A reoccurring question this past month has been about the benefits of meditation.

When we hear spiritual people referring to the “Monkey Mind” and attempting to control its turbulent thrashing, what do they mean?

Unlike other wild animals, monkeys are easily caught.

Captors place a bright shiny object like a rhinestone, penny or bead into a clear container with a small enough opening for a monkey’s hand to fit through and then the captor leaves – appearing to abandon the container with it’s artifact.

The monkey, attracted by the object, runs to the container, thrusts in his hand and with utter satisfaction, grabs the shiny object and attempts to run back and add it to his hoard.

However, as he is clutching his treasure, his once small hand is now a large fist and the monkey cannot remove his fist from the opening - he is caught.

All the monkey has to do to regain his freedom is let go of the object and his hand will once again slip easily out of the container’s opening, but the monkey’s nature does not allow him to let go.

According to Rev. W. Jones May 9, 1846 article on the Moral Character of the Monkey,

“They are saucy and insolent; always making an attempt to bully and terrify people, and biting those first who are most afraid of them.

Monkey’s never let things alone, but must know what is going forward.

If a pot or a kettle is set on the fire, and the cook turns her back, the monkey whips off the cover to see what she has put into it; even though he cannot get at it without scalding his feet upon the hot bars of the grate.

No monkey has any sense of gratitude, but takes his victuals with a snatch, and then grins in the face of the person that gives it to him, lest he should take it away again; for he supposes that all men will snatch away what they can lay hold of, as all monkeys do.”

Through an invincible selfishness, no monkey considers any individual but himself.

If anything he takes hold of can be broken or spoiled, he is sure to find the way of doing it; and he chatters with pleasure when he hears the noise of a china vessel smashed to pieces upon the pavement.”

Monkey’s know-it-all and can not sit still. Calmness and quietness are foreign to the monkey. They thrive on frenetic activity.

Quieting the “monkey mind” through meditation is referring to developing the capacity to be calm AND alert.

True freedom is obtained once the mind is free from addictive and unconscious thought patterns. We become more aware of our tendencies, biases and stero-types. The compulsion to judge ourselves and others diminishes as our intelligence expands through developing our meditation practice.

The quality of our life improves as we allow shallow and limited mind sets to expand into greater connection and understanding.

Meditating allows us to have access to more information, knowledge, wisdom and understanding which lies beyond the intellect.

We become fuller and freer as a result of expanding our capacity to live. A wonderful resource is a book from Eckhart Tolle called, The Power of Now.

May you give yourself permission and allow yourself to expand ~

Stacy Kamala

Author's Bio: 

Stacy Kamala Waltman brings a well-rounded blend of experience and personal development skills to her coaching practice.

Bridging the spiritual world with the professional arena, Stacy Kamala draws from a rich and varied background to enhance her client's personal, spiritual and professional life.

Earning a B.A. in journalism at San Diego State University along with a minor in business administration, Stacy Kamala has worked in a variety of business settings including group/team facilitation, public speaking, marketing, promotions, corporate communications, sales, web site design, and public relations. In small, medium, and large companies, she has learned what it takes to succeed.

Stacy Kamala also serves her community as a consultant and volunteer, most recently as a Facilitator on the Bend2030 project.

Stacy Kamala's tangible-world experience is a counterpoint to a 25-year history as a student of Swami Satchidananda's Integral Yoga, and a certified Svaroopa Yoga Instructor. From the postures of Hatha Yoga to the regulation of breathe control; the discipline of meditation to the ecstasy of chanting, Stacy has developed a deep appreciation for the peace, centering and focus to be found in the world of spiritual studies.

By combining these various disciplines with specific coaching training and advanced education at the Coaches Training Institute - accredited by the International Coaching Federation, Stacy Kamala provides an integrated approach to her coaching practice. Her vision is to guide her clients and teams to a life of fulfillment and success by linking their spiritual, material and practical needs.

Stacy Kamala's clients are those people striving for more in their lives; better communication skills, a healthy relationship with money and increased earning power while maintaining skillful life balance.

"In addition to being a wonderful communicator with clarity, Stacy is a gifted and powerful coach," says Jim DeLaurentis, CFO, The Andrew Lauren, Inc." She has dynamic energy and deep commitment."

Whether you participate with her in a teleseminar format, organizational team or individual coaching, Stacy Kamala's approach will illuminate blind spots and increase awareness of yourself while enhancing how you interact in the world.

If you are committed to living a life of freedom from habitual thinking patterns and creating the life of your dreams - then you would enjoy Stacy's coaching dynamic. She is not only brilliant, she is fun!

To schedule a sample session at Integration Coaching with Stacy Kamala Waltman, please send an email to: ic@integrationcoaching.com.