Hello class,
This meditation was different. I enjoyed the ocean and the wave sound in the background and the soft flute music. In fact, I became quite relaxed. There were less instructions to follow and we could chose our own focus point. Just to close my eyes took me to calm-abiding. The witnessing mind came along with the breathing in preparation for the meditation. I don't know if it was because I had been doing school work and was ready for a break away or if the technique kicked in that quick. I did feel and transitioned through the stages. Mastering the transition was quick for me but I am not sure if it was suppose to be that quick. In fact, I became so relaxed I felt a nod or sleepy feeling. I enjoyed it. By the way, today was the second time I completed this exercise because the first time was last week and was not sure what I experience.
Hi Drucilla,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that you experienced the witnessing mind. I am doing better this week and I think it has to do with the fact that my job was so hetic that I desired to shut down the racing thoughts. I guess it is true that with practice things get better.
I have been choosing as my focus point my breathing and it has been much more helpful.
Have a good rest of the week.
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
DeleteI remember when I was in the work world how overwhelmed I became on a daily basis. I now wish that I had this training or experience back then. It would have made a world of difference to be able to step away or come home and shut down for 15-30 minutes to quiet the chatter and "STOP". But to learn it now will give me a better future in whatever I do.
Glad you are doing better.
Dru
Drucilla,
ReplyDeleteI found this exercise much easier than the first one. It's hard to me to be told what to focus on so I enjoyed this one a lot more. I found myself achieving the stages where I was so distracted with the first one that I almost gave up and stopped. I have also found calm ocean noise is very relaxing. I actually go to sleep at night listening to that and that alone relaxes me enough to fall asleep. I have to admit, I'm not one who ever meditated before and still find the exercises a bit challenging but this one so far is my favorite. ;-)
~Ali
Ali,
DeleteYes I too and challenged with the exercise but as I complete them I can understand the importance better. And, this week was easy and better.
Dru
Hello Drucilla,
ReplyDeleteIt was great to hear that you had such success with this exercise. I was wondering if you did the exercise the same time of day or was it at different times? I tried to do this exercise after my lunch, in my office. I did not fall into that quick transition that you felt. I had to focus on my breathing for a long time, I had to breath in and breath out. I actually had to say in and then out to keep my focus on each breath. Do you think it was the time of day that I tried the exercise? The Loving-Kindness exercise I did at night before bed and it worked better. I'm starting to think that the time in which you do these relaxing exercises can impact your outcome. What do you think? Let me know.
Thanks, Emily
Hi Emily,
ReplyDeleteIt was quick for me but I think it was because I was ready to release and relax. I had been working on my power point and thoroughly exhausted myself mentally. It was pass mid day when I practiced and all this could have had some impact. Breathing was not a real problem (maybe I was not doing the right way) and others said they had problem with breathing too. However, it did what it needed to do for me and I am glad gradually it worked for you. I also did the Loving Kindness prior bed or retiring at the end of the day but it was more about continually focusing on something different that didn't work for me. I think I will try this one again and implement into my lifestyle change.