Hi Reader!
I hope you’re doing well and finding moments of delight in your busy week. Today, I’m back with part two of our exploration into managing the “monkey mind.”
A couple of weeks ago, we discussed managing the ‘monkey mind’ through the counterintuitive practice of looking at your phone first thing in the morning. This practice addresses the mind’s addictive desire to constantly check in, with the underlying lesson being to keep your phone out of the bedroom overnight. Today, I want to dive deeper into another powerful tool for meeting your monkey mind halfway – writing a love letter to one of your so-called ‘worst’ traits.
Let me share a personal story to illustrate this practice. I’ve been a planner for as long as I can remember. My desire to map out details and consider every contingency has been both a strength and a source of frustration for those around me.
While my meticulous planning ensured our family trips were well-organized, with no tears from sleepless nights or missed opportunities, it also robbed us of spontaneity. My loved ones sometimes craved more freedom to let the journey unfold organically.
For years, I struggled to let go of this tendency, secretly taking pride in my ability to be a “super planner.” That’s when I realized I needed to befriend this part of myself, understand its roots, and appreciate its well-intentioned efforts to create order and success.
So, I wrote myself a love letter, praising my inner planner for all the good it had brought into my life – the seamless adventures, the deep understanding of our destinations, and the peace of mind with preparation. But I also opened my heart to the possibility of loosening the reins (i.e. letting go of control) allowing for more fluidity and surprise.
This practice proved invaluable last week when my book, “Naked in the Now,” launched on May 14th. In the year leading up to the release, I diligently followed the experts’ advice, growing my Instagram following to the recommended range for a successful launch.
Then, on launch day, a technical glitch caused my Instagram account to plummet to zero followers, seemingly undoing all my hard work.
For a brief moment, I felt the familiar grip of anxiety and disappointment—and the thought about how “all my planning had been for naught.” But almost immediately, I was able to meet this challenge with the very practices I shared in my book. I took a deep breath, acknowledged the situation without judgment, alerted Instagram, and consciously chose not to worry.
My followers miraculously reappeared the following day, and the launch proceeded smoothly–but when I let go, I didn’t know if that would be the case.
This experience was a beautiful reminder of the power of befriending our so-called “worst” traits. When we approach them with compassion and understanding, we open the door to growth and transformation without needing to reject or battle against the parts of ourselves that have served us well.
I invite you to join me in writing a love letter to yourself about one of your “worst” traits. Embrace your quirks and challenges with open hearts and minds, and let’s continue this journey of self-discovery and growth together.
Before I go, I’d like to share a blog post (fair warning, it’s a long one!) where I delve into my experience of meeting my monkey mind halfway through surrender during a nine-day silent retreat. In ‘Half-Naked on Retreat: Embracing the Unexpected on the Path of Surrender,‘ I recount the humorous yet profound moments from my time at St. Benedict’s Lodge. If you’re curious to learn more about my journey and the lessons I’ve gained, I invite you to read the full post [here] and discover the transformative power of surrendering to the present moment.
As for “Naked in the Now,” the reviews are starting to trickle in, and I’m deeply grateful for the positive feedback and support. I just received a glowing one from “Readers Favorite” (one of the internet’s most respected review websites.) You can access the review here, if you are interested!
Until next week, I wish you all moments of presence, self-acceptance, and the courage to meet your “monkey mind” with an open heart.
Smiles,
https://marijkemccandless.com
P.S. Thank you again for your support! And if you already have your copy of Naked in the Now, please leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads! Note: On Amazon, you need to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to find where you and leave reviews. On Goodreads, you need to click the rating to get to the review entry site. Just a rating or a very brief review is fine!
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My daughter, Jaime, meeting a baby monkey in Bali |
Kirkus Reviews endorses Naked in the Now!
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