Today I sat with monkey mind.

In an effort to be a bit more mindful in my living, I'm working toward a more consistent sitting practice.

Today I sat with monkey mind.

I took my seat, legs crossed, sitting upright on my bed.  I let my shoulders drop (no longer wearing them as earrings), let my hands rest on my thighs, and I took a moment to notice my breathing.

I breathe and listen.  I breath and notice.  I sit and I breathe.

As I focus on my breath, I try to pay attention to what is coming up for me today. What do I notice at specific this moment in my day? What I notice is my thoughts jumping from one idea to another.

Just as I was ready to sit with one feeling, another would surface.

I recognize that emotion and begin to settle into the idea of it, and another pops up.

Monkey mind.

All the branches of my mind seemed especially enticing today.  I return my attention to my breath.  I work on being non-judgmental towards my wayward mind.  I breathe and feel myself smile and gently direct my attention back to my breath.

Lather, rinse, repeat . . .

Breathe.  Notice my mind jump to another emotional branch.  Return to my breath.

Breathe.  Feel the mind wander to a trouble from the past.  Return to my breath.

Breath.  See the mind jump anxiously to a future plan.  And again return to my breath.

And so my practice continues.

Today I sat with monkey mind.