What is the "monkey-mind?"

What is your expectation of meditation? Will you be in a period of peace and quiet, enlightened, wiser? If that is not your experience, worry not! The monkey-mind is how the Buddhists characterize the experience of outer appearance of tranquility while the mind is jumping from branch to branch completely out of control. That has certainly been my experience as well. But that is OK. Remember, this is YOUR meditation. What comes, comes. Just try to not BE the monkey-mind. Try to BE THE ONE observing it. Continue with your breathing, chosen meditation, prayer, intention, etc. and over time it may quiet. For me, the important thing is get what I get from my meditation. And, I seldom know what that will be. But, I am always better for it.