BARAKAT

walking in the park at 7:31 AM :

As we all know from experience, our minds can be the greatest source of our suffering. They are the home of endless chatter, weaving illusory complications for us at every moment. But the mind is not all bad—far from it. It can also be a beautiful and useful companion.

I often recall the old saying: “The mind is a good servant but a terrible master.” For some time now, I’ve been carefully observing my mind in the mornings—the very minute I wake up. I notice how it begins to chatter, defining reality for me, pulling me in one direction or another.

There was a period when I practiced taking morning walks in the park near my home, where most people strolled with their dogs. It suddenly appeared to me that my own mind was like a pet I was walking. Or perhaps it was walking me—I couldn’t be sure. I tried to observe its movements, how it tugged at the leash, wandering left and right, pulling me along.

Day after day, I realized just how much power it had over me. At first, I fought it. But over time, I began trying to turn this relationship into a kind of friendship. I started treating my mind like a pet companion: allowing it some freedom to wander, yet keeping it within my sight and under gentle observation.

I haven’t succeeded yet—but still, every morning, I walk in the park at 7:31 AM. And on rare occasions, I encounter others who seem to be doing the same with their own minds. how wonderful !

Barakat