Last year I found myself leading a mindfulness movement at work, and with so much focus on the power of consistent meditation, I decided I should quit dabbling in it and try a regular practice.As part of a group a colleague was leading, I meditated for 20 minutes every day for 10 weeks! Then, when the class was over, I gradually found myself meditating less and less.
Over the holiday break, a friend pointed out that a period of great creativity and joy in my life corresponded with this period of meditation. So, I’m back at it: 10 minutes a day, trying to make it part of my morning routine (but cutting myself some slack when work demands me extra early and fitting the 10 minutes wherever I can in my day). I shared this intention with my friend Maureen, and she sent me over to Zen Habits : Breathe and Leo Babouta’s Meditation for Beginners: 20 Practical Tips for Understanding the Mind. The quote below from this article captured much of the value I have found so far.
“Probably most importantly, it has helped me understand my own mind. Before I started meditating, I never thought about what was going on inside my head — it would just happen, and I would follow its commands like an automaton. These days, all of that still happens, but more and more, I am aware of what’s going on. I can make a choice about whether to follow the commands. I understand myself better (not completely, but better), and that has given me increased flexibility and freedom.” ~Leo Babouta, Zen Habits : Breathe
*image found at http://www.beadsforacause.com/products/breathe-bead
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It is a journey, not a destination. The great news is that the learning is constant. Even Leo says he doesn’t understand himself completely. Completely is impossible. Understanding himself better is a payoff in the moment. This moment is all we have to manage. You go girl!
I wish you success in accomplishing meditation every day. I’m sure you will make it a daily habit like brushing your teeth. ❤
Diana xo
Well done Vicki. Love the quote and I am excited you are enjoying the stillness.
Yeah! It really does open up creativity when create space in our heads 🙂
Thanks, Maureen, Diana, Karen and Val, for your encouragement. EnJOYing (mostly) the journey!
Vicki I am aiming for ten minutes a day at the moment, we can inspire each other. Today I sat on my deck and in the rain I meditated, it was beautiful. I hope to raise my time as I practice daily. You inspire me to keep at it. Thank you.
Kath
Kath, yes, let’s inspire and encourage each other. Your rainy deck meditation sounds like a peaceful and soothing one…I like it when that happens, when a sense of peace and calm invites itself into my practice – however, often it’s more like a thunderstorm or tornado of thoughts running around in my head! ;] I, too, hope to increase my time – if not to 20 minutes, for example, in one sitting, then to 2 10-minute sittings a day…something like that. Going with the flow of it and what inspires me. Vicki
Vicki,I too do not do it as regularly as my mind would like me to. But it’s like coming home when I do. One of my favourite meditations is Wayne Dyer’s Wishes Fulfilled audio track. It is so peaceful and a wonderful treat when I do make the time. EnJOY as you say!
Sunita, maybe I should try more guided meditations! I was just reading this article and I thought of you because you have such great ideas for making mindfulness practical in the workplace – I thought you’d like it: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201510/how-bring-mindfulness-meetings-10-tips Vicki
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