What controls your heart and attention?

Monk Mindset Principle #6:
Seek Nothing to Find Everything: Detachment

Often when I settle down to pray, all sorts of thoughts, concerns, temptations, and more start rotating through my mind pulling at my attention and peace. I don’t necessarily want this montage to happen but it frequently does. Does this happen to you also?

The images and thoughts that our subconscious grabs onto are actually really valuable because they offer clues and insights into what’s controlling our heart and attention. 

For each of us, this may look different – replays of media clips, what someone else is doing, my bank account or professional status, what other people will think of me in a certain situation, and so on. 

If you see a theme or pattern in the thoughts or images that come to mind and they are not necessarily leading you closer to God or loving others well, this is likely something that you’re attached to, something that has power over you. 

The positive of recognizing this is that you now have the opportunity to do something about it in order to find greater freedom. You have the opportunity to seek detachment from whatever is holding your thoughts and heart. 

Put It Into Practice This Week

What typically starts playing in your mind when you become still, try to pray, or meditate?

Name it and look at it. 

Do you think this has control or power over you?

If you think so, ask right now for the grace to start being more free from this. 

The next time these thoughts emerge, try to not engage by substituting something else like prayer, a walk or reading.