To start, let me say that I have had kind of week that a lot of you have already been through. It must have been my turn on the rotation! You know how it is- tight work schedule, hours cut, lost piece of breadmaker that moves the dough, cat won't use litter box, not enough time in general- you know, normal week! Thankfully it isn't really. Very rarely am I in tears of frustration, but this morning was one of those days. When I sat down on the floor on my cushion to attempt to listen to this weeks' "journey" through the mind, I wasn't expecting much- boy was I surprised!
To my shock, I was able to "fall" right into this one. I was able to empty my mind and get some control over what was flowing through it. I did; however, have some trouble stepping back and observing the thoughts that went through. Every time I focused again on the breath, my mind emptied. Don't know where I learned that one, but I can do it with ease. One visualization that kept popping up was the eyes of a tiger. I only saw the eyes, but I know for sure that that is what it was. No explanation for that one at all. But I did find it much easier to follow than the Loving-kindness one of last week that was more directed first on ourselves, then on others and then back. I was totally relaxed with this one, and was amazed at how much time had passed. To prove to myself how relaxed I was, when the cat came up and rubbed on me, I about jumped out of my skin!
Having a strong faith I don't see how there could be a disconnect for me between body and spirit and to that end, since the body and mind are intricately connected they must then all be ME! In my personal life, what I find is that when I am in touch with my spiritual me my mental me is more positive in the thoughts that flow through, and when they both are in sync my physical me feels so much better. I experience the peace, calmness and serenity that are becoming a major part of my life. The tense, agitated, anxious me is no longer the one who is constantly present. If I am not overly fond of that one, I am assuming, correctly I am sure, that no one else wants to deal with that one all the time either. s
Hi Susan,
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about the subtle mind exercise. It was easier and I enjoyed it more than the loving kindness exercise. I am glad it helped you feel at peace and calm after what was starting to be a difficult day.
I am going to post this quote on my blog, but thought you may enjoy it -
"Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessestials." ~ Lin Yulang, Chinese author (1895-1976)
I often need to remember to eliminate the nonessentials. Have a great weekend!
Cynthia
You are SO right Cynthia and thanks for adding the quote! I had always been very OCD about my house since the time I bought it- you know, vacuuming every day incase a cat hair lands somewhere and keeping all dust removed. But then, I started back to school after a long absence. It was either drive myself over the edge, or chill and practice the noble art of "leaving things undone". I chose to stay sane and now there is some dust, but I am doing what I am meant to do at this time in my life.
DeleteEnjoy your Memorial Day weekend!
susan
Hi Susan,
ReplyDeleteI just love your post. I enjoyed both, even though I was a little distracted with this exercise but, I enjoyed the flute and the sound of the ocean. Wow, that was very refreshing. I will be listening to this again once my son goes to sleep.
Love it!! Happy posting.
Rosalyne
Thanks for you postive comment Rosalyne. I try not to let my days get overrun with negativity. One bad day does not a bad week make. It is only one day in the scheme of things so means very little. I have been on this earth for 62 years,8 months, four days and 12.5 hours. A bad day or even a week or month is really nothing. In my past it was bad years, so this is nothing. Tomorrow is always there with newness and blessings.
DeleteHave a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
susan
Hello Susan,
ReplyDeleteI hope this week is better for you. I am really impressed with how easy you were able to slip into this meditation with all the stress going on around you. This meditation really utilized a great combination of breathing exercises, soft voice and music to help us reach the goals. I would like to record some guided meditation that I have written in the past and I will utilize those relaxation concepts to help make it more successful! Thank you for sharing your success with this exercise. -Audrey
Audrey-
DeleteThat is fantastic that you have written some guided meditations! I am so new at this, that I have a lot to learn. I had never really heard of guided meditation until a class last term. Definitely record what you have written.
Have a peaceful and safe Memorial Day weekend.
susan