A Monkey With A Megaphone July 25, 2017
Posted by nrhatch in Happiness, Less IS More, Life Balance, Mindfulness.trackback
David wrote another fabulous post ~ this one focused on desire:
Three Things We All Need to Know About Desire
My favorite takeaway from the post is the visual imagery David shared when he likened desire to a “monkey with a megaphone.”
Great depiction!
Desires arise constantly.
We can succumb to the monkey as it chatters on and on about its endless ticker tape of desires, much like a toddler in the grocery store check-out line . . .
OR we can train ourselves to filter the constant chattering and clamoring of our monkey minds and discern for ourselves which desires merit fulfillment.
And which should be left on the cutting room floor.
Mindful discernment is not easy, but it’s worth it. After all, our freedom is at stake!
Aah . . . that’s better!
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Spirit Lights The Way 
Great article to share Nancy! Discernment starts with our parents and teachers guiding us .. and our brains .. when we are young. I sometimes wonder if a generation (or individual) who was allowed to everything they wished for, or were given everything they wanted is able to let go of desire and attachment…. The ego remains firmly in place.
For some, more is better. For me, less is more!
My monkey mind knows that I prefer to ignore it. You’d think that it’d try harder to engage me, but I think it’s given up on me. Love the article, filled with wisdom that I often forget. Thanks for the link.
Glad you enjoyed. Once we realize it’s just a monkey with a megaphone, we are more able to say, “Um . . . no.”
Thanks for sharing the article, Nancy. One thing I have no desire for is that pink doughnut…yuck!
I’m with you, Jill. Make mine a croissant!
Just think, if everyone did this most businesses in America would go broke.
It’s terribly unpatriotic of me to espouse a “buy less” philosophy.
But very good for the soul.
I’m much better at ignoring chatter than I used to be. Maybe I’m better at understanding that what I need can’t be bought.
I expect that’s it, Kate. At first, it takes will power to ignore the monkey with the megaphone. As time goes on, we no longer want what the monkey desires . . .
Ignoring him is no longer a test of will power. It’s just inner wisdom surfacing.
I also thought his post was interesting. He’s right about the desires and how they come and go, especially during and after a fast. Putting our minds on other things helps.
We get better and better at asking, “Will satisfying this desire bring me something more than momentary pleasure?” If not, it’s easier to ignore it.
I’m playing a bit of “catch up” tonight after being out of town and as behind as I am, you may have just introduced me to more reading! LOL! “Raptitude” has a lot to offer. It takes practice to be able to quiet that old persistent monkey mind, but it is possible. Training and filtering can be practiced. I enjoyed the “supplemental” reading. š
We just got back after 9 days away . . . so I’ll be doing a bit of catch up myself.
Raptitude is a terrific resource. David’s posts are always well thought out, cohesive, and relevant. Enjoy!