The Art of Escaping Your Own Head

Have you heard the tale of the two monks?

Two monks were about to cross a river when they saw a woman unable to get across. Despite their monastic vows, one carried her to the other side. The other monk was astonished but said nothing. Hours later, unable to contain his feelings, he said, "We're not supposed to touch women, yet you carried her across the river!" The other monk smiled and said, "I left her by the river. Why are you still carrying her?"

Ever been trapped in your own mind (trick question. we all have)? Mulling over the same problem for hours, days, or even weeks?

It's your own head, yet escaping it feels impossible.

But here's the irony: Getting out of your own head is easy.

Like the monk who couldn't let go of his fellow's action, we too hold onto thoughts, trapping ourselves in mental loops.

Think of your mind as a room with many doors. Each door opens to a new perspective. But most of us? We stick to the door we've always used.

Breaking free means stepping out of that room.

Listen to that coworker you don’t necessarily agree with. Read a book that challenges your beliefs. Travel to a place that alters your perception of reality.

You're not your thoughts. You're the consciousness observing those thoughts.

Confucius has an amazing quote, "To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right."

Getting out of your head begins with setting your heart right.

So, next time you're stuck, step away from your thoughts. Give them space. Let them breathe.

Embrace silence. In the tranquility, your thoughts settle. And your mind clears.

You don't need to figure everything out. Not everything needs your mental commentary.

Escape the echo chamber of your mind. Step into the vibrant world outside.

Let go of the woman you're carrying.

Getting out of your own head? It's as simple as deciding to leave the room.