Don't be tossed away by your monkey mind. You say you want to do something - "I really want to be a writer" - then that little voice comes along, "but I might not make enough money as a writer." "Oh, okay, then I won't write." That's being tossed away. These little voices are constantly going to be nagging us. If you make a decision to do something, you do it. Don't be tossed away. But part of not being tossed away is understanding your mind, not believing it so much when it comes up with all these objections and then loads you with all these insecurities and reasons not to do something.
[Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within] by Natalie Goldberg teaches us that our inner dialogue often sabotages our pursuits through persistent doubts and fears. The metaphor of the "monkey mind" vividly captures the restless, erratic thought patterns that distract us from our true desires. The quote emphasizes the importance of awareness—learning to recognize these nagging thoughts without acquiescing to them. When we have a goal, especially creative or personal pursuits, our mind can become a battleground of competing voices: one encouraging, the others skeptical and fear-ridden. Goldberg advocates for a conscious decision to move forward in spite of these inner obstacles. The act of not succumbing to the internal chatter requires mindfulness and self-understanding. Developing a healthy relationship with our thoughts means acknowledging their presence but not letting them dictate our actions. Instead, we are encouraged to act with confidence, knowing that the doubts are just temporary distractions, not definitive truths. This resonates deeply, especially in a culture that fosters self-doubt and fear of failure. True growth involves cultivating a resilient mindset where one’s inner dialogue shifts from sabotage to support. It’s a reminder that we are often the creators of our limitations, and with practice, we can master our minds to stay focused on our intentions, ultimately leading to a more fulfilled pursuit of our passions.
---Natalie Goldberg---
