Day 5: Meditation Challenge - A Visit from the Meditation Police
Welcome, to my 28-Meditation Challenge.
If you have joined us late, that is just fine. If you'd like to "officially" join in, simply leave a comment here that says, "I'm in!" and I will add you to the Challenge Roster. Or, send me an e-mail through the Contact Box at my website: awakenedliving.com. You may want to catch up by reading the previous posts. We are glad you are here!
Each day we come here, even if we have not meditated as we'd hoped, we begin again.
Start where you are ...
I am having a lovely, meditative morning. One of my favorite candles is aglow. The sounds of "Native Healing" fill the living room. My husband is at work, my daughter back at college. The house is still, the Bay is calm, the birds are feasting at the feeders. All is well.
But last night it wasn't lovely. It was horrible.
At 2:30 a.m. I was jolted awake by the "Meditation Police." They came unbidden. I did not call them. Yet, somehow, they came, pounding on the door of my heart, sirens blasting, lights flashing. They stayed for at least an hour and just about drove me crazy. Why, oh why, did I listen to them?
Their message was this: You are a lousy meditator. A sham. A fake. You have no business talking to people about meditation because you cannot "sit" for more than 5 minutes.
Geez Louise, really?
This all started because I did not take the time I had hoped to to meditate yesterday. The day got away from me. There was so much to do! Deadlines to create. And I got my panties all bunched up dealing with the University about finances and $ yuck.
So, after dinner I vowed to do better. I headed to the bathtub, iPod in hand, ready to relax and listen to a guided meditation. No dice.
I could not get comfortable, the headphone wire kept dipping into the water. I was afraid the player would fall in completely. I gave up and opted for simple mindful breathing instead. It actually went pretty well but the old 5-minute habit kicked in ("Meditation Bail Out") and I was done—and completely disappointed in myself.
Until the Meditation Police came, that is. I should have recognized them right away and told them to leave but I didn't. I should have recognized when the word "should" kept coming out of their ego-based mouths. "Should" is a big sandtrap for me. I can get stuck in the "shoulds" quite easily and am never quite able to chip myself out.
I tried metta. It didn't work.
I tried conscious breathing. Nope.
I tossed and turned for one hour until my inner light went on. 'Messages, these are only messages. You don't have to believe everything you think. Get up and move. Change the scenery.' So I did.
I walked out into the living room and stood in front of the picture window. The moonlight on the Bay was stunning, as were the twinkling lights from the Peninsula beyond. The scene was a photographer's dream.
And then I noticed it. The Police were gone. Everything inside of me was still. Inner peace was mine. And getting there was so easy. I did nothing. I simply came back to the present moment.
Has this ever happened to you?
So, this morning I decided to figure out the lessons around my middle-of-the night visitors. Here's what I've remembered.
I say "remembered" because I know this stuff. I know it like I know my own sacred breath. I've been on this path a long time. I am not a newbie, but I am a student—as are we all. I simply had another case of spiritual amnesia ...
1. The "shoulds" are my nemesis. When one solitary "should" comes in I can set an intention to notice it and turn away. I vow I will do better at this.
2. Meditation is not a "one size fits all" practice. We each must find our own style and rhythm. I vow to embrace mine.
My teacher affirmed this when I whined to her last year that I just could not seem to do sitting meditation. "So?" was her casual response. She, obviously, does not subscribe to the ascetic-sitting, "wallop with a teaching stick" sort of Buddhist practice. In fact, her kindness astounded me.
"Jan, she said, "I know you. I've listened to you. I've read your book. You are meditating all day long. You are awake. You live a contemplative lifestyle. You live like a nun! You listen deeply to your thoughts and notice what feelings arise. You release them and move on. You are actually walking through your day [most of the time, anyway] with mindfulness. That can be enough."
Enough. That is the big word, the $1 million word, for me anyway. Am I doing enough to live an in en-light-ened way? Am I meditating enough, or in the right way?
There you have it. My light-bulb moment. The Police had arrived to show me how, once again, I was getting sucked up in the whirlwind of my "should" and "good enough" thoughts.
Today, I lay those down once again. I am enough. I am doing enough.
Oh, yes, not to forget lesson #3.
Change the scenery. When wildmind strikes, when the Meditation Police are pounding on your door, go out the back door and gaze at the sky. Sniff a flower. Pet your dog. Bow down and give thanks for the blessing of this precious life ... to live, to love, to learn, to grow.
Awake is good ... no matter what.
And always, always, have compassion for yourself.
I welcome your thoughts.
How is your meditation practice going today?
Love and blessings,
Jan
Read on ...
Yesterday, I listened to Tibetan flute music, did a 5-minute session of conscious breathing, and 2 rounds of prayers on my beads.
This morning I listened to Native American chant. The day is young. I'm not sure what other meditation I'll do, but I will. Stay tuned!
Recommended Resources:
I don't know if you noticed this or not, but on Tuesday, I referenced Max Highstein and his guided meditation, "Healing Waterfall II." Surprise, surprise! Max himself (whom I have never met) stopped in and made a comment. He thanked me for sharing his work with others. Nice!
I visited his website and was so pleased to find many meditation resources there. Take a twirl and see what you find. There are samples to listen to, too! I was particularly drawn to a meditation calling upon Mother Mary. (She is "my gal," you know.) I will likely purchase the MP3 download soon. Enjoy!
Inspiration:
In some meditation centers, practitioners are not permitted to move during periods of sitting meditation. They often have to endure great discomfort. To me, this seems unnatural. When a part of our body is numb or in pain, it is telling us something, and we should listen to it. We sit in meditation to help us cultivate peace, joy, and nonviolence, not to endure physical strain or to injure our bodies. To change the position of our feet or do a little walking meditation will not disturb others very much, and it can help us alot.
~Thich Nhat Hanh, Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Share This Post
46 comments:
Hi Jan! I'm so well acquainted with the stupid police! LOVED this post! Hurray, you are human! And wow, yes, let's throw out those shoulds!!! Poobah on all of them! Every once in a while I get zapped - police or distractions or whatever - and it is MOST unnerving - makes me doubt my whole self. So boy, oh boy, I resonate with this post!
We ARE enough and we ARE ok!
Hugs my dear friend!
suZen
So nice to know that you are for real...lol!
I feel like my meditation is a little "funky". I can't seem to fit in a good chunk of time to just sit. I literally find "moments". This morning I pulled an Angel Card and meditated for just a few minutes on the meaning (the card I pulled was "power"). I just sat for a few minutes and pondered what that meant.
And that's it. When I was done, I wondered to myself...is this really enough? Is this good enough?
I guess so...
SuZen,
Well Ms. Monkey mind meets up with Ms. Wild Dog mind. We are a pair! I am glad you liked the post. It just poured out. A cleansing, purging off all the middle-of-the-night yuck. Today is a new day. We can begin again...May we know that we are ALWAYS enough.xo
Caroline,
Oh, yes, I am for real. If you knew what went on inside this mind sometimes....Oy vay.
You DO bring up a very good point though and one I should talk about on the main page as a post.
It is very important to listen deeply to know if we are procrastinating, not taking time, running away from meditation, etc. to know if what we are doing is enough. It's so easy with any of our spiritual practices to do just enough to get by. We do not allow our spiritual practices to take us to the edge, beyond our comfort zones, and let them teach us.
When it gets a little uncomfortable, we go find another practice that is not as challenging, more fun... Do you know what I mean.
Only you will know from deep listening to your truest self if your "enough" is enough. Does that make sense????
My sense (for me) is that the discipline of sitting meditation will really be good for me—when the time is right. And I am doing it more and more each day. Gently.... It will help me focus my wild mind better for it wanders VERY easily. But, in the right timing.
Jan,
Thank you for the thoughtful post!
I can easily get caught up in thinking that there's a "one-size fits all" meditation that I SHOULD be doing, and this pulls me away from the practice. Feeling that I can practice an eclectic style of meditation that works for me has made a big difference. Thank you for affirming that here!
Blessings to you!
Michelle
I love that -- "Spiritual Amnesia."
I think that Dark Nights of the Soul are actually Long Forgettings, and that the greatest challenge of living this life mindfully and deeply is Re-membering all our parts. :)
Another great post, Jan!
What meditation? I didn't get it done yesterday either. If that means actually sitting quietly somewhere, eyes closed, going inward, breathing, the whole bit.
If, on the other hand, it means, continually noticing the blessings as they arrive my life, receiving them with gratitude, and offering up thanks, then I spent the entire day in meditation.
Amen.
One more thought, if I may...I really do my best to banish thoughts of "not good enough" or "not worthy of this or that" as quickly as possible. Those are soul killing thoughts.
If I can look back on my day and honestly feel that I've conducted myself with Love and Respect then I feel it was a good day, well spent.
Wonderful! I have regular visits from this police also - they get around, especially in the middle of the night:-)
I love how you are covering not only many different meditation methods, but also all of the issues we all face regularly, through your own experience. It really is a gift. (was it Sylvia that said that to you? how wonderful, soulful and true.)
Also, nature is an especially big shifter for me also...
Wow! I am so happy I visited ... now I have a name to give those irrational, guilt-ridden thoughts which wake me in the dark of night. In my case, I think they are the "Workshop Police". Thank You, Jan.
I also love how you have described meditation as being aware, and awake, and observant - I am really going to stop beating up on myself for not achieving MORE in my day, or with my time. I AM Aware. I AM Grateful. And, I am Appreciative of the gift of dawn, lightening skies, bird song, and lavender-scented air.
What a wonderful way to start my day. Thank YOU.
Jan, this is an amazing post. To be taken out of your sleep to learn this lesson that enough is enough. I am happy that you were awake enough to remember all this and pass it on to us.
I worked the 3-11 shift at the hospital last night and was on call till 7:00 am for any emergencies that might come up. You can give me a call in the middle of the night anytime. We could just talk and listen to each other. We could walk to our windows, look out at the moon and BE connected. What a great meditation that would be!
Blessings, Julie
What a great post. This happens to me often in the middle of the night. Then the next morning I think to myself...what the heck was wrong with me to be not just thinking, but almost obsessing on such thoughts. It is a blessing to know that I am not the only one this happens to.
My mind has been extremly busy today. When I took a few moments to meditate it was like a whirlwind...a tornado if you will, just surrounding me with busy, stressful thinking. So I went with that and allowed myself to step out from within that tornado and let it move on. So I guess my tornado is like your yapping dog.
I also wanted to comment on the last part of your post where it speaks about not having to sit in discomfort while meditating. This is such an issue for me and it uplifting to hear that it only makes sense to be in comfort when sitting to meditate. Just one less thing to keep my mind busy. Thank you!
Michelle,
Our aim is to affirm. :-) I am celebrating that you are honoring your inner voice of knowing, what feels right to you in this moment. Enjoy!
Christine,
I appreciate your viewpoint here. It seems so much of our spiritual journey is simply "remembering." Who we are, where we came from, why we are here (in this way, right now) how to live, and more. May the breath of the Sacred remove clouds so we can see ourselves and others clearly.
Caroline,
I am glad to hear the confidence in your voice about how you are choosing to live your days. Good for you! What you speak of (as I understand it) is living mindfully. I know that mindfulness is an aspect of meditation, but is it all of meditation? Again, (as I understand it) the other component of true meditation is concentration (or focus) and stillness. I am going to query the "experts." Hold the phone....
Guess what? As I go to post this response, my word verification is "beingsh."
I love it. Being-shhhhhhhh..... Perfect!
Lisa,
Well I am totally heartened to know that you (as a meditation teacher) have visits be the Meditation Police. :-) Comforting to know.... I am glad the approach I am using here is speaking to you. :-)
Michelle (2),
May we ALL appreciate ourselves in this way as you are. For all the ways (big and small) that we stay awake, aware and mindful of what is going on within us—and around us. I agree that nature and beauty are natural reminders....
Julie,
Well, next time this happens I am definitely going to think of all of you who are up in the night, or in a different time zone aspiring to stay mindful....Thank you for your sweet offer. Companions for the journey are one of the great blessings of life.
Hi, Jan -
I was directed here by my Yoga teacher and I am so grateful for that. I have been asking 'the Universe' for clarity in my quest for direction in my spiritual journey - and here you are.
Thank you!
Yesterday was a miss for me. Not because I couldn't but because I didn't (just being truthful). I'll be there this evening tho.
Darla
Oh Jan, I know those impatient police, banging on my heart's door well. And yes...this morning I had a similar experience...it had to do with the startling beauty of the sunrise (I have a post I wrote but haven't put up about this yet written right after this particular awakening happened.) I love what your meditation teacher said to you about living your practice. As time goes on I understand more deeply that it's the off the mat-cushion moments that really take me to that awakened state...and that's what the practice is for anyway...to take us into our daily interactions with other people, our own inner world and nature...those five minutes...30 seconds...20 minutes of blessed presence...YOU are indeed enough and your living practice is enough and 5 minutes of this or that invaded by thoughts are enough...Heschel wrote: "Just to be is a blessing. Just to live is holy." I quite agree.
gentle steps
Jan,
Loved this post about the Meditation Police.
What a great opportunity to re-learn the effort to meditate is enough...it need not be perfect.
"Should-a, could-a, would-a..."...regrets of the past and unrealistic expectations of the future...keeping me from the lovely present, now...
Glad you are human, too. Let's carry on...
Peace,
Jan, I love this challenge for so many reasons. One is that you are sharing the true meditation experience. You are definitely someone I consider an expert on the subject--I have printed at least 20 of your "Meditation Monday" posts for my own use, and I know you are spiritually centered, just about always. What you are giving us here that one does not find in a book on meditation, is the real story--the story that it was just five minutes that you meditated today, that as you were meditating, you were also aware of the noises your husband was making in an adjacent room, that you have meditation police that seek you out in the middle of the night, etc. What I love about you and this challenge, is that you made it through all that, you learned some lessons and you shared them. This is the real experience. This is what we all go through. I definitely fall prey to the "shoulds" and "am I good enough" questions...reading about your experience last night helps me so much. The final thing I love about your challenge is the multitude of meditation methods you are sharing with us. At first I felt like I needed to adapt all of them to my practice and then I realized there are no rules and I can do what suits me--the same practice every day or a different one when it pleases me. Thanks to you, I am confident a lot of people will be able to make daily meditation a habit, myself included. Thank you for making it all possible!! Blessings to you...sleep tight tonight!
Meditation Police. God! I remember my teacher saying that the biggest critic is the spiritual critic. I was laughing when I read this post, because I said, "Ah, ha! I'm not the only one who is visited by the meditation police"
I'd like to also introduce a fun practice. Two of my foes/friends are fear and judgment. I call fear Ms. Fear Monkey, and can actually visualize her as a silly monkey flying everywhere and screeching at the top of her lungs when fear arises. My 6th grade teacher was a Ms Linky, very stern and strict, always saying that I was too loud or not paying attention. She's definitely Ms Judge.
Humor is a great way to break the heavy cycle of unwanted visitors. When it's too much, compassion and loving kindness do help. And, Jan, even my teacher says it is hard for him sometimes. But as you said, the visitors don't stay as long.
I also sometimes cannot make myself sit for more than 5 minutes. On those days I do something else mindfully, like wash the dishes slowly and mindfully.
Mazar,
With the pace of life being what it is, and so much input coming in all the time, I think there are many of us who may experience middle of the night mental police calls. Obsessive thinking germinates well in the dark, perhaps?
When the tornado strikes, one of the best things we can did is shift our focus--even do something physical--because the body stores the electrical impulses of mental chaos. I hope that you will continue to settle into practices that nourish you.
Bonnie,
Welcome! I am happy to hear your teacher sent you here. :-) May this community support you on your journey into meditation.
Darla,
No worries -- one of my new favorite expressions. I appreciate the honesty, we all do. Transparency is key to our growth. Best wishes for tonight.
How interesting Jan - I had some resistance this morning too. It was all about 'not enough time' and too many other things asking for my time. I made the mistake of not staying with my commitment of making meditation the absolute FIRST thing I do. I let it go and then kept putting it off - why? Why this resistance? How hard can it be to find 10 minutes? I'm glad you found a way back in (using the 'taking in the view' technique ;o)
I managed in the end to shut out hubby (major distraction) and did a bit of reading of the Tao. I felt that even though I did not enter 'the place' that I so adore when I meditate - at least I could come away with a meaningful thought or two. Tomorow is another day eh?
Or am I letting myself off easy?
Those darn "police"...they were the same ones that woke me at 4:30 the other morning and kept me up! I think they harassed me enough to last awhile...I hope. I seem to be settling down quite a bit now.
I love the flute meditation music...I might have to invest in an MP3 player myself. My birthday is coming up so, I'll add that to the top of my list.
Jan, I don't see how you have time to write so much every day, read every comment AND answer all of them. You are amazing...those darn police are jealous that's all. Keep up the good work!
Laura,
Kindred spirit...I have the Heschell quote framed on my wall. It is one of my favorites. :-) I appreciate so much what you say about living off the mat. That is what truly matters. How we relate to ourselves and others with kindness most of all... Let's hope after all this great dialogue today that the MPs stay home where they belong. Blessings!
Rose,
You said it so well. Let's not give any more attention to that which keeps us from experiencing the lovely present. My heart sighs with beauty at this thought. Thank you!
Jodi,
It helps me to know that those Meditation Mondays helped you out. Good to hear the tone of "permission" throughout your words. How much greater our growth could be if we gave ourselves permission to truly follow our hearts, eh? I appreciate all of your kind comments, truly!
Mermaid,
Your practices are wonderful! Creating images that we can work with is so very helpful. (I think I've mentioned my green gremlin to you before...) Whatever works to help us be gentle with ourselves, eh? All teachers, if they are really teachers, are forever learners, that's for sure. We ALL face our challenges. Does the Dalai Lama get angry? Yes, he admits he does. May ease and growth be ours.
Kikipotamus,
Falling back upon our mindfulness practices is so important. That way we can stay awake and aware throughout the day, continuing to use our breath and our senses to bring is back to the present--where, indeed, all is well. Inner stillness when washes the dishes. I love it!
Stoneweaver,
You pose an interesting question, too. Check out my response to Caroline (above you). This is a matter of discernment--recognizing patterns of getting off easy as you say, or laziness. And how much is permission to flow with what is. Comes down to the classic issue—being vs. doing, perhaps? I do know that spiritual practices such as these are also called spiritual disciplines because "discipline" is impt in life or we make no progress. And because the discipline builds interior strength. Just some thoughts....I am sure you will find your way. :-)
I have never meditated regularly. I have been more of a 'thinker' about spirituality than of a doer, all these past decade and more. But whenever I have meditated, there are certainly times when mind just wont co-operate. I don't anything can be done besides just going on with the physical routine with will-power and giving time to mind to expend its energy.
But along with this I find that sitting yogasanas especially padma helps a lot. I think there are two factors to this. One is the physical effort of the legs and the girdle take your mind away from thoughts and bring it to the body awareness. Second is, The straight stretched spine and darkness of the room helps set the mood.
I find so many gems of wisdom when I visit here. There is something about getting physical when "the world is too much with me." I think it's interesting that I am exercising more regularly while I am also involved in this meditation challenge. The two seem to go hand in hand for me. My massage therapist shared that she sometimes feels compelled to dance in her studio when she is awakened in the middle of the night, and she is one of the most grounded and spiritual people I know.
I know the 'police'well, waking up with jolts is very familiar (PTSD).Acceptance and love are the best tools. Inner calm always returns. Get rid of the 'shoulds'
(you might enjoy the Coleslaw' piece on my blog about that) and let joy lead the way. It works. It really does!!
Love,
Maryse (using hubby's Google accnt)
Thanks for the honesty of this post. I love how you shared the difficulty and also how you worked your way through.
I love the quote at the end. Self-compassion...a lovely thing.
Have you read the latest memoir by Sue Monk Kidd? I think you would enjoy it...lots of "your gal" in there.
Ah, the "shoulds". Whenever I hear that word I go cold and I turn and run :-). I gave up having a perfect meditation years ago, I just sit and do it and however it goes I am happy. At least I tried and to me that is enough. xoxo
Hi Jan, I didn't read this post until this morning (Jan 8) just after, in response to the prompt: "Three things I need to stop doing altogether in the next year...", I wrote in my journal, "Stop using the word "should." I love such synchronicity--which I experience so often reading your blog.
Blessings for all of us in this challenge and everywhere,
Rebecca
Liz (Cherokeefox),
Seems the police have been working overtime! I am glad to hear that you are settling down. It does take time, practice, patience. An mp3 player (in my view) may be just one of the best investments we can make toward inner peace. Portable peace!
FYI, thanks for your comments. I love what I do here. I write full-time, and right now am between big projects, so this suits me. Plus it fuels my passion for spiritual growth and supporting others with theirs. PLUS, I am a former teacher and love creating "lesson plans. " Go figure....
Shavinder,
Welcome! Even though you say you don't have much success with meditation, it does sound like you have a good viewpoint on it--and some good tools to use.
Our discernment can tell us when to press on, "force" our way through busy-mindedness, or to move away. Get up and move, or try again later. Or, to just return to our breath and begin again. :-) Yoga definitely helps. It is a contemplative practice that does focus and ease the mind. Meditation becomes easier with yoga...
Sharon,
Very interesting observation. Both exercise and meditation are acts of self-care, so your massage therapist would be thrilled! Both ask us to commit, both ask us to be present and aware. Both have immediate "felt" benefits. Good for you! You are doing double duty.
Maryse,
Welcome! I will definitely check out this piece on your blog. :-) As for PTSD, yes, I absolutely understand the "startle awake effect," accompanied by anxiety. (I have that as a result of a head injury). Just having faith that ease will return and employing tools to access our ease does help. That is why I love to do metta in the middle of the night. :-)
Twila,
Thank you for your kind comments. Honesty, transparency, I believe is vital for the spiritual journey--to really progress, anyway.
Yes, I read the Kidd book. Adored it. Did not want it to end. SMK is going to be in FL. this winter when I am and I hope to go to an event....:-)
Annie,
I hope I get to that place where I hear "should" and I either run or pull out my sword. (LOL) I appreciate the gentleness with which you treat yourself. xo
Rebecca,
Holy synchronicity again. Gotta love it. We definitely should not "should" all over ourselves. A good vow to make in the New Year.
I'm late but can I still be part of this?
I'm in!
And, thanks.
Nomad,
Welcome! Love your name....Of course, you can still join in. We can always begin and begin again. I'll add your name to the Challenge. Breathe on...
What a difference in perspective we have, Jan. For me, five minutes of conscious breathing is a HUGE accomplishment. I congratulate myself with every step, however small, toward making space in my mind for awareness. Maybe there's an advantage to being new at this... :) I hope I remember this attitude as time marches on.
This morning, I made a huge step. When I woke at 6:35, rather than rolling over for another hour of sleep, I got up and spent time in Lectio Divina. I live with a snorer (think jet plane take-off), so I think next time I'll use my headphones and add some soothing sounds. But it was an amazing experience to start the day this way!
Joni,
Congrats on your 5-minutes. That is huge! And any meditation teacher would tell you so. That is what both Mari and Diana told us on their visits (I know they are ahead of you here....) just begin with 5 min. That is all it takes.
And Lectio would certainly be a big leap. I am glad you took it and enjoyed yourself. Hugs!
I too have these waking moments where my mind won't still. As you say, it's the should have, would have could have's... of a busy ego driven mind... Time to let go of the ego and be, mediation allows being one with God, Angels, the Devine, The All and Everything, I quiet my mind and listen. I will try this technique next time I awake with a busy mind. Thank you dear soul. Love and Light, Nina P
Nina,
Most of us are plagued with wildmind, except my husband whom I call Buddha Boy because most times he has a mind like a calm lake. :-) So I do what I am guide to in the moment to become still again. We have so many options. The important thing is to recognize a message as a message and do something to shift our vibration. I hope you will find yours! xo
I love this post too! For a long time, I didn't meditate even when I knew I should because I felt like I just wasn't "doing it right". I have finally figured I have to walk my own path and do what is right for me AT THIS MOMENT. And boy, it sure can change from one minute to the next!
I got up this morning and just sat in the morning sun without a timer and enjoyed being me at that moment in that place. When I decided I needed to get up, I realized I had been sitting about twenty minutes and felt calm and ready to begin my day. Reading this post a few days as you suggested really helped.
April,
This is a wise knowing. Trusting our innermost soul self will always lead us to what is right and true for us.
Jennifer,
Your morning of quiet sounds wonderful and a beautiful form of mindful meditation. You are doing it! Yay! Om on!
Today all is white (here in New Brunswick, Canada)...all is covered with the falling snow...down, down,abundantly she falls...
So to my corner I went! (I should really stop calling it my corner, it sounds as if I am punishing myself and sending me to the corner!)MMMmmm what should I call that space....???
Met a lot of distractions today...My legs were cramped, a candle went out, the snow plow was very noisy... I used a mantra "calm"...breath..."calm" breath... So I survived 20 minutes...but not too pleased with the sitting.
Simonne,
Very good observation that your "corner" might imply negativity. I love the idea of sacred space. To come to a special place where we can be alone with ourselves, with our true nature, is a a true gift.
And as you will learn, it's good not to have an opinion about how your session went. All things will be experienced! Meditation is not about getting anything right but being with your mind, becoming familiar with how it works, so that you can begin to "retrain it." The best retraining method is noticing and dropping the story line. Returning to breath...
...yes...sacred space...and it will become ever more sacred to me as the weeks and months develop...So "Sacred Space " it is....So much better than "my corner" :)
Post a Comment