Puppy mind

PUPPY MIND   My mind is like a puppy, it likes to wander and explore. If I don't watch it carefully it goes through any open door.   When my puppy mind is bored it runs to the future and the past. If I am not really careful, it will take me far away super fast.   My puppy mind likes to dig up memories, like when I got yelled at for not sharing my things. My mind scampers to the future and I don't always like the pictures that it brings.   In class I try to listen to the teacher, but my puppy mind starts to stir, I quickly loose my focus, and the day becomes a blur.     I get mad at my puppy mind,  "Why don't you just sit and stay!" but when I yell it gets scared and hides or runs away.   My puppy mind only heels if I take three slow deep breaths.  If I do it often enough, I do feel calmer in my chest.   Practicing being patient, is the best way to still my puppy mind. I am learning to be my mind's best friend It responds best when I am kind.   So whenever I feel my puppy mind tugging at my sleeve,  I try to remember to breathe and breathe and breathe.   If I practice every day, and remember to be kind,  I will have more fun being with my best friend, my puppy mind. Excerpted from Puppy Mind by Andrew Jordan Nance All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.