Sometimes we get stuck in seeing things exactly as they appear that it's hard to imagine how life could be different. Somewhere in my life travels I learned the concept of "monkey mind" (from Allan Ginsberg, maybe?). Anyway, all due credit aside, the concept of monkey mind entails letting go of our practical, rational thoughts, and just allowing the mind to go wherever goes. When your mind is freed of seeing things how they are, or how they "should" be, where does it go?
I like using the monkey mind whenever I can't see the answer to a problem, but I just know my current "solutions" aren't working for me. I ask myself, if this problem weren't a problem anymore, what would I see myself doing? Who else would be involved? What would I be thinking or feeling? What kind of values would I be living out? How would those values be reflected in my actions? in the people around me?
In practicing monkey mind, one's practical, rational mind may try to quash your monkey mind. Practicality has its place, but when practicing monkey mind, it's best to put it aside for later. Make "defer judgment" your mantra when your "rational" mind tries to shout over your "monkey".
A Seattle couple and family therapist and parent coach discusses issues that affect people at key life transition points: preparing for marriage, becoming parents through birth or adoption, coping with postpartum challenges, introducing a new sibling, coping with behavioral challenges or the effects of mood disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety, etc.), and coping with grief or loss.
About Me
I am a Seattle therapist who consults with individuals, couples and families about issues related to life transitions: letting go of "perfectionism", resolving couples' confict, becoming parents through birth or adoption, coping with postpartum challenges, coaching for parenting struggles, managing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and coping with grief or loss
Testimonials
Here's what former clients say about the decrease in depression, anxiety, and panic attacks they've experienced after completing therapy:
"I'm not waking up panicking. I had been for so long...I feel really excited. I'm making decisions about what I'm going to do next. For the first time I'm excited to do something else or think about choosing some other path. I feel like I could commit to something where I couldn't think about it before. I'm not feeling intimidated by the big picture..."
"Therapy is a really pro-active way of relying on other people while moving forward by getting an outside perspective."
"I'm not waking up panicking. I had been for so long...I feel really excited. I'm making decisions about what I'm going to do next. For the first time I'm excited to do something else or think about choosing some other path. I feel like I could commit to something where I couldn't think about it before. I'm not feeling intimidated by the big picture..."
"Therapy is a really pro-active way of relying on other people while moving forward by getting an outside perspective."
Shannon
D.
Armitage
Center for Life Transitions, LLC
lifetransitions@gmail.com
4703 S. Findlay St.
Seattle
,
WA
,
98118
US
206-356-5645
This hCard created with the hCard creator.
No comments:
Post a Comment