Cara Delevingne: 'I've started doing yoga and meditation, but I'm not very good at that kind of thing and turning my brain off.'

I've started doing yoga and meditation, but I'm not very good at that kind of thing and turning my brain off.

Cara Delevingne's quote, "I've started doing yoga and meditation, but I'm not very good at that kind of thing and turning my brain off," speaks to the struggle many people face when attempting to quiet their mind and find inner peace through practices like yoga and meditation. In a straightforward interpretation, this quote reflects Cara's own personal experience of finding it challenging to switch off her thoughts during these exercises. It exposes a common struggle many individuals encounter when they embark on a journey towards self-discovery and inner calm.However, beyond its apparent meaning, this quote also opens up the gateway to delve into a philosophical concept known as the "monkey mind." In contrast to the traditional understanding of meditation as a means to silence the mind completely, the concept of the monkey mind acknowledges the inherent restlessness and ongoing chatter within our thoughts. It suggests that the aim of meditation is not to achieve a complete cessation of thoughts but rather to detach from them and observe them without judgment.The monkey mind analogy can be traced back to the Buddhist tradition, where it is compared to a monkey frantically swinging from branch to branch, full of curiosity and unable to settle on one thing. In our modern-day context, the monkey mind represents the incessant flow of thoughts, worries, and distractions that dominate our consciousness. The challenge lies in acknowledging and accepting this monkey mind while simultaneously seeking moments of calm amidst the chaos.Cara Delevingne's admission of struggling to turn off her brain during yoga and meditation aligns perfectly with the concept of the monkey mind. It highlights a relatable and universal tendency to become easily distracted and overwhelmed by incessant thoughts, even during activities designed to promote relaxation and self-reflection.Amidst this struggle, it is important to remember that the purpose of yoga and meditation is not to forcefully silence the mind but rather to develop a heightened awareness and acceptance of its busyness. It is through this acceptance that we can begin to cultivate a sense of inner stillness, despite the ongoing chatter of our thoughts. It is a practice that requires patience, self-compassion, and consistent effort.In our fast-paced society, where our attention is constantly pulled in various directions, finding solace within the monkey mind becomes even more crucial. By embracing the idea that thoughts are inevitable and normal, we can approach yoga and meditation as tools to create a gentle space for reflection and self-discovery. Rather than fixating on achieving a state of "turning off" the brain, we can shift our focus to gently observing our thoughts without attachment or judgment, allowing them to flow freely, simply observing their passing presence.Ultimately, Cara Delevingne's quote serves as a reminder that the journey of self-discovery and inner peace is unique for each individual. It acknowledges the common struggle many face in taming the monkey mind but also opens up a path of exploration and acceptance. By embracing the concept of the monkey mind, we can approach yoga and meditation with a newfound perspective, free from the pressure of achieving a completely silent mind. Instead, we can cultivate a gentle curiosity and acceptance of our thoughts, creating the possibility to find glimpses of stillness amidst the ever-swirling chaos.