Meditation Monday - A Vow for the New Year
Vow (vou) n. 1. An earnest promise or pledge that binds one to perform a specified act or behave in a certain manner *
Some of you may be ringing in the new year with resolutions, intentions, goals, or dream boards. I'm saying goodbye to the old and welcoming in the new with vows. Why? Because I love the term.
"Vows" remind me of the deep commitments I've made over the years: to marriage, motherhood, daughterhood, sisterhood; to love, learning, serving, en-lightening myself, and—if meant to be— enhancing the lives of others.
I don't know about you but I have fallen short of resolutions and abandoned plenty of goals. I've held intentions deep in my heart but they didn't always come to fruition. But, vows ... now they are something else. More heartfelt, deeply held within my psyche—at least for me. They feel "religious" and oh, so sacred.
It's Meditation Monday and a bold new year approaches, reminding me all over again of how the busyness of everyday life has a tendency to distract me from engaging in a practice that is very good for me—meditation.
Here, in front of all of you (as well as all those who are unseen—angels, mentors, guides, bodhisattvas, and more) I vow that in 2010 I will meditate more. Everyday if I can. I commit to sit.
Now here is the rub. My mind is the wiliest of creatures. I swear it thinks more than the human average of 60,000 thoughts a day. It takes me a long time to settle down enough to sink into any form of meditation. Of course, some days are better than others.
So, to keep this vow, I will embrace various forms of meditation: focusing on the breath, using a mantra, doing metta, walking meditation, listening meditation, and more. I figure that if I can give myself permission to explore new pathways (thus taking off any self-imposed pressure ) I just might get regular.
This morning I had a tough time quieting the demons so I pulled out a CD with some lovely guided meditations and it worked wonders. Sometimes that is all it takes to slow our busy thoughts—allow the mind to focus on something very specific, beginning with someone's voice and the images they guide you to. Then you can take it from there ...
Today's selection was Meditations for Inner and Outer Peace, created by Yogirupa Rod Stryker. Rod is one of the world's foremost yoga instructors and I had the privilege of interviewing this wise man a few years ago. I loved his clear, strong, yet tender energy. His CD is just as direct. No flutes or waterfalls or singing bowls. Just his voice. His confident centeredness brings you home. This morning, inner peace was mine ... Thank you, Rod.
There are other favorites which reliably open my mind and heart, bringing me back to center. Though I am hopeful that, over time, I will rely more and more on my own resources and trust that I will be able to take myself deeper ...
I am not a purist and do not believe that the form of meditation we choose must adhere to certain standards (unless you choose that way for yourself and feel it is vital to your process, and that's just fine). It is more important to me at this stage of my life journey that I honor myself; that I am kind and compassionate toward myself, and that I not push myself to be or do more, just because I can. Or should.
I also make this vow because I know that "self" compassion breeds "other" compassion, and the kinder we are to ourselves, the kinder we will be toward others—naturally, effortlessly, spontaneously. What benefits us can benefit all beings.
Therefore (as His Holiness the Dalai Lama says with such glee) in 2010, I vow to meditate more.
Would you care to join me?
Do you have any meditation aids/resources you would like to share with others?
*The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
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26 comments:
Okay Jan. The Universe is practically screaming at me to please begin meditating. Everything I've read in the last two days somehow revolves around meditation and how vital it is. I've been avoiding it for much the same reason I avoided yoga for so long; I know the practice will move me forward in many areas and while it's been good to change my life at times it's been overwhelming. Yoga has been one of the tools that helped me to completely revamp my life. I am sure meditation will help me with clarity and strength.
I personally make a dreamboard and a dream book--two resources that enrich my life in amazing wondrous ways.
But, I am listening. I vow to meditate. I am sure it will be just as healing as it will be growth inducing. Thank you for the gentle nudge:)
Jan, a wonderful post. Your words could have been my words. Yes, I vow all the time to do this and it is very difficult to calm all the voices that are coming at me.
My son is my constant encourager.
Mom, breathe, walk slow and smile.
Now that he is in a land far away and continues on his mindfulness journey - his emails daily help me.
Absolutely, this is a goal that I aimed for and missed by a wide margin this year. It's something I want to incorporate more in my life, as well, and I believe in the power that's inherent in this practice. I'll join you.
I vow to meditate more in 2010.
...shouldn't be too hard considering how infrequently I did it in 2009.
See, how wily my mind is?! It's already looking for an 'out'.
Joy,
I imagine that meditation will change your life. Years ago I heard Wayne Dyer say that if someone could meditate for just 20 minutes a day it would change their life. I do believe that and can testify to its power of transformation, just like yoga. (Yoga did that for me, too, by the way. :-) I will hope that this new practice will touch and open deeper pathways for you in the new year--and bring you peace!
Ernestine,
"To calm the voices that are coming at me, " is beautifully and honestly put. That is what it feels like. A big shift for me came when I shifted into neutral about the "voices." They are just voices, and they come and they go. With practice, I lose my attachment to them, as can we all. I believe we each have to find our unique way to do that. (Nature is one of mine, by the way...I sense yours too). I am thrilled your son is your encourager! Bless his heart...
Carolynn,
Oh, thanks for joining me. I am going to continue to foster that purpose on this blog throughout the year. Techniques, tips, resources, et. al.
I love your sense of humor about this. it always helps if we do not take our selves to seriously, esp. on the spiritual path...
Yes, I am sure you will have more peace of mind and heart with an intention as pure as this. Here's to our conjoined journey!
Yes, Yes,.. in fact the last few days I have been thinking these same thoughts about meditation. It seems that when I know I need something, I shy away,.. I wonder if it is the rebellion or something that sneaks in but really once I show up and start the ritual or activity then I feel wonderful and refreshed! Today, I did slow and do some relaxing activities but tomorrow I will make it my one goal to meditate .. the other night at the bookstore I was reading about meditation and different types also and found it so helpful! I find that imagination /visualization is sometimes a great meditation also pulling yourself to a special place, and other times words are helpful to guide through. "Yes" I will join you Jan! :) now, and into 2010~this goes with my morning infusion! ;) *grins*.. luv Jenn
Not sure if I will make a vow...but I am going to choose a word to empower me. I did it this past year and I loved it. It took the pressure off of not following through with a resolution. I wish you a beautiful New Year. Looking forward to growing more with you in 2010. Blessings XOXO
Hi Jan .. that's a brilliant idea and a guide for me to follow - thank you for the link to the two CDs .. I'm sure with the iphone I can sit quietly with my Ma listening and learning. It may not be the best way - but it's a start and then I can listen as I do some walking - before as you say .. being quiet with one's own thoughts ..
Great idea .. I too vow to meditate and start to explore the spiritual, healing world - besides the physical needs .. exercise and healthier eating, though that's pretty good ..
Thanks excellent thoughts -
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Jan the angels must have sent me over her tonight because my meditation practice has been severely lacking continuity!
So I vow to meditate more in 2010.
I have been studying practical philosophy for 3 years now and meditation is a huge part of the curriculum but I also seem to fall short in that area.
I am happy to walk hand in hand with you Jan.....thanks for being an inspiration and a blessing dear friend.
Hugs
Peggy xxx
Jenn,
I think each of us can relate to slinking away from doing what is good for us. The ego at work, I imagine. It appears to be all about "showing up" and then allowing ourselves to accept and sink into the process. I can already feel resistance within me this morning. The To-Do list screams louder than the "be" list but I vow to persevere! Thanks for joining me on this journey. :-)
Caroline,
I've read my bloggers relating their "word" for the new year, a lovely concept. Sort of like picking a course to steer your soul boat by. :-) I hope that 2010 is all that you desire it to be. You have been a true blessing to me this year and I thank you! On we grow!
I vow to move more deeply into meditation in 2010. I started the practice of meditation about a year ago as one of my spiritual practices. I have never been the same since. I have found that the longer I can maintain the silence and the meditative state the more the random thoughts and distractions just float out of my mind. This practice on a daily basis is so life-giving; it has made a positive impact on all my other "vows" ie. marriage, mothering, loving others, and commitments to my community.
Thank you, Jan, for leading the way and being so supportive here.
May your commitment to meditate more in 2010 ease the mind chatter and bring unexpected blessings.
Three things which help me enter into a meditative mindset are; focusing on the flickering flame of a candle; and sitting within nature, focusing on micro views (grass, insects, etc) or macro views (horizons, 180 and 360 degrees; I also use the power of scent with aromatherapy oils for specific purposes. After awhile, one sniff is all it takes to reset the body/mind connection.
Hi Jan!
I vow to start each morning with at least 5 rounds of Sun Salutation. Just going through the poses with movement following breath, I get into a groove where my mind slows down and I can actively meditate in motion. As both a yoga teacher and a student, my inner education never stops...
Blessings for a Happy New Year!
Julie,
Well, we will keep our vows together then! I appreciate how you've noticed that meditating improves all your "vows" (and relationships) in life. It does! The more calm and clear we are, the more wise we become. Blessings for a glorious 2010 overflowing with growth!
Kel,
Thank you for outlining these specifics for meditation. Nature, as you say, is also for me one of the primary jumping off points for meditation. From the white rose sitting in a vase on my coffee table to ducks floating in the Bay...it all serves to drop me into a place of center. Yesterday I used a music CD to get started.
Aromatherapy is wonderful too. What works best for you? I have a favorite incense - created by Paramahansa Yogananda - Sandalwood, expressly for meditation.
Whatever "help" we enlist, may we all vow to spend more time accessing our inner peace.
I like to use Roman Chamomile oil. A lighter fragrance than sandalwood, (less likely to cause headaches for those so affected) and very calming and balancing.
Kel,
Thank you for letting me know about this. I have never heard of it, truthfully, and will have to seek it out. Hugs!
Peg,
It seems that what you are experiencing is what many of us experience. We can study and read about something like meditation, even become an "expert" if you will. But we fall short when it comes to our own practice. I had this conversation just the other day with a highly respected meditation teacher and we were talking about using our prayer beads to jump-start meditation. Her response was, "Oh, do you mean when I remember to?" I really chuckled about that!
Perhaps together we can forge a new pathway to inner peace. :-)
Peggy,
Wonderful vow! Sun Salutations are an amazing way to still and center one's self. Good for you. Yes, even if we are teachers, we must practice what we preach. :-)
I vow to werk hard bloging, eet all my veggies and be nise to skwirrels.
And keeps reeding yor wisdim.
xo
Dearest Jan!!
I vow to work Blue Bunny less hours, with higher pay -- might even up him to $2.15 a week.
I vow to continue to love, honor and cherish blogging.
I vow to speak kindly.
I vow to eat more greens.
I vow to write more snail-mail letters. I owe you one.
I vow to wake early and tuck myself in early.
I vow to listen ten times more than I speak.
I vow to keep sharing the very best stuff, as there is always more where that came from -- why hoard it???
xo
I love the idea of a vow instead of a resolution!! I look forward to continuing to be inspired by your wonderful blog in 2010! Happy New Year! namaste, elsie
Jan,
I love how in this vow you have taken you have completely opened to compassion by allowing for variety. This is how I operate too. Often the recommendation in meditation is to stick to one set ritual practice...Like you I prefer a broader approach. As long as there is a daily practice, it doesn't matter what it is. We are omnivorous creatures...we derive nutrients from many forms of sustenance...so it follows (at least for me) that our spiritual health is best cared for by listening to the little voice inside that says "today chanting is what I need...in this moment my breath will be my teacher...this morning awareness of my shifting emotions will offer me greater self acceptance...for the next 20 minutes walking with attentiveness will guide me in being more present"...and so on. This to me feels like it honors the shifting needs we all have, and still fits within the parameters of a vow to meditate.
I am honored to be witness to your vow.
Happy New Year!
Last year I vowed to sit in meditation every day. For the first time, I did it! I've been toying with sitting for years but never with any consistency. I think what helped this time was the "commit to sit" that Tricycle did. Also, I just tell myself that I am going to sit each morning...if I just sit for 5 minutes and let my mind wander, so be it. Usually, just sitting will break me through and I will sit for my usual 20 minutes.
This year I am going to explore walking meditation, mindfulness meditation and more. I'm also vowing to take up yoga once again. Because of my health issues I have been dragging my feet on this one. Silly. Yoga is for every body and I know that.
Last year I quit smoking and started a sucessful meditation practice. This year I vow to take care of my whole self - body and soul - by taking up yoga. I also vow to expand my meditation practice. Last year I also became a vegetarian. This year I vow to begin the practice of eating more mindfully.
I know I need to make these simple vows more concrete and divide them into small steps that I can tackle one by one. Thank you for the inspiration. May the year to come hold wonderful surprises for you!
BB,
I LIKE your vows for 2010. Hey, if you can make vows and keep them, we all can. Bunnies rule. Onward!
Jannie,
I like your vows too! You've chosen some of my favorites, especially about speaking kindly. Ah, the power of our words to help or heal...Veggies are always good as is more exercise (but I think you get plenty of that already chasing the bunny around and keeping Kelly in line). And, yes, I always love your letters. Here's to us being fabulous in 2010!
Elsie,
Glad you will be with us for 2010 and beyond. I've got a number of surprises up my sleeve. May we all benefit one another....Share our hearts. Share our wisdom and joy. xo
Twila,
You are a woman of determination, that is evident. Quitting smoking is huge, become a vegetarian too! The "commit to sit" campaign launched by Tricycle was obviously on my mind when I created this post. Ironically, last year I recommended it to others and did not follow through myself. I knew at the time I was not ready. Now I am! Thank you for bearing witness to this. I'll hold YOU in heart, thought and prayer as you get back into yoga. Sounds like a wonderful vow!
New Year love to you!
Hi Jan -- thanks for this post. What occurred to me was that I have a tendency to tell myself I'm "not really meditating" when my mind starts buzzing -- but, of course, that is just more of the buzzing of the mind. Recognizing that definitely shifted my awareness.
Hi Chris,
Wonderful awareness. Of course, as you know, meditating is about observing what arises and letting it fall away; getting to know ourselves and the way our mind behaves, the stories we tell ourselves, etc. I've taken comfort in knowing that all this mind buzzing (as you call it) is simply "thinking." I ascribe to the Pema Chodron philosophy...Glad you are a fellow meditator!
I have been hemming and hawing since I first read this post...and then in your next post you remove any reason for hem or haw. This is all new to me. It's a new year and a good chance to do something new, so count me in.
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