Oh, my dear, after reading your blog I can’t stop giggling. Susan is finally getting it! Seems to me during all my years of facilitating meditation, your avoidance was almost palpable. Your inner wisdom has won. Keep at it, especially now when global chaos exists!
While we were still living in Noank, we gathered each week with a small group of friends to share 1 hour of silent giving meditation together. Like prayer, the purpose is to offer up our meditations to the universe for its' use, knowing that folks around the world will be doing the same. For me, meditations that are led by someone speaking just annoy the daylights of me. I wind up telling them to just shut up already. I want to breathe in the sounds and smells that are naturally surrounding me, letting my thoughts push in and me pushing them out on my own. I know, easier said than done but still a worthwhile endeavor.
Hello Robin! And how's Maine, other than a wonderful place to be live? I understand what you're saying about speaking meditations. Jon Kabat Zinn hits the right note with me. One, I like his voice. And two, he doesn't speak that often. His meditations are primarily silent, starting and ending with chimes. It's nice to hear from you!
Robin - I love your comment! I feel you are so authentic, and in a deeper place of consciousness - one that I’m trying to open up to rather than push away.
I feel like this is even harder than I think it is! I tend to live in the future…..always planning, always preparing for what comes next. I would LOVE to slow this down and live in the present. I read The Power of Now several years ago - I need to read it again.
I agree, Marie. It's very hard - for me, too - to live in the present. But I'm beginning to understand its attraction. The Power of Now is a book to be read every few years or so. There is a lot to digest! Listening to him read is a plus!
A Cambodian co-worker who survived the Khmer Rouge genocide once told me that our brains are like waterlogged sponges that can’t absorb anything more. Meditation “wrings out the sponge” and clears the mind. I love that image.
It’s probably obvious to people who know me that I am not one to spend time quietly meditating, and stilling my mind. I have tried it several times over many years and failed miserably. I think after reading this post and some of the comments m, I will try to pick up that book The Power of Now. Thank you, Susan for unintentionally perhaps but gently urging me to try it again. Maybe I’ll just hold the image of your chair in my mind!
Teresa, I have meditated a bit in the past, and didn't consider myself very successful, either. Now, the time seems right. Maybe it will be the right time for you, too.
In case it encourages anyone I actually got to the place where I look forward to meditating in the morning, so it's possible... I think looking back there seemed to be people who were born to meditate, and then everyone else. And the meditating people were already doing it by their late 20s or in their 30s. Being neither of those I'm not sure how I got over the hump, maybe there's one more chance to get on the bus after age 60 because what else is there to do when you've done everything else a million times. I don't now what Priscilla would say (actually wonder when she started doing it...) .. I'm actually kind of viewing it like learning a golf swing...agree Susan, it took me awhile to figure out how to not go to sleep.. I do it right after/during my morning coffee maybe that's what I'm really looking forward to...
Joel, I'm delighted and not surprised to know you have a regular meditation habit. And I like the idea of meditating after coffee! Priscilla is a born to meditate person - and she is really good at it, kind and patient and wise. Being a beginner is energizing (as well as frustrating), but I like the experience of taking time out of my day to sit and think about (almost) nothing at all. I'm learning how to be grateful just to be breathing.
I have been using the "Calm" app off and on for eight years. (A total of 1,916 sessions – it counts them for me). The app provides a guided daily ten minute meditation with a bit of wisdom at the end. My meditation skill has barely improved. It's amazing how many urgent things to do, (that I've forgotten about), come to mind when I sit down to meditate. I am occasionally aware that I am thinking while I'm meditating – I know that sounds stupid or obvious, but strengthening that awareness is the whole point of meditation for me. My current challenge is to bring that awareness with me into the day.
And yes! I loved Eckert Tolle's book "The Power of Now". My mind is so so SO busy on the past or the future!
I tried the Calm app several years ago now and didn't stay with it long. I guess I wasn't ready? I do like the 10 minutes per day format though. Most of us can find that time. And if not, something's got to go!
The deepest ive dipped my toes into any semblance of meditation were the few times i attended Friends Meeting in Westerly with my former wife and experienced with the other Quakers and attendees the proscribed and prolonged period of silence sitting in wooden pews in the sanctuary of the old building and occupying myself with listening to the rhythmic exhalations of the antique radiators.
It was not unpleasant and in fact probably restorative in some elusive way.
But i must confess i was relieved when the silence was duly broken.
I live in an old house and routinely listen to the rhythmic exhalation of antique radiators. And I, too, find it not unpleasant. Even the enthusiastic hissing of the tall radiator in what we call the sleigh bed room gives me an amused pause. The heat reaches the second floor - hooray! About meditation: since it's been several years, Steve, might I suggest another dip?
After many years of struggling, fighting, going to retreats and reading waaay too many books. I finally settled into a daily practice. Grateful that I kept at it.
I think JKZ’s “Wherever you Go There You Are” is a masterpiece - it helped me so much at the beginning. Just giving ourselves permission to stop and breathe is a Huge thing! 🙏
I completed JKZ's 8-week mindfulness stress reduction class more than a decade ago when my father was dying. It helped immensely -- literally slowed my heartbeat. I vowed to stick with the practice, but it's been more miss than hit. I do still employ some of the tools that I can use on the spot.
Oh, my dear, after reading your blog I can’t stop giggling. Susan is finally getting it! Seems to me during all my years of facilitating meditation, your avoidance was almost palpable. Your inner wisdom has won. Keep at it, especially now when global chaos exists!
Haha! Giggle away, Priscilla! All grown up, and finally meditating. Two points for inner wisdom.
While we were still living in Noank, we gathered each week with a small group of friends to share 1 hour of silent giving meditation together. Like prayer, the purpose is to offer up our meditations to the universe for its' use, knowing that folks around the world will be doing the same. For me, meditations that are led by someone speaking just annoy the daylights of me. I wind up telling them to just shut up already. I want to breathe in the sounds and smells that are naturally surrounding me, letting my thoughts push in and me pushing them out on my own. I know, easier said than done but still a worthwhile endeavor.
Hello Robin! And how's Maine, other than a wonderful place to be live? I understand what you're saying about speaking meditations. Jon Kabat Zinn hits the right note with me. One, I like his voice. And two, he doesn't speak that often. His meditations are primarily silent, starting and ending with chimes. It's nice to hear from you!
Jon sounds like my kinda guy!
Yup! He's definitely worth a try.
Robin - I love your comment! I feel you are so authentic, and in a deeper place of consciousness - one that I’m trying to open up to rather than push away.
Hi Ted, Gosh, I'm not sure about that but it's a journey that's worth every minute!
Ha! I agree with Ted!
I feel like this is even harder than I think it is! I tend to live in the future…..always planning, always preparing for what comes next. I would LOVE to slow this down and live in the present. I read The Power of Now several years ago - I need to read it again.
I agree, Marie. It's very hard - for me, too - to live in the present. But I'm beginning to understand its attraction. The Power of Now is a book to be read every few years or so. There is a lot to digest! Listening to him read is a plus!
Interesting insight on meditation !! Thanks !!
Thanks Tommy. JKZ offers lying down meditations, too - just in case you're interested...
A Cambodian co-worker who survived the Khmer Rouge genocide once told me that our brains are like waterlogged sponges that can’t absorb anything more. Meditation “wrings out the sponge” and clears the mind. I love that image.
Oh, I love that image, too, Clare. My sponge is definitely waterlogged; a good wringing sounds like just what I need.
I immediately recognized that mat & sunrise. :)
What a wonderful trip - and beautiful beach!
Good idea. I’ll try.
Let me know how it goes!
It’s probably obvious to people who know me that I am not one to spend time quietly meditating, and stilling my mind. I have tried it several times over many years and failed miserably. I think after reading this post and some of the comments m, I will try to pick up that book The Power of Now. Thank you, Susan for unintentionally perhaps but gently urging me to try it again. Maybe I’ll just hold the image of your chair in my mind!
Teresa, I have meditated a bit in the past, and didn't consider myself very successful, either. Now, the time seems right. Maybe it will be the right time for you, too.
Pancakes and head bobs, lol!
Pancakes again this morning. Fewer head bobs. Progress!
As a Christian practice, I have participated in centering prayer by father Keating, and have found it very identifying an inspirational.
Hi Gail - I'm glad to hear this. I've never tried centering prayer, but it sounds peaceful and fulfilling.
In case it encourages anyone I actually got to the place where I look forward to meditating in the morning, so it's possible... I think looking back there seemed to be people who were born to meditate, and then everyone else. And the meditating people were already doing it by their late 20s or in their 30s. Being neither of those I'm not sure how I got over the hump, maybe there's one more chance to get on the bus after age 60 because what else is there to do when you've done everything else a million times. I don't now what Priscilla would say (actually wonder when she started doing it...) .. I'm actually kind of viewing it like learning a golf swing...agree Susan, it took me awhile to figure out how to not go to sleep.. I do it right after/during my morning coffee maybe that's what I'm really looking forward to...
Joel, I'm delighted and not surprised to know you have a regular meditation habit. And I like the idea of meditating after coffee! Priscilla is a born to meditate person - and she is really good at it, kind and patient and wise. Being a beginner is energizing (as well as frustrating), but I like the experience of taking time out of my day to sit and think about (almost) nothing at all. I'm learning how to be grateful just to be breathing.
I love the humor you bring to your posts. And the ET tip.
Thanks Ted!
I have been using the "Calm" app off and on for eight years. (A total of 1,916 sessions – it counts them for me). The app provides a guided daily ten minute meditation with a bit of wisdom at the end. My meditation skill has barely improved. It's amazing how many urgent things to do, (that I've forgotten about), come to mind when I sit down to meditate. I am occasionally aware that I am thinking while I'm meditating – I know that sounds stupid or obvious, but strengthening that awareness is the whole point of meditation for me. My current challenge is to bring that awareness with me into the day.
And yes! I loved Eckert Tolle's book "The Power of Now". My mind is so so SO busy on the past or the future!
Great post Susan!
I tried the Calm app several years ago now and didn't stay with it long. I guess I wasn't ready? I do like the 10 minutes per day format though. Most of us can find that time. And if not, something's got to go!
Perhaps i should learn the meaning of “proscribed” and meditate of minding what i do and obviously don’t understand.
An option, yes?
The deepest ive dipped my toes into any semblance of meditation were the few times i attended Friends Meeting in Westerly with my former wife and experienced with the other Quakers and attendees the proscribed and prolonged period of silence sitting in wooden pews in the sanctuary of the old building and occupying myself with listening to the rhythmic exhalations of the antique radiators.
It was not unpleasant and in fact probably restorative in some elusive way.
But i must confess i was relieved when the silence was duly broken.
I live in an old house and routinely listen to the rhythmic exhalation of antique radiators. And I, too, find it not unpleasant. Even the enthusiastic hissing of the tall radiator in what we call the sleigh bed room gives me an amused pause. The heat reaches the second floor - hooray! About meditation: since it's been several years, Steve, might I suggest another dip?
Yes breathing in….and out…
After many years of struggling, fighting, going to retreats and reading waaay too many books. I finally settled into a daily practice. Grateful that I kept at it.
I think JKZ’s “Wherever you Go There You Are” is a masterpiece - it helped me so much at the beginning. Just giving ourselves permission to stop and breathe is a Huge thing! 🙏
You're a meditator! I'm glad to know this about you. And it sounds like I'll have to check out Wherever You Go There You Are." Thanks!
I completed JKZ's 8-week mindfulness stress reduction class more than a decade ago when my father was dying. It helped immensely -- literally slowed my heartbeat. I vowed to stick with the practice, but it's been more miss than hit. I do still employ some of the tools that I can use on the spot.
Carol, I'm not surprised it slowed your heartbeat. And having some of his tools handy is exactly what we need to help us navigate life.