In search of the non-monkey mind...

I can't recall the first time I came across the phrase 'monkey mind', but it certainly had a profound impact on my awareness of how busy my own mind can become. List making, focus on accomplishing tasks, intermixed with dreams, considering my path, my past and future, realities of the day, matters at hand and the recalling of, daydreams, conversations with others, music and its lyrics.... memory spurts of things that remind me of another thing...and on and on. It is next to impossible to even list a fraction of what comes to mind in any given hour, let alone day.    60,000 thoughts per 24 hours  is the amount I am told is an average amount for one person has in any given day.  

And even the thought of escaping, quieting one's mind, whether by listening to the sounds of nature or settling into a meditation,  comes fraught with plans and the execution of same.  

Inspired by the monkey mind phrase, and in part by Laurie Feld amazing paintings, this illustration was my humble attempt to visualize this quietening - a time when life slows down and thoughts turn into whispers of color, our true nature awakens and we visualize the monkey fading into the distance.  It's a departure from the deeper, more colorful pallette I've been entertaining for quite some time...and the softening of the hues seem to mirror a quieter, more peaceful ambience.

Thanks for the visit.  This print will be available for purchase in Etsy sometime early next week. 

"Tuning and Turning In"   8x8 inch digital illustration

Copyright 2011 TwoDressesStudio

All Rights Reserved

Image Credits - several bits and pieces from my own collection of images blended together with lace from C. Rennee.  tree from Finecrafted Design, Tumble Fish Studio (small roses), Iktupilli - two birds, plus monkey, map and body from public domain, brain from Tangie Baxter, face is a composite of three different faces, which I then combined, blended and digitally painted.

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