Your mind has a mind of its own

‍For Christmas, my wife printed out this fun little poem by author, director, and producer Todd Strauss-Shulson and stuffed it into the kid’s stockings. It’s from a children’s book he wrote—Your Mind Makes Thoughts Like Your Butt Makes Farts—and, despite the silly title, there is some beautiful wisdom here.

Your mind has a mind of its own.
It’s chatting and yapping when you’re out or at home.

It thinks it’s in charge, it’s making demands.
Like “Sleep a bit later” or “Don’t wash your hands.”
It yells “I don’t like you!” or “You’re doing great!”
It might make you laugh – or make your heart ache.

But the things that it says are not always true,
Your mind makes up thoughts like your tongue makes you drool.
Like your nose makes snot, like your butt farts a lot,
Your mind has a mind of its own.

If ever your mind gets too angry or sad,
Too noisy, or swirly, or says “everything’s bad,”
No need to believe it, don’t feel so alone
Just let your mind have a mind of its own.

But how do you do it? It’s such a hard task.
The trick is to remember, thoughts just don’t last.

Your mind’s just a friend like your nose, tongue, and butt;
You don’t have to get scared when it starts to erupt.
You can watch it, be friendly, wave as thoughts pass on through.
Say “Hi thought! How are ya! How do you do?”

Thoughts won’t stay forever; they’ll just move right on by
Like a fish in the river or a bird in the sky
Your mind will think thoughts, but you don’t have to believe ‘em
Or get lost in judging, comparing, daydreamin.’

So don’t get so thrown when your mind starts to roam.
If you’re paying attention, you can bring it right home.
You’re lucky your mind has a mind of its own.

We don’t always have control over our minds and what comes up throughout the day. Trying to force control is hardly a good idea, as it doesn’t work and can draw you into an unpleasant spiral. In my experience, when unhelpful or unpleasant thoughts arise in your mind, it’s best to acknowledge them and move on.

The mind is going to do what it’s going to do. And that’s alright.