Glossary

What is The Monkey Mind?

Monkey Mind:  Is a metaphor for the amygdala, and other associated parts of the brain that are dedicated to our survival. Everything we see, touch, hear, taste and smell is screened for threat, much like traveler baggage passing through airport security. When a threat is detected, anxiety is triggered. This part of the brain is primitive, instinctual and reactive, much like a monkey. This analogy allows us to envision anxiety not a monster needing to be conquered, but as the work of a sensitive little critter, loyal, hardworking and devoted to our safety.

Feeding the Monkey

When the limbic brain, or monkey mind detects a threat, it sounds an alarm, which we experience as negative emotion and anxiety. When we respond by performing a safety strategy, we confirm the perception of threat, guaranteeing more alarms in the future. Thus, safety behaviors “feed” the monkey mind, maintaining a cycle of anxiety.

Directions for the Welcoming Breath

Scan your body for tension or discomfort. Common areas we hold tension are the jaws, shoulders, and stomach.

As you inhale, imagine you are breathing in to the area of discomfort. Rather than trying to get rid of it, make room and space for it. The goal is to soften and surrender to whatever you are feeling in this moment.

When you exhale, imagine yourself letting go of trying to fix, analyze or problem solve.

Continue to do this for 5-10 minutes.

All emotions have a beginning, middle and an end. When we learn to relax into discomfort we are able to process it. When we respond to anxiety by welcoming it rather than reacting to it, we calm the monkey mind. We send a message that says, I got this one.

With practice, it learns not to press the panic button every time you are reminded of a potential threat. Your anxiety decreases. In the welcoming state, we are in a much better position to take wise, thoughtful and effective action.

You can listen to a guided practice here or download it by clicking here.

Core Fear

There are two fundamental, or core fears activated by the monkey mind. The first is the fear of death, or conditions that could make life not worth living, such as loss of health or shelter. The death could apply to either the self or loved ones. The second core fear is loss of social status, respect or belonging; being “kicked out of the tribe” and thus alone forever.

Safety Strategies

Safety Strategies serve two purposes. 

1. They are the things we do to keep the worst from happening. For example, someone with a spider phobia might check their bed before getting into it in an attempt to prevent a spider bite.
2. They serve to  avoid, resist, or distract ourselves from negative feelings that arise when we feel we are not 100% safe.

5 Step Action Plan for Coping with Anxiety

Step 1. Identify the problem clearly. Instead of saying, Everything could fall apart, you might say, I am worried about losing my health care.

Step 2. Brain storm four different actions you can take.  For example:

• Educate yourself about policies related to health care.

• Write letters to public officials stating your concern.

• Volunteer at or donate to an organization that supports healthcare for all.

• Move to another country. (Remember, you are brainstorming. Each idea does not have to be realistic.)

Step 3. Evaluate each action. Think of the short and long term consequence of each one. 

Step 4. Pick one or more of the actions, and act.

Step 5. Look at the results. What are the positive and negative consequences of the actions you took? Are there other actions to take? Pat yourself on the back for doing something!

When we take responsible action, it helps reduce feeling overwhelmed and helpless. The monkey mind gets the message that, I am aware of the threat and I am handling it, and our anxiety is reduced. It does not mean that the problem is solved, but that we are constructively involved in doing something about it.

OVER RESPONSIBILITY

“Just Checking” Tally Form

Click here to download the tally form!

Easygoing Quiz

Read each statement and answer how much you agree with it.
3 = Strongly Agree
2 = Agree
1 = Somewhat Agree
0 = Don’t Agree

_____ I don’t tend to worry about my or other’s safety.

_____ I am willing to allow others to experience the consequence of their actions or inaction.

_____ When things do not go as planned I am excited by what might happen instead.

_____ I am comfortable setting a limit or stating a preference, even if others disagree.

_____ My mistakes are what make me human and are on opportunity for growth.

_____ I am flexible with plans I or others make.

_____ I do my personal best rather than compare myself to others.

_____ I tend to prioritize my self-care needs.

_____ I assume safety unless there is clear evidence of danger.

_____ I am motivated by excellence more than fear of failure.

_____ Your Total Score

The higher your score the more easy-going you and may benefit from some fine tuning. The lower your score the more you would benefit from easy going practice.

23-30 Very Easy Going      16-22 Pretty Easy Going      9-21 Somewhat Easy Going      0-8 Not Very Easy Going

Directions for the Welcoming Breath Under Apocalyptic Skies

Scan your body for tension or discomfort. Common areas we hold tension are the jaws, shoulders, and stomach.

You can listen to a guided practice here or download it by clicking here.

 

Values List 

This list of values can help you determine which values will give your practice purpose and direction.

You may download a .pdf copy of this Values List by Clicking Here.