Monday, May 6, 2013
Unit 7 Meeting Aesclepius
Somehow the narrator is more interesting to me than the female voice, try as I might, I still struggle with these exercises. I had no problem visualizing the wise, man that I would honor and respect, even though I had to create him, but sitting through the long spaces of time in between the instructions is what kills me. It's as if my body doesn't want to relax, no matter how weird that seems, it's like my body feels good or "normal" stressed. Perhaps it's only when I'm truly interested in something that I can relax, such as watching tv after I get off work, I seem to have no problem relaxing my mind then and focusing on that one aspect. The other day my husband and I were talking about our move to Kentucky next March and how much I was looking forward to the drive there because it was the only time I can sit and not think about anything, simply observe. I explained to him this was called the witnessing mind, the ability to simply let thoughts come and go without grasping onto anything in particular. I can sit in the car, look at the scenery outside and even nap off and on without a sleeping pill. The only natural sleep I get is in a moving car. I wish I was more into the idea of meditation, prayer is different for me because it is engaging and conversing with God, it's an action. I guess that's me, all action.
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Jada,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this one. I am having a hard time in between. The long spaces are killing me, although I do understand why the space is there. I am all action as well and maybe that's why prayer is easier for me. I never thought about long drives and the mindless thinking I do on them. Now I'll know that's what witnessing mind is. I kind of feel silly when I try to do the meditations, especially when the rest of my family is home. It's hard to focus and follow the directions when there is constant background noise. Good luck on your move! I wish you safe travels and happy times!
Jo
Jada,
ReplyDeleteI like that you created your wise figure too. I used a fictional character for mine. I am not sure why, but didn't want someone in my life as the figure. (I'm sure that means something...haha) I also have trouble relaxing in situations that are geared towards relaxation, but have been getting better at being able to let go during my meditations. I also find that it is easier for me to zone out and really relax while watching T.V., but I hear that it's rotting my brain. I hope that you can find a normal that isn't a stressed state just for your own health and piece of mind.
Lauren
Jada,
ReplyDeleteI too understand where your coming from. I am busy and running all day. My job requires being on my feet the entire time I am there and moving as quickly as posible. I did not think about it until you mentioned it but my drive home takes about 25 to 30 minutes and there is little to no traffic. I find this drive very relaxing (despite driving 70mph). It is a long stretch of mostly cattle fields and I find myself looking at the fields, cattle, and homes more than the road. God must be driving because I know I am not focused on the road (haha). However, I think I am finding that my mind is most focused and clear at this time and I find it peaceful no matter how my hectic day has gone. I also find it easy to talk to God at this time and generally feel... I dont know,, cleansed.. by the time I get home. I know it sounds weird but I think God has given me this time to pray and meditate and these exercises have given me some understanding and depth into my prayer and meditation.
Mary
Hi Jada,
ReplyDeleteI too am having trouble with the exercises. When the narrator is on, I am okay, but when it is just the sounds of the ocean waves and the flute, I just want to sleep and not concentrate on anything. I think it is the same for me, that when I am not interested in something, I cannot concentrate on it. I too have no problem concentrating on TV! :) That is one of my relaxation techniques. In fact, every night before I go to bed, I have to watch a little bit of TV as it helps me unwind and forget about the day. I also use the time on my train ride home from work to relax. I usually just listen to my iPod throughout the ride, and get lost in my music, but then when I get home, I work on my assignments, so the TV is the unwind from my homework. :)
Donna
Jada,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to you as well. Although, I have a hard time focusing on a television show. I feel as though I could be doing more with my time than just sitting there wasting it. I feel less frustrated with these exercises the more I do them. I think it is because I now what to expect. I wish you well on your journey of mediation and especially your travels. You must be so excited for change!
Hello Jada,
ReplyDeleteI too has a similar experience to yours. I almost was able to complete the full exercise, I used my boyfriend for this exercise, and this seemed to help...a little bit, but after a few minutes all I could think about was the same loop of ocean they have used with every exercise, and it is the same 10 second loop over and over again, and that was all I could concentrate on, which happened in other exercises we have done in this class. I think that it is going to be nice to have that beautiful scenery to be able to meditate on concentrate on other things, and like you I find it easier to pray, even to chant because then you are concentrating on what you're saying and talking about, and like you, I too find it easier to concentrate on TV than it is to meditate and concentrate on nothing or on one thing. Good post!