Quote:
Originally Posted by Xynesthesia
I have been into meditation for over 10 years but I would never do it in therapy sessions. I do it on my own and originally learned techniques and principles from a buddhist scholar/meditation teacher that I like very much, I went to group retreats with him to learn. I like him as a guide very much and sometimes listen to his online podcasts when I meditate on my own. I am very picky about who I am even willing to listen to about meditation and find most useless, but my teacher works for me so I stick with him, he is very dynamic and there are often new things by him that I can access online. I would not think of a therapy session as a good place to meditate.
On the crying... I actually have a strong opinion on that. I think that crying is frequently overrated, as though it was the most intense way to experience and/or express emotion. I definitely don't think it is the most meaningful, more that it is indeed a reaction to emotions, a momentary physiological reaction, which can sometimes provide good instant relief, but I don't feel it is the best means to dive deeply into feelings. But maybe I see it this way because I am not a crier myself, also never cried in a therapy session. You mentioned art - for me, art work is a far, far more meaningful way to explore my feelings and to express them to others (when I share it). I actually tried it with one of my therapists (the one that I respected more) but he did not care much about it, did not even look at them after a while and we discussed it only marginally. I think he is just not particularly receptive to art, at least using it for communication with a client. But I know a lot of them who would be interested in looking at client's art work (not just the so-called art therapists).
So perhaps working on finding opportunities to show your art could indeed be a not a bad move?
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I'm glad you have a meditation teacher you like! My T started me on breathing with her 7 years ago when I started therapy with her. I used to be self conscious but not anymore. She once did a guided meditation with me too. She practices yoga and got me doing that too. Not in the session!

So meditation with her wasn't weird but it's the first time I suggested it.
Thanks for your input on crying. I just wish I could cry once in therapy. I've come close but I stop myself.
My T is an artist too, and she has her artwork displayed on her office walls. She also has some of mine! I took her advice, and yours. I am going to pursue my dream and make it a goal. I already found a local artists organization I can join and I can submit one painting into their exhibition in the fall. I am so excited! It's a start!
