Stop worrying about the mind’s unpredictability; start working on your RAP—readiness, alertness, purposefulness

In dealing with our mind, we often feel confused or even confounded by its behavior. If the mind were consistently our enemy, we would recognize it as a hostile force and act decisively to counter it. However, the mind’s unpredictability—sometimes cooperative, sometimes neutral, and at other times outright inimical—makes it challenging to manage. This unpredictability can destabilize us, leaving us unsure of how to approach it.

What makes the mind’s unpredictability even harder to handle is our tendency to identify with it. When we unthinkingly equate the mind’s voice with our own, its vacillations and contradictions seem like our own, compounding our confusion. Even if we cultivate philosophical insight and mindful awareness to recognize that the mind is distinct from us, we still face the practical problem of dealing with its erratic nature.

The Bhagavad Gita (6.5) emphasizes the mind’s dual potential: it can be our friend or our enemy. Importantly, the onus is on us to elevate ourselves with the mind and not let it degrade us. To effectively navigate this challenge, we need a three-pronged strategy summarized by the acronym RAP: readiness, alertness, and purposefulness.

Readiness

Readiness refers to the resources and practices we train ourselves in to prepare for the mind’s unpredictable behavior. Just as someone walking through a dangerous alley would arm themselves for potential threats, we can equip ourselves with tools like mantra meditation, deep breathing, or affirmations. These practices serve as mental armor, helping us counter the mind’s negative tendencies, especially when it becomes inimical.

For instance, if the mind frequently distracts us with unnecessary worries, affirmations reminding us of our strength and focus can help. Similarly, mantra meditation can anchor us during moments of inner turmoil, preventing the mind from dragging us into negativity.

Alertness

Even with the best resources at hand, we need alertness to recognize when the mind starts to act against our best interests. Being alert means staying watchful of the mind’s patterns and catching its deviations before they spiral out of control.

For example, if we notice the mind drifting toward unhealthy thoughts or habits, alertness helps us intervene early, deploying our readiness resources effectively. This vigilance ensures that we respond to the mind’s tendencies rather than reacting impulsively.

Purposefulness

The most critical principle for dealing with the mind is having a purpose greater than the mind itself. A higher purpose gives us focus and resilience, making the mind’s distractions less significant.

Consider the example of a colleague at work who behaves unpredictably. If we are deeply invested in a meaningful project, we won’t allow their actions to derail us. Similarly, when we cultivate a higher purpose—such as spiritual growth, service to others, or self-improvement—the mind’s antics become less consuming.

The Bhagavad Gita provides the ultimate higher purpose: harmonizing with divine love and becoming instruments of divine will. This spiritual focus enables us to channel our best potential and offer our best contribution to the world. With such a purpose, the mind’s unpredictability, while still irritating at times, no longer overwhelms us. Instead, we find ways to manage it and stay on course.

Summary:

To deal with the mind’s unpredictability, adopt the RAP strategy:

  • Readiness: Train yourself with resources like mantra meditation, deep breathing, and affirmations to counter the mind’s negative tendencies.
  • Alertness: Stay vigilant about how the mind behaves in different situations so you can respond appropriately using your readiness resources.
  • Purposefulness: Anchor yourself in a higher purpose that minimizes the mind’s distractions and keeps you focused on what truly matters.

Think it over:

  • Identify areas in your life where your actions are heavily affected by the mind’s unpredictability.
  • Reflect on the RAP strategy and assess which aspect—readiness, alertness, or purposefulness—you need to develop the most.
  • Outline three tangible steps you can take to strengthen that particular aspect and better manage your mind.

***

06.05 One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.