A popular campaign ad for a college fund used to say, “the mind is a terrible thing to waste,” it is also a difficult thing to tame. Our thoughts can be elusive and difficult to harness, and sometimes they seem to have a mind of their own. Sometimes our thoughts seem to run wild or take control of us rather than our having control of them. Perhaps they can be tamed by riding them like a rider rides a steer or a stallion in a rodeo. Or perhaps we can whisper to them like the horse whisperer or dog whisperer, who speaks in soft persuasive tones, bringing the animal under their control.
The fact of the matter is that we have no discipline over our thoughts if our thoughts are in control. Any external or internal stimuli can create a thought for us, and if they are strong enough, they can occupy and preoccupy our minds. The more control we have over our thoughts the better we can control our tempers, our finances, our appetites, and our lives. How do we gain this control? How can be become the boss of our thoughts rather a slave to them?
Since I tend to look for analogies to help me develop strategies, I thought of running or swimming which requires good breath control. So, I am working on holding my thoughts longer and focusing longer without being distracted. Holding my thoughts captive, and training them to work for me, may just lead to the successful taming of my mind. As I gain more discipline over my thoughts and learn to tame my mind, I hope to share the process and the evidence of my success.