We all have moments of agitation in our thoughts and feelings. We tend to identify with these as us. We are also always grasping after something that we think will finally complete us. The legendary Bodhidharma points here to a fluid way of working with the mind: See it, and the self, as a process, not a solid, unchanging entity.

Huike said to Bodhidharma, “My mind is always restless. Please give it some calm.”

To which Bodhidharma replied, “OK. Bring me your mind, and I will pacify it.”

Huike said, “Although I have tried to find it, I cannot hold it fast”

Bodhidharma then said, “See, there, I have just stilled your mind.”

Case 41 in the Gateless Gate, “Pacifying the Mind”.