Not My Monkey, Not My Circus
This one-liner can snap you back to peace, clarity, and the sweet relief of letting go of what was never yours
Hi everyone,
Letting go feels much more doable when we have some tools to reach for.
As we explore the theme of surrender during these next few weeks, it seemed fitting to repost one of my favorite strategies for restoring sweet relief when the world feels like it’s caving in.
And if that doesn’t reduce the emotional charge, you can always just rest your eyes on these gorgeous vintage paintings and let them do the work for you.
Ahhh 😌
“Not my monkey, not my circus.” I don’t know where I first heard the expression, but I adopted it. I love it for what it can do to stop those emotional rabbit hole situations from taking root and robbing us of our equanimity and power.
Yes, one simple, declarative statement that can cut through the noise, reduce emotional charge, and provide the space needed to gain some perspective and perhaps even
relief.
…
Use it the next time you’re unhinged by a polarizing news story, rattled by a family drama playing out around the kitchen table, or pulled in by the impulse to (yet again) help out an unsupportable friend.
…
Watch what happens when you finally take that step back and say
nope, not mine.
You may just discover that that little restless monkey in your head starts to lose its grip…
and get smaller…
and quieter.
Is there a challenging situation or worry in your life that you’re tired of carrying around?
Perhaps it’s time to consider that maybe… it might…not…
be your monkey
nor your circus.
Ahhh 🐵
In case you missed it…
The Art of Surrendering
Exploring what it means to let go, let flow, and discover freedom beyond resistance
It takes a village
Help us grow the Journey Home
Like this post
Restack using the circular ♻️ button
Post a comment
Share with friends
✨ Every little bit helps to boost engagement, visibility, and traction. Thank you! ✨
My daughter taught me this line when I was getting upset about something. I love hearing it again today. Thank you.
Yes! I’ve been using that line ever since a friend introduced it to me. Love the drawings that you included of the little guy. 🐒
Also, love the line about the unsupportable friend! I’ve had some of those over the years and wow, letting go was hard but freeing.