Five LIFE-CHANGING Takeaways From Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day by Jay Shetty
The aim of Think Like a Monk is to help individuals apply a monk mindset to their lives. In this book, Jay Shetty tells us about his time as a monk creating relatable connections between our issues in life and how to deal with them effectively. This book reveals how to overcome negative thoughts and habits and access the calm and purpose that lie within all of us. Jay Shetty transforms abstract lessons into advice and exercises we can all apply to reduce stress, improve relationships, and give the gifts we find in ourselves to the world.
I have watched most of his videos and I listen to his podcasts. So, when I got the chance, I hopped onto the audiobook version of Think Like a Monk. I absolutely loved listening to Jay narrating this book. This book is a must-read!
Here’s how to Think Like a Monk!
1. Focus on Values
One’s values are the principles that will truly guide one’s life. Values act as a magnet for actions, and habits to live a fulfilling life.
The problem is that our values are so easily tainted by the media, what’s on your news feed is feeding your mind. And our values become easily tainted with envy, judgment, competition, and discontent.
Jay offers this exercise for finding your values. Divide a blank page into three columns. Write in each column:
- The values that have shaped your life
- Their origins (where these values came from — media, family, religion)
- Whether they are true to you.
This is helping me find my values.
2. The Spot-Stop-Swap Method
In this process we spot the issue, then we stop taking a break and addressing the root of it and then swap it with a positive, helpful thought.
We are surrounded by chaos, it is hard to think straight. In these times, I am finding the Spot-Stop-Swap Method quite beneficial.
3. Finding Dharma
Throughout the book, Jay uses Sanskrit terminology- and he describes dharma as a combination of “varna” (passions and skills) and “seva” (understanding the world’s needs and serving others selflessly). When these intersect, you can say you are living your dharma. “Dharma” means “your calling.” This resonated strongly with me, being at the beginning of my career; with the whole concept of finding a career with passion and purpose, I felt lost. I am able to see things clearly, now. We find our “dharma” when we use our strengths to serve others in the world.
The formula for understanding Dharma:
Dharma = Passion + Expertise + Usefulness
4. Self-Compassion
In this book, Jay tells that there are two types of mindsets, the Monkey mind, and the Monk mind. The monkey mind is aimless, jumping from thought to thought, challenge to challenge, without resolving anything.
The concept of “monkey mind” occurs when we feel anxious or flustered, instead of divulging in negative emotions we must practice self-compassion. He provides us with a Golden Rule: “Treat yourself with the same love and respect you want to show others.”
5. Reflect on Death
If you find yourself questioning whether or not to do something — a significant change, move to a new city — reflecting on death can give you the significant clarity you need.
For more clarity, Jay also recommends “death meditations”. During this meditation you ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I wish I’d done?
- What experiences do I wish I’d had?
- What do I regret not giving more attention to?
- What skills do I wish I’d worked on?
- What do I wish I’d detached from?
Jay goes on to say:
Imagine two situations, one: Imagine how you would like to be remembered at your funeral. Think of the impact you’ve had. Two, how you would be remembered if you died today. Now, analyze the gap between these two images. This should inspire you to bridge that gap, making important decisions.
Finally, there are many types of meditations suggested in the book, which I found helpful. But, these are the top five lessons to learn from the book, Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty. Nevertheless, there is a lot to learn from this book! Let me know your favorite learning in the comments section.
So, these are the important points that I learned from the book Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty. If you have read the book then please let me know how you felt about it in the comments section. Until then, Happy Reading 🧡
~Botopsy