Everything works better in my life when I am working better and for me it's not all about how much work I do. It's more about how things are working in my mind. Some days, when I get out of bed, I notice that I have, what my mentor and friend Gifford calls the "I'd rather not" syndrome. I'd really rather not do anything or some days, I'd rather not call people back or email them... or do a report... or manage someone or something.

These thoughts are what Buddhists call "monkey mind" thoughts. I know they do not serve me and yet some days they work hard at taking control of me and my day.

I used to think no one else had those thoughts until I read something that a Buddhist monk wrote about the Monkey Mind. For the Kabbalah, it's the opponent or ego mind thinking. Whatever it is called... it resides in me and those thoughts are not me, they are not who I am.

I have the same power in me that created this Universe or this particular world. We all are one with the DNA of the Universe. If that is so, I am part of that I am... and it is part of me. I have the power to overcome any adverse situation or thinking.

How you ask?

I follow a daily regimen of reading Science of Mind and The Kabbalah. I read Toni Stone Affirmations or ones that I have written for myself, or the Tao... and I have a few calls with others that support me where we share intentions for the world and others around us and affirmations along with what we are grateful for.

Gratitude is the one thing that I can say for sure really helps knock out "monkey mind or ego, opponent thinking."

I have seen the opponent and it is me some days... he resides in my mind. I'd really rather not be writing this and I did anyway.

I can do what I set my mind to do, even if it does not want to initially. I push ahead, despite seeming obstacles, despite heavy feelings that say... "Stay in bed, who reads what you write anyway."

Sound familiar?

Develop a practice to help you rise above Monkey Mind.

I am grateful for the "I'd rather not" syndrome, because each day when I overcome it, I realize its gift is that I feel like I really accomplished something... imagine what it would feel like, day after day, if we accomplished each goal with ease and no challenge, difficulty or discomfort? Would we feel like we achieved anything, would we be grateful for the gift of life if we all sat around and did nothing?

Monkey Mind is saying "yea, go for it... do nothing"... "No thank you," I say... I would rather feel accomplished.

What about you?

Gratefully yours,
Steve