To truly manage our minds, we need to first understand what the mind is and how it works. The mind is a subtle body, separate from our intelligence. We are the conscious observers of both. Our mind is a storehouse of experiences and thoughts we’ve perceived. For example, imagine you taste a new dessert for the first time and love it. The next time you see that dessert, your mind will automatically recall the experience and urge you to eat it again. This is where intelligence steps in. Intelligence has the power to discriminate and analyze, helping you decide whether it’s good for you to eat the dessert or not. As conscious observers, sometimes our mind will win, and sometimes our intelligence will. For intelligence to take charge, we need to be aware of the present moment. Otherwise, the mind will take control and make us act on its desires. For instance, if you have an important deadline but your mind is telling you to watch a movie, you can use your intelligence to weigh the benefits of completing your work. If your mind is too insistent, you can negotiate with it. Tell your mind, “Let’s finish this work first, and then we can enjoy a movie.” This way, you can discipline your mind much like how we train animals with rewards. By understanding and applying this method, you can cultivate discipline and master your mind, leading to a more productive and satisfying life.