Summary

"Monkey Mind" is a reflective poem that captures the restless nature of an overactive mind, advocating for focus and calm to achieve one's true desires.

Abstract

The poem "Monkey Mind" by Jenny Justice vividly portrays the chaos of a constantly active mind, likened to a hamster in a wheel and a chicken running wild. It emphasizes the feral nature of uncontrolled thoughts, bouncing from one idea to another without completion. The author describes the pursuit of success as an overwhelming force that leads to incompletes and distraction. The poem then transitions into a plea for silence and focus, suggesting that the noise of the mind prevents one from catching hold of anything meaningful. It advises channeling the energy, breathing, and finding calm to avoid the starvation of the soul that comes from a lack of focus. The poem concludes with the assertion that true desires can only be achieved by first letting go of the chaotic thoughts that plague the mind.

Opinions

The poem expresses the opinion that an overactive mind, termed "monkey mind," is detrimental to achieving success and inner peace.
It suggests that the pursuit of success can become all-consuming and lead to a lack of fulfillment if not managed with focus.
The author believes that there is a need to slow down and concentrate to accomplish what one truly wants.
The poem conveys a sense of urgency to quiet the mind, implying that without this stillness, one's goals and well-being are at risk.
It reflects the idea that calmness and focus are not just beneficial but essential for productivity and personal growth.

Monkey Mind

a poem

It’s too much Please, just please

A hamster in a wheel A chicken running wild

More feral Actually

The bouncing around the new ideas

the never finishing The incompletes

This one is the big one This one is an overnight success

Eyes glowing Pouncing tiger, rowdy dragon

The forest, the jungle, The dirt,

the ground Is aching for rest

Please guys, Shhhhhh

Zero in, focus Look deeper, focus

Slow down, focus

You will not Catch anything

Jumping around Monkey mind

You will starve Like this

Channel it Breath it

There is calm In and out

What you really want to do Can be done

Just drop all of this First

Jenny Justice is a mom, Sociology instructor, and writer. You can follow her on Medium and at Jenny Justice, Writer. She has been recognized as a Top Writer on Medium in Poetry, Parenting, Reading, Education, Books, Racism, Feminism and Climate Change, so far.

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