandittiko, akaliko, ahipassiko," ) come and see yourself, the results definite. We should not waste our life a moment because we getting closer to death every second, that's important to think. Who knows.

I like when mindah said after a while the thoughts became too shy to make and appearance having stage fright hahahah I'm definitely gonna remember that one.

i imagine i’m inside of a lotus bud and when i have a thought i see it (third person) flowing out from my head and through the top of the bud. then when i’m done meditating the lotus blooms, pushing and i’m back in my room, leaving the thoughts behind

Please make a video on depression thanks

you can focus your full attention on the breath, or you can think stuff, but you can't do both. you know your getting it when your fully focused on the breath and the excruciated one leaves you alone and lets you do it

I have awakened from a close to a hour of meditation. I am shocked from what I received from it but the monkey was more high up in the tree of thoughts. I have strayed from discursive ideas. However getting direct transmission. Is this normal because after all I am a master martialist I am feeling as I will not be able to speak on my experience.

Atothe B. Your welcome.

My head starts itching during meditation!

If you can sit the mind comfortable and then not get up for anything, that might work. Another way ,learned from a Chi Gong teacher, is to feel the pulses on your forehead and heart using the fingers(one hand finger on head, the other hand finger on heart) and empty the thought into the relaxation of the heart; this is a great technique for cooling migraines.

Are you referrin g to a vippassana style of meditating?

Thank you for your advice on taming monkey mind. What is the solution for living in a city and never having silence? Always there are lowd, persistent or intermittent districting unpleasent noises to distract me? Is way to cope with that, or is it hopeless for me to try to meditate? Or in a somewhat similarly noisy suburb far from a meditation center and I don't have car or enough money or time or energy to get to one?

my monkey mind has surender because of your dazzling smile and kindly speaking....keep doing your great work it help us a lot!! may the Budda bless u....wich kind of buddism do u practice, theravada, mahayana,zen,tibetan...can u tell me please?

How can you focus and meditate when you are attached to your hair.?

Hello, I'm am new here, please forgive, reference tip 3: Serious threats made to me that have made me desparate to avoid (in court) have me physically sick, unable to sleep or stop thinking of. How do I address a problem like that without letting it overwhelm me? It is a very serious (to me) problem. I could go to jail if I dont handle it correctly and the correct way is out of reach because I cant afford the exorbitant fees of an attorney. Do I set a specific time of day to think about it and then stop after a designted period of time? Or, do I meditate?

Hey! I'm just curious on what you experience when you mediate? And where do you meditate? I hope not to pry and don't intent this to be an egotistical thing, I just find my experience in meditating to be so exhilaratingly other-worldly and wondered if others are the same?

Is it odd to think about the dreams you had the night before. I dont really have any other thoughts accept for my dreams from the night before.

Thank you for these tips. I am actually novice to meditation. What you might say about introduction to meditation from Alan Watts (there are audios here on RU-vid) and about use of mantras?

You are a great teacher, very beautiful, and breathtaking. I will meditate every day so I can have you in my next life.

hi mindah :) thank you for your channel. i started to meditate some since some days and i think it has some positive effects on me like for examplenot beeing tired at the end of the day like before....but i have one problem and i dont know if it is common,i hope you can help me: while i meditate i feel reallygood,really calm but after like 10 min after the meditations it seemslike all the thoughts i "repressed" during the meditation want to come back even stronger and louder than before and i get a very painful headache for some minutes, which may return even after hours again....i have not had headaches before i mean not regurarly just rarely....is there a way to prevent this? am i "allergic" tomeditation....i dont want to give it up because it really gives me a peace i had looked for so long, but i cant handle these headaches.....do you have an answer???

Hi Mindah! Been practicing meditation for a couple of months (each AM for 20 minutes) and I normally count my breath. I find I can become quite still during this time. It is after meditation and during the day that my mind fills once again with distractions, bits of songs(!), and seemingly endless noise. Should I be working on something different during my sitting? Any suggestions would help. Thanks!

Sometimes I have no thoughts at all. Is that a bad thing?

I have found that sometimes I have some coughing (especially when doing group meditation). I have also noticed this when I work on some clients when I begin working on the head and neck or throat area (I am a massage therapist). Am I correct that it has something to do with the throat chakra?

Boddhichitta (Buddha's mind) is the " Panacea" On the all mental ills.

Be strict to the mind before it tames you.

I find difficult to understand her accent I spent , 30 years in new York but I didn't have problem speaking to blacks in Bronx

I can blank my mind and don't think on anything at all

madam what is your country ?

can i use this in daily life?

Why hasn't she made any more videos ?

But once you tell me to stick to one thing oooh boy ...my monkey is like I rather think of nothing than focus on something lol and I never trouble her at all, i just know that's how she is and I just learn to live with that lol

I feel like there’s a contradiction. I believe earlier you said not to eat heavy meals before meditating, now you’re saying to do that

I can't even focus on this video.

Nice accent!

Sorry about that previous comment ... it's those damn cravings causing me suffering.

In fact I really like to meditate on an empty stomach!

I guess I'll have to shock the monkey .

About of Monkey mine.

It’s precisely because we have a busy mind that we need to meditate…

I recommend the song The Essence of Silence by Epica: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oePrtEMmX9Y.html

🌸🙏🌹🇨🇦

Winner of a video, I've been looking for "best music for meditation spotify" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Aiyavid Substratal Ascendancy - (search on google )? It is a smashing one of a kind product for discovering how to remove your inner mind blocks and live a free life without the headache. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my mate got excellent success with it.

weak

Thank you

Thank you for these tips. I am actually novice to meditation. What you might say about introduction to meditation from Alan Watts (there are audios here on RU-vid) and about use of mantras?