Busy Mind versus Quiet Mind

Voice Dialogue has taught me that there are many parts of myself (I refer to them as Selves) –most on a continuum of opposites.  Up until the middle of last week, part of my preparation for meditation practice was to reason with the Self I call Busy Mind – the part of me that thinks, thinks, thinks, and has no idea about what is the here and now.  I asked it to give me just a half hour to spend with Quiet Mind; I promised Busy Mind that I would not forget it, and would give it the rest of the day. But Busy Mind – being afraid to give up its control – was having none of it.  As a result, the five hindrances to being mindful (desire, aversion, boredom, restlessness, and doubt) reigned supreme most of my practice time. 

Late in the week I had a session with my Voice Dialogue facilitator to get better acquainted with my Busy Mind. In that visit I learned that my Busy Mind does not exist apart from the many Selves that use it. My Creative Self, Planner Self, Problem Solver, Worrier, and Reminiscing Self are just some of the parts of me that need Busy Mind to exist. When I’m thinking, it’s for sure that one of these parts of me is thinking.  Now I have the ability to converse with which ever Self that’s active at the time, “What do you need from me?  Can it wait until after this practice session? I promise to give you time then.” 

It’s only been a few days since my Voice Dialogue session, and I’m feeling excited and happier than before.  Letting these parts (especially Creative Self) express themselves afforded me a lot of clarity that I know will prove to be valuable in my meditation practice, and my whole life.  It’s always so fascinating to me how one process begets another as I, and all of us seeking more clarity, journey through life.