Have you got a 'monkey mind' with thoughts jumping all over the place? Research shows that about 80% of our thoughts are 'unhelpful'. This month, I have invited a guest expert, Jo Corfield, to share their thoughts on how to be a human being not a 'human doing' and manage our 'monkey minds'.  

How much time do you spend just 'being?' Is your mind ever free of thought?

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."  Buddha 

We waste endless emotional and mental energy dwelling on memories of the past and predicting an uncertain future. When do we stop and fully appreciate the quality of our lives right now, in the present moment?

The past has gone; our memories of it are merely confused perceptions of what was. The future has not happened and is entirely our imagination. It can change as quickly and unexpectedly as the weather.

Horses grazing peacefully in a field have naturally perfected the art of 'living in the moment'. They are prey animals; to keep out of danger, they live with their minds free and wide open. Using all their senses simultaneously, they can experience every second with complete awareness.

Horses and humans both have to deal with fear. Our fear is usually intangible and often a figment of our imagination, based on negative memories or a dread of the future. As humans we hold our fear by dwelling on the thoughts attached to it, until those thoughts become unmanageable and cloud our judgment.

Horses respond to fear, become stressed and then relax as soon as the danger is over - their minds free again. 

Tuning into our breathing is our one constant reminder of how alive we are. Becoming aware of it is relaxing and brings us gently back to the present. Start to experience one of many forgotten sensations - quieten your mind and begin to think like a horse.

A desire to have less stress and more peace of mind and balance is a common theme with our clients. Check out Energise coaching special offers - click on this link:   Special Offers  

 
 1) Observe your thoughts and see how many relate to right now.

 2) Devise a hierarchy of thoughts 1 = those of value to a damaging 5.

 3) Make use of all your senses at once. Hear, see, sense, smell and taste. Listening to external sounds stops mental chatter as you can only hear on one channel at a time.  

4) Experience the peace of mind that results from a quiet, uncluttered mind. Choose a time to suit you every hour to bring your attention back to the present to practise being and the benefits it brings.  

5) Read 'Practising the power of now' by Eckhart Tolle

"The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness." Abraham Maslow

Visit Jo's web site and meet her healing horses. There is a great picture on the home page which always makes me smile! Booking a session with Jo to learn techniques to be is one of the best investments you will ever make.

www.hopethruhorses.com