Taming the Wild Mind

  [View Online]( INSPIRATION [Taming the Wild Mind]( Big sky mind describes the expansiveness of our minds and boundless nature of our beings. Like a wild animal — impulsive, scared, and skittish — our minds and thoughts can leave us feeling anxious, confused, or exhausted. But like the best animal trainers, the animal whisperers, we need to learn how to take a gentle approach to taming our minds and quieting the endless chatter of our thoughts. We can't force peace through threats, anger, or self-inflicted punishment. Instead, we need to nurture trust, listen within, and practice self-compassion. Meditation offers us this path. In Buddhism, the metaphor of big sky mind is used to describe the expansiveness of our minds and the boundless nature of our beings. And like clouds that float by, our thoughts — pleasant and unpleasant — come and go. We learn to not judge, resist, or identify with our thoughts but view them with curiosity and gentle awareness. This is how we begin to train our minds and cultivate compassion and loving kindness for ourselves and others. This is how we learn to make friends with ourselves. Try this big sky mind meditation: Let your breath ground you to the present moment. With the natural rhythm of your breath, slowly scan your body, noticing areas of tension. Release any tightness with each exhale, allowing your body to soften and relax. As thoughts arise in your mind, observe them without judgment or attachment. Imagine your mind as a clear blue sky, vast and spacious, where thoughts drift like clouds. Sometimes you might envision clouds that are white and fluffy, floating by effortlessly. Other times those clouds might be dark and stormy, triggering a sense of fear. Bring your presence back into your body, returning to your breath. Let your breath guide you back home to your center. Rest in the spaciousness of big sky mind. Relax in the present awareness of your true nature. Did you like this Inspiration? ❁ Did you miss yesterday's inspiration? Click [here]( to view them all.   DailyOM Course Spotlight [Breaking the Mental Loops of Negative Self-Talk]( Imagine a life where you feel confident in your abilities and compassion toward the parts of you that have experienced pain and struggle. Learn how to break the cycle of negative self-talk and create more awareness, clarity, and confidence with this course by transformational coach Selena Lael. Through guided, heart-centered meditations, movement, breathwork, and more, you’ll heal the roots of these inner dialogues and uplift your entire well-being. [Learn More]( New Courses - [Science-Based Plan to Reduce Visceral Fat]( - [The Japanese Secret to Slow Aging]( - [The Parasympathetic Nervous System Fix]( - [10-Minute Exercises for Cortisol Control]( Recommended For You [Healing the Father Wound to Stop Self-Sabotage]( [Learn More]( [Write Heal Transform: A Magical Memoir Writing Course]( [Learn More]( [The Yoga of Money]( [Learn More]( [Recipes to Let Go of Gluten]( [Learn More]( [How to Overcome Depression]( [Learn More]( [Holistic Approach to Pain: Shift Focus and Reclaim Your Life]( [Learn More]( Top 10 Courses 1. [Science-Based Plan to Reduce Visceral Fat]( 2. [No-Squat Booty Workout]( 3. [The Vagus Nerve Miracle]( 4. [10-Minute Exercises for Cortisol Control]( 5. [The Parasympathetic Nervous System Fix]( 6. [The Happiness Method: Beyond Positive Thinking]( 7. [The 10-Minute Method to Naturally Tighten Your Face]( 8. [A Vagus Nerve Belly Bloat Rescue]( 9. [Science-Based Lymphatic Drainage Rescue]( 10. [The Healing Power of Your Feet]( Explore 350+ Courses There's something for everyone. What do you want to learn today? [Browse by Topic]( [DailyOM Logo](   [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Pinterest]( [Twitter]( You are receiving this email because you're subscribed to DailyOM. You are registered with {EMAIL}. [Inspirations]( | [Courses]( | [Horoscopes]( [Remove me from this list]( | [Help/FAQ]( Copyright © 2024 [Everyday Health, Inc.]( All rights reserved. DailyOM is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. 114 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10011 Subject to our [terms of service]( and [privacy policy](.