This is part of a body of work called Never Mind Your Mind.
Dear Mind As I sit in this cafe,
I am writing this letter to you and for me.
When I'm going through a tough time,
It's so easy to get into a battle with you.
You judge,
Compare,
Contrast and evaluate endlessly.
It's just what human minds do.
I know that the brain is like Velcro for negative experiences and Teflon for positive ones,
Which makes it all too easy to be pulled into the negative narratives you offer me.
I also understand that it's not your fault.
You've been shaped by evolution to spot problems,
To keep me safe,
And to avoid discomfort.
This problem-finding lens served a purpose long ago.
But in today's world,
It often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and stuck.
When things get tough,
You have a way of turning me against you.
You tell me it's just you.
You insist these thoughts are uniquely mine and that they're not even normal.
But I'm coming to see that this isn't true.
These thoughts are just thoughts.
And they've been shaped from a brain wired for survival,
Not necessarily for happiness.
It's become clearer to me how you draw me into this endless game.
Like a game of chess with infinite pieces.
When I move forward with a positive thought,
You counter with a negative one,
Continuing a battle that's impossible to win that I get sucked into once again.
And during tough times,
You seem to escalate the game,
Throwing in even more unhelpful pieces,
Consuming my energy for a fight that goes nowhere.
And so,
I am making a declaration to myself.
For myself.
I don't have to play.
I choose not to step into this battle.
And when I find myself hooked back into it,
Which I will,
Because I'm only human,
I choose to step back gently when I remember.
I choose to be the chessboard,
Holding space for all the pieces that take battle with themselves,
Without getting caught up in their movements.
This perspective doesn't erase you,
My dear mind,
But it frees me to focus my energy on what truly matters,
Rather than fighting an unwinnable battle.
So,
Thank you for being there,
For doing what you do.
Thank you for giving me this choice,
The choice to be the chessboard instead of caught up battling with the pieces.
I can let the pieces do their thing whilst I embrace what matters most and to stay connected with life unfolding in front of me.
Yours sincerely,
With compassion and gratitude,
From me.
My consciousness is evolving every single time I notice an unhelpful thought and hold it lightly.
May my consciousness continue to evolve.
This appreciation helps me and heals me.
I am the chessboard,
I'm calm and I'm wide,
Holding my thoughts without taking a side.
I am the chessboard,
I'm calm and I'm wide,
Holding my thoughts without taking a side.
I am the chessboard,
I'm calm and I'm wide,
Holding my thoughts without taking a side.
