The mind is a steed.

Here’s a slight twist on the adage “the mind is an excellent servant but a terrible master”: the mind is a steed. It’s a wild animal with great power. Yes, it can be tamed, but it requires diligent conditioning. It should be ridden, not be the rider. It should not ride alone, wandering about.

We have the chance in our life to tame and ride the steed. It can take us across great distances. But without the direction of the rider, it wanders in a pasture.

Remember this too: even a beast needs rest. Ride the steed, but give it time to rest and feed. Do not deprive it of its needs. An unhealthy steed can only take you so far before it collapses.

I like how the metaphor personifies the mind. It makes clear its roles and its needs. How does this metaphor make you think differently about the mind?