Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.
~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama ~
The practices that I have found to be the most beneficial to me are the Subtle Mind and the Visualization exercises.
By using my breathe to calm my mind, I can go into a very deep and relaxing state. This was initially hard for me to do as I had tended to go towards a mindfulness meditation prior to this course. I have learned to do this anytime and anywhere. This practice has such a calming effect on me that I have found my entire nature has changed. My memory is better and my mind is clearer. I have been able to focus and I do not depend on 100 lists anymore so not to forget things. (so in addition to calming my mind I am able to save a tree)
The visualization exercises were very easy for me to do. I was able to focus on the images presented in the text, remember them so as to do the exercise on my own, under the stars, my favorite place to meditate. I found after practicing the visualization exercise that my "veil" seems to be busyness. I have never been one to be idle, I always have to be doing "something". But I have noticed my walk is slower, I notice things, and I truly see.
I can implent these practices everyday by continuing my meditation practices. By being aware of every moment and event that happens in my life and those around me. I will remember to breathe and smile, to take a moment to let go and just be. I will appreciate and be grateful for every moment and event that happens and treat them as a moment of change and freedom. I will treat every simple piece of repetive, manual work as the ultimate divine service, for that is what it is.
I will continue on my quest for complete and utter abandonment through loving kindness. I will think before speaking and become aware of what motivates my words.
Peace ~ Robin
Hi Robin,
ReplyDeleteI think I could actually use this blog entry as a form of comfort and peace. I found myself taking breaths as I was reading. How wonderful a picture you created in my mind as you wrote about meditating under the stars. I could see myself getting lost in the stars, If I di not live in a city where the stars get lost in the city lights.
You comment about how the monks responded with two breaths when they hear chimes is a very easy practice which we can all partake of. I use double digits such as clocks 11:00 or 1:22 to give thanks for all of the good things and people I have in my life. I may just add a couple of breaths to this in order to not only send out thoughts of gratefulness, but to also be able to feel what I am grateful for.I would like to "Thank You" for the woderful insight I have been able to gain from you discussion board and your blog.
Stay Happy, Healthy and at Peace
Deb
Hi Robin! "Under the stars" is a great place to meditate, and I am also fortunate enough to be able to experience this oneness with the universe. I like your idea about the cell phones and mindfulness. I was always taught in Catholic schools to say a prayer when I hear a siren...I'll expand on this with the breathing and being mindful of my circumstances, thanks for the example! Busyness also seems to be my "veil", and I still have difficulty quieting my mind and body. I'm working on this with relaxation techniques, however, I find that exercising while I meditate is the most beneficial for me. Thanks for all of your insight throughout this term, and Good Luck on your continued journey!!
ReplyDeleteHi Robin,
ReplyDeleteI would probably consider myself "high-strung"...I am easily preoccupied with problems and have found it difficult to meditate very much. I appreciated your perspective about the monks and meditation. I suppose sounds like that can bring us back into reality and appreciate the finer things in life.