“The human mind is like that monkey, incessantly active by its own nature; then it becomes drunk with the wine of desire… After the desire takes possession comes the sting of the scorpion of jealousy at the success of others, and last of all the demon of pride enters the mind, making it think of itself of all importance. How hard to control such a mind!”
— Swami Vivekananda
First, the mind is active. Then it gets wrapped in desire. When it sees that others have what it desires, it gets stung by jealousy. Finally, ego enters and pours fuel over the fire that threatens to engulf us. This, according to Swamiji, is the normal progression of an unregulated mind.
Given a choice, would you rather swim in a turbulent ocean or a calm river? The river, of course. Then why do you repeatedly throw your mind into turbulence? Why do you let it get governed by what others have, say, or do?
In reality, though, your mind is not disturbed because your boss, child, partner, or friend said something; nor is it because your competitor at work got a promotion or a swankier car. Your mind is disturbed because you don’t know it.
The yogis recommend spending time each day just sitting and letting the mind run. Observe it without judgment. Watch the voices in your head without listening to them. With time, they’ll become quieter and your mind obedient. And victory, in the form of calmness, will be yours.
Once you gain knowledge about how your mind works, controlling it becomes easier.