Working With the Wandering Mind

One of the books I’m reading has this chapter about working with a restless mind, and the importance of finding intentional stillness, and incorporating it into our daily routines. 


This however, can be immensely difficult. It would be nice if if we could sit in silence and automatically feel peace; comfort. But that’s not how it works for most of us, especially in the beginning of practicing stillness. 


We all experience noise. Noise inside, noise outside. We even experience inner noise. There’s benefit in figuring out how to silence the noise. Those who workout regularly initially experience a natural sense of slowing down, and feelings of calm. But there are other ways we can bring about silencing the noise to find that stillness. Getting outside and generally being outside plays a huge part in this. Maybe it’s religious practice for you. Maybe it’s being around friends or family. Whatever your sacred space is, is where you can find that stillness. 


That sacred space will still bring noise though. We have to turn toward the noise because it’s a crucial part in finding our stillness. The noise and wandering mind is sometimes the point. If you meditate, how often do you actually get your mind to silence? Stillness often reveals whatever’s already there; what’s being suppressed or ignored, or even what hasn’t come to light yet. The intent isn’t to necessarily purge yourself of those sensations. You don’t have to avoid the distractions or push away what we all tend to push away. Turn toward the inner noise. This is how we work with the wandering mind, and anchor it down to find relaxation and stillness. 


“When we begin to build more intentional stillness into our days, it’s quite common for inner noise to increase (at first). How we choose to respond to turbulent mental content makes a big difference in how quickly our calm and quiet will deepen. By turning toward uncomfortable mental states, we can learn to work with them in different ways: creatively, tenderly, patiently. As we formally practice holding significant discomfort in a mindful place of deep calm and stillness, we develop the capacity to do the same when discomfort arises in our regular lives.”