Recently on the Keys of Mastery project, we have often raised the topic of the mind’s role in your development and current choices.
We have already dedicated several materials to this; follow the links above to familiarize yourself.
Today we offer several practices for taming the mind. Read and apply them.
Practices for Taming the Mind
The main goal of all these practices is to make the mind fall silent, at least for a while, and stop chewing this mental gum.
When the mind calms down, you will be able to hear the voice of your soul, your higher aspects.
1. Practice of Silence
Make it a habit to be silent for a few minutes 1-2-3 times a day.
This practice is well suited for those who love to constantly talk. Do you know that format — “I sing of what I see”? If this is about you, take short pauses in conversations, immerse yourself within.
See also: Suitcase of Spiritual Tools. Practices for Any Occasion
2. Meditation of Silence
Enter a meditative state through deep breathing; you may close your eyes to avoid being distracted by external objects, and let go of your mind.
Observe your inner state, how your body feels. Thoughts will come in their usual mode.
Your task is not to engage, but simply to observe. Thoughts come, replaced by others, like clouds in the sky. You simply contemplate.
The mistake of some practitioners is that they think there will be no thoughts. But you cannot stop this process; you can only observe.
At first, you will have a desire to engage and, out of habit, start a mental dialogue. Try not to do this. Hold out for at least 5 minutes. Later, you will be able to remain in a state of observation for longer.
See also Labyrinths of the Mind. How to Find a Way Out
3. Observing a Candle Flame
The practice of observing a candle flame is very relaxing.
Light a candle, sit in silence or turn on calm music without words, and simply observe the flame.
The fire flame is mesmerizing and induces a trance state, the mind’s work slows down, and it shifts to an alpha frequency.
Various images, possibly ideas, or answers to your questions may come here. Do not try to engage in a dialogue with them, just observe.
Svetlana Dobrovolskaya also suggests soaking your feet in a basin of hot water while doing this. This way, you also engage your body. You are simultaneously in a meditative state and grounded.
See also Practices for Maintaining Balance
We have prepared a selection of materials that will help you find balance and maintain a conscious state.
4. Cleaning with a Brush
When there is too much mental clutter in your head, and an endless dialogue is going on, you can stop it with this practice.
Imagine that you take a bottle brush and start cleaning your brain with it. Imagine how you scrub out intrusive thoughts that cause you anxiety, scrub out limiting beliefs, conjectures, and the rehashing of the same questions.
Apply this practice whenever and wherever necessary.
See also Mindfulness Practices, or How to Turn Off Automatic Emotional Reactions
These are just some ways to help you discipline your mind. The goal is not to stop its work, but to show who is the boss, to help it become silent and teach it to engage only when needed.
What mind-disciplining practices do you know and use? Which are your favorites?
P.S. We invite you to the new course “Acceptance Workshop” to free yourself from self-flagellation, negativity, and start accepting yourself.
See the detailed description here >>