‘True balance in the body is linked to listening, but also metaphorically, true balance is linked to an attentiveness that allows you to engage fully in this moment.’
John O’Donohue “Walking on the Pastures of Wonder.”
‘A man went to see a Guru as he was finding it difficult to be still and meditate. The guru told him to go home and not to think about monkeys.
Surprised at the advice, the man nevertheless returned home to carry out the guru’s strategy. Once at home he started not to think about monkeys. First there was one monkey, then there were two monkeys and then there were ten monkeys! Within a few days, there were hundreds of them and so he went back to the guru to tell him about the monkey jungle he had in his mind.’
Our minds are programmed with a set of beliefs and thoughts, long before we become aware of it.
For example; We may believe it is weak and vulnerable to allow our emotions to be felt and seen by others, and no matter how hard we try to change it, we can’t seem to open up and allow our feelings to be seen, and this is simply because it has been programmed into us since we were children.
If we are trying to change something in our life without success, it’s usually because we are not addressing deep beliefs and feelings that we are holding beneath this.
When we take the time to listen deeply to our beliefs, thoughts, feelings and needs, no matter what they are; we will find what is blocking our progress forward.
If your are angry then let yourself feel angry! If your are tired and vulnerable then feel that too!
When we practice deep listening and allowing, we open up an authentic space within us.
There are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ feelings. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to feel.
If it arises in us, then it needs to be honored and acknowledged.
Learning to respect our feelings is the pathway towards growth and deep changes.
Pushing it down increases it’s presence in our mind and in our life.
Pushing it away, just creates more monkey’s in our mind!
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
I’ve created so many jungles Karen, and the monkeys to fill them…even orangutans, giraffes and many an elephant too 😂 🤣
Great post dear lady, may your jungle just be filled with the love that is you 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
Sounds busy in that Jungle Mark ha! 😻 and I definitely know how that feels. 😉
A new profile picture Karen, for this new world to share. Your energy is sparkling dear lady, enjoy the journey 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
🙏🏻😊
this is all so important to stop and remember to do. things quickly get busy and full in the. mind and heart.
It does get busy Beth! And so good to remember the power of stillness and listening. 🥰💚
I live the story about the monkeys! Made me laugh this morning, as I was reminded of the power of suggestion. Our minds are powerful and exercise great power over us…if we let it. I agree with you. Ignoring our feelings, scary as they may seem, are the biggest barriers to moving forward. Great post, Karen. 🙏🏻💕
The monkeys 🐒 can definitely take over if we allow it! Glad you enjoyed it Carrie. Have a great day 😊💕
What is interesting to me is that since the stay-at-home order, I’ve found this process of listening easier. Without the outer distractions, perhaps I have more time to listen?
We now have more time to see it within ourselves too Eliza. It’s an opportunity of Beautiful expansion 😊🌈
Great post Karen. What we feed grows. I’ve noticed this with anger and anxiety. When I feed those monkeys they get bigger. I appreciate your reminders to choose Intentionally.
They do get bigger Ali! And I have found once I heal and change the belief beneath the problem, it lifts. 🌈💕
So true. Thanks for bringing your light to the world.
Aww thank you Ali! 🙏🏻✨
Oh. So many monkeys here.
I’ll send you some banana’s my friend 🍌 🍌🍌😉
You’ll need more bananas than that Friend.
True ha!! ☺️
Inspired for some deep listening. Thank you, Karen.
Enjoy the stillness Vicki 🙏🏻💕
Deeply moving and insightful post!
Thank you 🙏🏻🌈