I have been thinking about meditation. I haven't actually meditated, but I have been thinking about it which is not the same thing. I've read the reports that say that 10 minutes of meditation a day is oh-so-good for you, but where to start?
I just stumbled upon this TED talk by Andy Puddicombe which makes me think I could give it a try…
As you know from recent posts, I've been feeling a bit stressed lately so this comes at a good time for me because the next few weeks are looking crazy. Meditation, deep breaths, practicing saying 'no', are all things I'm going to try to do.
In related news: There is an outside chance that Bear may be making a move to be born. As I write this, around noon on Super Bowl Sunday, I figure that there is a chance that he will make a surprise appearance during the game, while Chris is onstage being a henchman, with Judy (Lorna's mom) there to catch him. Judy caught Elanor so she has had practice. If that is the case, I hope to be there for backup. Or, Bear won't be born today. Babies. You just can't set your watch by them!
I leave for Baytown, TX, in the morning to teach and lecture. (Just watch, Bear will come when I'm out of town!) I come home Wednesday. Thursday my doctor is going to re-open my tear duct. We both have high hopes that this time it works. As I lay on the sofa recuperating, I'll think meditative thoughts. Who knows, it may be that Bear waits until I'm up and around to be born. Lorna says that could happen too.
Piece O Cake Blog 
Meditation is very popular here in Australia, and not in the weird way. It is even practiced frequently in schools. Good luck with your ‘busy’ week!
LikeLike
I’ve heard alot of babies are borned when it is a full moon.
LikeLike
My number one meditation tip is to get a timer. I’m sure you can get a timer app for your iPhone. Without a timer, you spend most of your meditation time wondering what time it is! With the timer, it’s one less distraction. Start with 5 minutes, work up to 10 or 15.
Where to start? The concept is simple. Pick one thing, and think only about that. Most of the time people say to think about your breath, but I prefer to choose a colour. Find a colour that feels stable to you, with no strong feelings attached, and just visualize that colour.
You can’t just stop thinking right away. The secret is to pick one neutral thing, and just keep thinking about that. Other thoughts will arise, but as soon as you realize you’re off track, let them go and go back to your colour.
This may be something you and your husband want to try together. It may feel less strange if you know he is sitting there doing the same thing.
Persistence is the whole game here. As long as you keep sitting every day, that is how you measure success. All the best!
LikeLike
Great suggestion! I think I can concentrate on aqua…
LikeLike
I am a long time meditator and it takes practice to quiet your mind. Children are often provided a mantra to help them to meditate and i find it helpful too. i also found that lighting a candle and focusing on the flame was a great help when I first began to meditate. That is also a great technique used for teaching children that works for adults too. Good luck on your journey to peace.
LikeLike
You might want to take a look at Susan Piver’s Open Heart Project: http://susanpiver.com/open-heart-project/. She sends out a guided meditation video twice a week. I started at the beginning of the year and it has been helpful — a good introduction to meditation for beginners. (It’s free.)
LikeLike
Contratuatlions on the baby! My 87 year old mom got me on to “Yoga for the Rest of Us”. I start my morning with the easy stuff which I find helps both my computer and quilting neck/back issues. It also helps me not launch right into the problems I need to deal with. Very calming. Mom does an hour a day – on the floor.
LikeLike