mosquitoes & mindfulness
It's a beautiful summer evening. There you are, sitting peacefully, savoring the fresh air. Then, out of nowhere, a handful of mosquitoes decide to join in. The itch is unbearable and demands our attention. Isn't this intense urge to scratch the mosquito bite strangely similar to those disruptive thoughts that continuously invade our minds?
When we give in to the temptation to scratch, we think we're relieving our pain, but in reality, we're only intensifying the irritation and the desire to scratch further. Similarly, when we surrender to overthinking, to the turmoil in our minds, we believe we're addressing our issues but instead get dragged into a vicious cycle of worry and distress.
The itch is a call for self-discipline. Don't scratch — it's an act of resistance. The bite will fade more quickly, and you'll find peace with the mosquitoes. Refraining from scratching is an act of self-compassion, preventing future pain. To not scratch is to realize that true relief isn't in this impulsive reaction but in detachment and serenity.
Isn't it the same with our thoughts? Getting swept away by the 'citta vrittis' is like scratching a mosquito bite. It's giving in to an instinctive response, amplifying mental unrest, and feeding the ego. Resisting this urge is like resisting the itch. It's about practicing letting go and cultivating a calm mind.
If you understand that ruminating only worsens the situation, what would you choose to do? Whether it's a mosquito bite or one of your troubles, the itch is but temporary and scratching solves nothing. Let's take a deep breath. Feel the pain, the discomfort, the flurry of our thoughts, but don't scratch. Observe the itch, but don't let it define you. Pain is real, but we're merely the observer. So, the next time you get bitten by a mosquito, remember: it's not just a bite. It's an opportunity to stay in control, to observe, and to learn.