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Post by pattyraindrops on Jul 8, 2018 17:03:20 GMT
I hated the book, "Eat, Pray, Love", but there was one small paragraph on having monkey thoughts. Thoughts that jump around your mind when you are trying to pray or meditate. That has stuck with me.
Lately when I pray I feel like there is a whole gang of monkeys jumping around in my head. Things I need to do. How I would like coversations to go. As I was praying this morning I was even thinking about posting here, asking for help and what I would say.
That kind of thing happens to me at other times, but lately it is a non stop thing for me in prayer. I've found over the years that if I actually stop and put the thing on my to do list then I can go on with the prayer. Lately that will help with that one item, but there are so many thoughts jumping it is impossible to get a hold of all of them
And right now I really need to talk with my Heavenly Father. We have possible big changes coming on and I need his guidance.
So what have you done when the monkey thoughts are completely out of control?
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Post by jenjie on Jul 8, 2018 17:14:01 GMT
I know exactly what you’re talking about. Are you able to take some time to just be still? To quiet your mind? I’ll sometimes listen to this YouTube, it’s all scripture verses about peace. She speaks in a soothing tone. youtu.be/cmv2kyIUF6gIt’s over a half hour long but maybe listen quietly for 10 minutes with your eyes closed and then spend another 10 minutes or so in quiet before you begin praying. ETA My gf leads a weekend retreat where we spend an afternoon being still before God. 20 mins in silence, 20 mins listening to quiet instrumental worship, 20 mins listening to the peace verses, 20 mins creating - using pencils, markers etc on poster board to put on paper whatever we might have experienced in our time with the Lord. Then another 20 minutes just walking in creation n praying. It’s a kind of exercise to reset n renew your mind. |
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snyder
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,493 
Location: Colorado
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Post by snyder on Jul 8, 2018 17:23:14 GMT
Maybe make a bullet list of all the topics you want to pray about. Mark each topic off the list as you're done praying about that particular topic. Concentration on what is on your list may prohibit other topics from sneaking in while you're praying.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jul 8, 2018 17:23:33 GMT
I know exactly what you mean when you say monkey thoughts! What an apt description. I had a revelation earlier this year one night when I had taken my DD roller skating at the local rink. We had been going every week for several months running and one night it occurred to me that when I’m skating along, around and around, feeling the rhythm and listening to the music, I stop thinking about all of the other stuff that normally swirls around and around in my brain. Stuff I need to do. Things I need to remember. Stuff that’s been bugging me. I realized that when I am there skating with my DD I am always right there in the moment with her. It feels kind of like flow or zen. I think it’s a combination of the repetitive motions/action, the music and doing something I enjoy. I am so much happier and more relaxed after I’ve been skating for awhile and I’m in a much better head space to deal with everything else.
Maybe finding something repetitive and active such as tai chi, yoga, skating, dancing or swimming might be just what you need to help you find your focus.
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Post by pattyraindrops on Jul 8, 2018 21:43:40 GMT
I know exactly what you’re talking about. Are you able to take some time to just be still? To quiet your mind? I’ll sometimes listen to this YouTube, it’s all scripture verses about peace. She speaks in a soothing tone. youtu.be/cmv2kyIUF6gIt’s over a half hour long but maybe listen quietly for 10 minutes with your eyes closed and then spend another 10 minutes or so in quiet before you begin praying. ETA My gf leads a weekend retreat where we spend an afternoon being still before God. 20 mins in silence, 20 mins listening to quiet instrumental worship, 20 mins listening to the peace verses, 20 mins creating - using pencils, markers etc on poster board to put on paper whatever we might have experienced in our time with the Lord. Then another 20 minutes just walking in creation n praying. It’s a kind of exercise to reset n renew your mind. I do have that time and try to be still. In the past it hasn't been a huge problem. I've always had my my wandering occasionally, but it was fairly simple to get past. I can point to a few things that have changed this last year. One of the things I am doing has so many details. I've even tried to create a template list to help me with each project, but it is the kind of thing that constantly changes. And I feel right with God in continuing it so I won't quit. So it really doesn't surprise me that I have monkey thoughts, but I recognize that I am much better able to hear God's words when I am still and I so need that in this thing and making the decision in the other thing. I think the process you describe might be very helpful with that. Thank you! |
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Post by pattyraindrops on Jul 8, 2018 21:44:56 GMT
Maybe make a bullet list of all the topics you want to pray about. Mark each topic off the list as you're done praying about that particular topic. Concentration on what is on your list may prohibit other topics from sneaking in while you're praying. Thank you. That would give a physical thing to focus on which will probrably be pretty helpful! |
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Post by pattyraindrops on Jul 8, 2018 21:46:20 GMT
I know exactly what you mean when you say monkey thoughts! What an apt description. I had a revelation earlier this year one night when I had taken my DD roller skating at the local rink. We had been going every week for several months running and one night it occurred to me that when I’m skating along, around and around, feeling the rhythm and listening to the music, I stop thinking about all of the other stuff that normally swirls around and around in my brain. Stuff I need to do. Things I need to remember. Stuff that’s been bugging me. I realized that when I am there skating with my DD I am always right there in the moment with her. It feels kind of like flow or zen. I think it’s a combination of the repetitive motions/action, the music and doing something I enjoy. I am so much happier and more relaxed after I’ve been skating for awhile and I’m in a much better head space to deal with everything else. Maybe finding something repetitive and active such as tai chi, yoga, skating, dancing or swimming might be just what you need to help you find your focus. I like this idea. I may use it in conjunction with the process that Jenje mentions above. I just need to figure out what my thing might be. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:55:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2018 0:46:36 GMT
I listen to Christian music on Pandora, and that makes my monkeys stop jumping. Good luck!!
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Post by jeremysgirl on Jul 9, 2018 1:16:38 GMT
I have monkey thoughts all the time...all day long...
In fact, at work I listen to podcasts because something about having earbuds in and someone's voice in the background helps me focus on my work better.
I absolutely can't do a prayer time. I can't. My head just doesn't allow it. So when I have a pause in my thinking, I say a one or two sentence prayer.
I like meditation. But it took me a long time to be able to do it. The only way I can is with earbuds in to block out other sounds and a guided meditation.
Maybe you could try putting in earbuds and listening to some music as @donnie suggested and it might help your focs.
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angel97701
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,148
Jun 26, 2014 2:04:25 GMT
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Post by angel97701 on Jul 9, 2018 4:22:26 GMT
Ah yes, the monkey thoughts! I often pray while I walk my dogs in the morning, on the way out, about 15 minutes I let my mind to its monkey thing, by the time I head back I am calm and able to pray through my main concerns and praise God in my prayer. Sometimes I start the walk with praying too! It is a repetitive movement and a time in nature so that might help!
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