How to Quiet the Mind

How to Quiet the Mind By [Gina Lake]( The following is an excerpt from the "How to Quiet the Mind" on-line course. If you would like to enroll in the course, [click here](. The mind is a wonderful tool for thinking, but it has a dark side. There is an aspect of the mind that is not useful but pretends to be useful, which is called the egoic mind. It is the aspect of our mind that chats with us as we move about our day. It is the "voice in our head," as Eckhart Tolle calls it. Much of the time, this voice seems like our own thoughts and our own voice, and we often express these thoughts (e.g., "I love doing that!" "I can't wait until tomorrow." "I wonder what will happen"). At other times, this voice is like the voice of a parent or other authority figure or a friend (e.g., "You should try harder." "Don't forget to take your vitamins." "Wouldn't it be fun to try that!"). It may even seem evil or mean (e.g., "You never do anything right. You're worthless. You might as well give up"). We tend to take this voice seriously--we believe it, agree with it, and don't question it. We believe it because we are programmed, or wired, to believe our own thoughts, regardless of whether they are true and helpful or not. Not only do we believe these thoughts, but we believe they are "ours." We identify with them--we feel they reflect who we are. We don't tend to question our own thoughts, although we readily question other people's thoughts, especially if those thoughts are different from ours. But when we stop and examine what this mental voice is saying, we discover a lot of contradictory advice, misinformation, prejudices, judgments, and other negativity. This mental voice is often unkind, belittling, fearful, self-doubting, judgmental, complaining, confused, and unhelpful. It turns out that the voice in our head is not a very good guide to life, and yet we tend to accept what it says and do what it suggests. This voice, in fact, is the cause of human suffering. It fights life, rails against it, and is discontent and afraid. It is the voice of the false self--the ego--not the true self. Without these thoughts, we would live in peace within ourselves and in harmony with others. But you already know this, don't you? The programming to pay attention to and believe this aspect of the mind is very strong, and it takes not only seeing the truth about it, but also a practice, as in meditation, of not giving our attention to this mental voice before we gain enough distance from it to experience freedom and the joy and peace of our true self, or Essence. For more information visit: > [How to Quiet the Mind]( [PRINT]( [SAVE]( [DISCUSS]( --------------------------------------------------------------- DailyOM Course Spotlight [Master the Path of the Peaceful Warrior]( by Dan Millman Most of our lives are spent, in one form or another, in the pursuit of happiness. And we find it, too, in temporary forms - a new experience, relationship, purchase. Yet a lasting sense of fulfillment and satisfaction may continue to elude us as we learn what doesn't make us happy. Still, the dreams persist: "If only I'd gotten a college (or graduate) degree. . . if only I had a soul-mate, or a better relationship (or career) . . . if only I'd had children . . . if only I hadn't had children . . . if only I made more money or had a nicer home . . . if only I traveled more. . ." But even if we get those things, we continue to search. Here is the course, and now is the time, to stretch your soul and strengthen your spirit with international bestselling author, and master coach, Dan Millman! This course provides a map of the path to authentic and lasting fulfillment. You will learn that there is nothing you have to add to your life, but rather, it involves removing unseen obstructions you have faced in twelve different areas of life. And you will learn how to overcome each of these obstructions to experience genuine happiness. [Learn More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Top 10 DailyOM Courses 1. [Overcoming Self-Sabotage]( 2. [Be Free from Unhealthy Relationships]( 3. [Find True Love in 27 Days]( 4. [21 Day Total Goddess Workout]( 5. [How To Speak So Your Dog Will Listen]( 6. [Release Yourself from Family Karma]( 7. [21 Day Beginner Yoga]( 8. [Change Your Life with Energy Medicine Yoga]( 9. [The Ultimate 7 Day Cleanse]( 10. [Yoga Shred For Men]( > [More Courses]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Home]( | [Inspiration]( | [Courses]( | [Horoscopes]( | [Gift Shop]() [Email Settings]( | [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Help/FAQ]( © 2016 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved No portion of this site can be reprinted without express permission. Subscribed as {NAME}[at]gmail.com (1276706) [1]