Comments on awake is good: The Importance of Community ~ Taking A Survey

Dear Maryellen, Yes, the archives will hold the Ch...

2010-02-11T20:39:13.223-05:00

Dear Maryellen,
Yes, the archives will hold the Challenge. They are there now (under January posts) and will remain there.

I've decided to stay with Meditation Mondays as an opportunity to connect with others in the Challenge. Thanks for your inquiry! Blessings.

Jan, Is it your intention to leave the 28 days w...

2010-02-11T18:33:06.536-05:00

Jan,

Is it your intention to leave the 28 days worth of sessions posted on line and acessible, so that any one could follow them after the 28 days?

I guess tha removes the imediacy of the community to a degree, but not completely...?

Rochelle, Now that I am settled (and not traveling...

2010-02-10T17:45:36.456-05:00

Rochelle,
Now that I am settled (and not traveling) we will use Meditation Mondays for that purpose. See you then!

Oh yay! I definitely think that having a weekly "c...

2010-02-10T17:25:40.973-05:00

Oh yay! I definitely think that having a weekly "check-in"/info post is a great idea! Woo-hoo! I guess what I am trying to say is -- good idea, thank you! :)

Sharon, Well I think you summarized the Challenge ...

2010-02-09T07:56:46.732-05:00

Sharon,
Well I think you summarized the Challenge (and its benefits, hopefully) very well. To learn something new and stretch ourselves -- and to feel supported while doing that. Very good to know! It was such a pleasure having you here each day....

Kel,
Thanks for letting me know. It helps to know where people landed--or didn't. (LOL) I hope your online course was successful and fulfilling for you. It is very wise to be mindful of how much we take on, that's for sure! xo

[puts hand up] yep, i'm one of those regulars tha...

2010-02-08T23:41:11.342-05:00

[puts hand up]
yep, i'm one of those regulars that fell away during the meditation challenge

more a matter of timing than anything else, I had a very intensive online course during the same time (and still going), so i couldn't commit to anything else

there's a limit to how much new stuff I can process, put into practice and communicate online about all at the same time

as the pace here slows again i'll be better able to keep up :)

Jan, I always learn something new and feel support...

2010-02-08T09:53:20.494-05:00

Jan, I always learn something new and feel supported when I visit here to read your posts and the comments. I benefited from the meditation challenge because I held myself accountable when I made the commitment. I am settling into a new pattern, a way to keep that commitment now that it is my personal priority. I thank you for all you do here and will continue to follow as you find a format that carries us forward.

Mermaid, Dear Sangha sister you are dead on right,...

2010-02-07T23:00:49.227-05:00

Mermaid,
Dear Sangha sister you are dead on right, here. This is my issue as you know—how to find the harmony between personal and service. Nurturing others and nurturing self...Yes, this is key to all my decision making. The way is being shown....xo

Maryellen,
Your comment is so dear and I thank you for sharing it with me. I am so glad that that statement was helpful to you in a time of need. I do love how that happens. Somehow the Spirit guides us and we give or receive in divine timing. :-) Thank you for being here and chiming in...

Chris,
I truly appreciate your perspective. What you say is very true which points to why internal motivation is so important to anything we decide to take up. Letting the practice go teaches us. Staying faithful to the practice teaches us. It is all good...

Ernestine, I appreciate your perspective and agree...

2010-02-07T22:56:29.308-05:00

Ernestine,
I appreciate your perspective and agree that there is no way I can check in everyday. I can hardly do so with others blogs, too, as much as I would like. But, like you, I find sustenance in the community, so I am sure we will find a balance. The heart knows....

Susanne,
Glad you like MMondays. Me too. I like your idea of a refresher or check in a couple of times a year. Very good idea! Thank you.

Caroline,
Your collaborative sounds like a wonderful idea. Let me think on it!
Wonder if any others have a similar thought of shared responsibility of a meditation blog? Hmmm....

Hi Jan -- I think this points to one of the painfu...

2010-02-07T18:32:43.720-05:00

Hi Jan -- I think this points to one of the painful but liberating truths about meditation -- each of us has to decide to do it, and keep deciding to do it, if we want a consistent practice. Nothing out in the world is going to make us do it, and we aren't always going to have experiences through meditation that convince us to keep it up. But that's one reason, I think, why it's such a profound spiritual practice.

Jan, I came across this meditation challenge hal...

2010-02-07T10:43:24.693-05:00

Jan,

I came across this meditation challenge half way through, via some of my fellow dreamers on the Mondo Beyondo course. I didn't join, thinking that I would pressed enough keeping up with the MB course and that another would be too much to do justice to. However, it is very attractive to me, and the MB course is a very good illustration, if you needed another on top of the Meditation Challenge, of how the community is a central part of the full experience. It enourages, supports and helps the rest of the group along.

In particular I wanted to thank you for your statement: "Each day we come here, even if we have not meditated as we'd hoped, we begin again. Start where you are ... "

I am starting a new direction in my life and am coming out of a period during which has been very difficult to cope with emotionally. The loving, unconditional acceptance in those sentences have been a pure balm to me, and I carry it with me through my days.

Whatever you chose to do, do what is right for you, and it will be right for the rest of the world as well. Thank you for your gifts, I am honoured to have met you.

You will likely get many perspectives here. And t...

2010-02-07T01:21:39.002-05:00

You will likely get many perspectives here. And this must be hard for you, dear Jan. You are not only a biological mother, but a spiritual one, too. What is the right balance of offering shelter for the weary and supporting yourself in your own practice?

Rest well my Sangha Sister. The answer will come.

So funny you write about this...I too have been mi...

2010-02-06T23:40:43.552-05:00

So funny you write about this...I too have been missing the daily posts. It was keeping me sane...something to look forward to.

Here's my idea...

What if all the participants (who are willing) take a week to host the meditation challenge at their blog. Each of us bringing our own unique spin on mediation. We could be assigned a week and maybe just do a few posts (daily if you like) so it's not too much pressure. But that way we pass the torch and learn from each other. I know it's a big commitment...but it could be really really fun.

Thoughts???

Jan, I've been following your blog (albeit not com...

2010-02-06T12:52:18.150-05:00

Jan, I've been following your blog (albeit not commenting often) for some time now, and I have always looked forward to Meditation Mondays with real anticipation. It feels relaxed, and yet provides me with accountability & a real sense of community & support. Perhaps a twice a year challenge, just to keep us all on our toes? Blessings -- Susanne

Jan - as I read your sharing and comments - the th...

2010-02-06T11:08:57.716-05:00

Jan - as I read your sharing and comments - the thought came to mind that write something on Monday for everyone to follow through the week as they feel led to do.
I know there are days I cannot go online.
Even though everyone is trying to simplify. It is an ongoing process.
I do not know what I would do without the encouragement I find online. I have no other - oh from my "son", reading and meditating.
You will know in your heart what to do. You may already know!!!

Lance, I appreciate your honest and kind comments....

2010-02-06T10:57:46.885-05:00

Lance,
I appreciate your honest and kind comments. I am also glad to know that you benefited from some of the info presented on meditation. It was a LOT of material. As Hilary suggested, perhaps an e-book? Always good to have you here!

SuZen,
I think that you may speak for about 50% (or more) of our participants. I am grateful for the time you were here and glad that you were able to find quiet time for yourself. Blessings!

Hi Jan! I LOVE your meditation Monday - that was s...

2010-02-06T09:36:25.236-05:00

Hi Jan!
I LOVE your meditation Monday - that was something I looked forward to AND something I could keep up with! The challenge you had, I missed so many I did eventually "drop out" because I couldn't keep up. I DO meditate daily but it was the time on-line which I've been trying to cut back on, that was the problem. I try to have a few days a week where I'm NOT on line at all.

Whatever you decide I'll still be here, just not everyday!
Hugs
suZen

Hi Jan, I think that you honestly have to do what ...

2010-02-06T08:39:42.619-05:00

Hi Jan,
I think that you honestly have to do what feels right for you. I think you know, deep down, what that might be.

That said, I know that even though I signed up for the meditation challenge, I was a much quieter voice here during the whole month. This is just me speaking personally - I enjoy the variety of different things shared here. I am sure some people, though, really found a deep benefit from the daily meditation challenges. Again, for me, there were days when I just felt like I didn't have the time to read and meditate (and maybe that says something about my priorities...and issues I need to work through personally). Anyway, Jan, know that I find much connection here with a variety of different topics being covered.

Peace and love,
Lance

Kate, I appreciate your comment, too. I think we d...

2010-02-06T08:24:46.556-05:00

Kate,
I appreciate your comment, too. I think we defintely a "go" for Meditation Mondays. That feels light the right pace for me. We will breathe on with ease knowing that we can check in once a week perhaps....Glad the Challenge touched your heart. :-)

Dear Ms. SS,
Enjoy the snow! We are just heading out today for the deep south where we hoping to see NO snow for 3 months! I am glad you were here with us and look forward to sharing more with you on Meditation Mondays.

Hilary, I am excited that you are going to start t...

2010-02-06T08:22:29.396-05:00

Hilary,
I am excited that you are going to start the Challenge a little late. Any time is the perfect time to begin. :-)

Your idea of an e-book might be just the ticket. Thank you for that!

Julie,
So touched that the Challenge was a big success for you. I do think that Meditation Mondays would work for keeping our connection alive. I appreciate the support.

Jill,
Thank you for these truly lovely thoughts. I am so glad you have found sustenance here. :-) It is such a joy to share our journeys with kindred others, isn't it? xo

Greetings Jan! I would say I love seeing somethin...

2010-02-05T23:52:57.942-05:00

Greetings Jan!

I would say I love seeing something every day, but in the real world, that's not always possible. Meditation Mondays would be a great way to stay in touch, to learn and share from each other.

Have a super weekend... I think we might just get snowed in.. so I have a lovely Saturday planned.

Hi Jan, I really appreciated the meditation challe...

2010-02-05T21:53:12.644-05:00

Hi Jan, I really appreciated the meditation challenge and it definitely kept the momentum rolling. I'm not sure what the solution is as I know a daily post isn't logically practical but it would be wonderful to be connected to an online sangha of some description.

Meanwhile, I'll be checking in for meditation Mondays! Thanks too Jan, for all you given and continue to give so generously.

I participated in the meditation challenge and it ...

2010-02-05T21:44:36.584-05:00

I participated in the meditation challenge and it was very helpful. I read the posts here everyday, but I didn't find myself compelled to comment much.

I do have to say that I absolutely loved Meditation Mondays. I always came away from your blog with good information and ideas on how to enhance my meditation practice.

This blog was one of the first blogs that I ever started following. When you commented on my blog for the first time, I was so honored. Star struck in a way.

The wisdom that I receive here has helped me on so many levels. I just want to say that you really have been an inspiration for me and my spiritual path.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope that it is what makes your heart sing and nurtures your Spirit. You have done that for so many others.

Cindy, I love your new picture! Just lovely. I und...

2010-02-05T13:40:15.046-05:00

Cindy,
I love your new picture! Just lovely. I understand from experience that anything we begin anew is more successful if we have support. I appreciate you sharing your thought on this to help me discern about the Challenge.

Jodi,
One vote for Meditation Mondays. I appreciate that. I did wonder if people were having a hard time keeping up with a new post everyday, though I know some bloggers do post something new each day. Whew! I figure I am lucky (with my schedule) if I can check in once a week on someone else's sight. :-) Thank you!

The intensity of the 28-day Meditation Challenge w...

2010-02-05T13:28:54.630-05:00

The intensity of the 28-day Meditation Challenge was a great format to learn and support eachother and form new habits/practices. I keep myself accountable now through journaling.
I look to this site daily, as many of you do, for new insights, creative thinking and support for our journeys. I believe that "checking in" on Meditation Mondays would be plenty for supporting the meditation practice. We could update eachother on how our week went or comment on some unique experiences and still feel very much in community.
Thank you for everything you've done, Jan, you are a part of my heart.
Julie