How, then, should we react when we feel we are not being mindful or that we are unable to meditate as calmly and peacefully as we would like? First, there is no need to panic. In the deepest sense, there are no good thoughts or bad thoughts and our moods and mental states are a lot less solid and fixed than they seem. Nor should we over-react if too many thoughts and feelings arise and cause confusion or uncertainty. Instead, we try to relax and simply observe the play of the mind. However, if we're trying to visualize something in particular, or are purposely attempting to develop a specific quality - such as compassion - then the wandering or unruly mind should gently be brought back to the subject.
Remember, the present moment or the current reality is always the support for training the mind even when we're not formally sitting in meditation. Bringing the mind back to what is happening while it's happening will reliably tame a mind that is out of control. But don't try to control the mind as such. Just let go of the attachment to being out of control! The mind will settle eventually if we are both gentle and faithful to the meditative process.
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