The monster

[Peter]

Yesterday I thought of something that I thought might be nice to share. When I just picked up mindfulness I read a book called Search inside yourself by Chade-Meng Tan. I was quoting this poem from it to a friend:

My monsters come in different shapes and sizes.
Over the years, I have learned to deal with them.
I do that by letting go.

First, I let go of my wish to suppress them.
When they arrive, I acknowledge them.
I let them be.

Next, I let go of my instinct to vilify them.
I seek to understand them.

I see them for who they are.
They are merely creations of my body and mind.
I humor them a little.
I joke with them.
I joke about them.
I let them play.

Then, I let go of my desire to feed them.
They may play here all they want.
But they get no food from me.
They are free to stay here hungry, if they want.
I continue to let them be.
Then they get really hungry.
And sometimes they leave.

Finally, I let go of my desire to hold on to them.
They are free to leave as they wish.
I let them go.
I am free.
For now.

I do not overcome them.
They do not overcome me.
And we live together.
In harmony.

I remember my friend saying sarcastically: "Yeah, right! Wouldn't that be nice.."
I agreed with him. It seemed like some sort of super power, that we both believed to be forever impossible for us.

However, yesterday I realized that I can do this now with ease.

And I didn't do anything special. I Just kept on practicing mindfulness, and meditating in general. My friend is still struggling every day with depression and anxiety. He gave up mindfulness very quickly.

Peter

[JonW]

Wonderful post, Peter. Cuts right to the quick.
Cheers,
Jon, Hove

[MindfulnessJar]

Thanks for sharing the poem. It is very apt.

Funnily enough, I taught one of my children about mindfulness by explaining that anger is like a monster inside of him that grows when you feed it angry thoughts.

It is wonderful that you stuck with your mindful practice and have benefited from it

Vicky

[miracle_0617]

I love the monster analogy, Peter. Thank you for this - your experience with depression and anxiety lifting is especially encouraging.

[Peter]

Thanks Jon, Vicky and Charlotte!!

Peter

[Gareth]

anger is like a monster inside of him that grows when you feed it angry thoughts.

I love that way of putting it. You'll see it coming soon from @mindfuleveryday.

Great poem too, Peter.

[Happyogababe]

Thanks for sharing, I felt calmer just by reading it.