Meditation anyone? 30 minutes a day for 8 weeks... you in?

Snow blindness! When I got back in the house my red jacket looked green and the white kitchen was pink. lol. Everything settle quickly enough. I managed to get one snow critter made. Kind of looks like a bear with curves and no ears. lol. The snow is really wet and heavy.

Sun.... I have a feeling my matt is going to make it out of the bag today. lol.

I didn't manage to sit this a.m. I didn't sleep last night. Insomnia is back the past week. I have problems too, Sanity, with very disturbing images and thoughts coming to mind. I'm sorry that you and Sundog experience that. I give in a lot to avoiding things I should do, meditate, cook, clean, even play and socialize. Maybe, I can sit for a few minutes, stretch, or find an inspirational video online this evening. Love to you all.

Good job on the snow bear!!! And good luck with the mat!!! (((((ss)))))

So sorry insomnia is plaguing you (((((lavie)))) That's awful. I hope you've been able to take it easy today and that tonight will be better

It's a beautiful day here and I was out for over two hours hiking at lunchtime. Well, part of that was just sitting and meditating. It was really good to feel the sun on my face again since it's been raining a lot here lately. My dogs sat peacefully beside me and it was a good sit all round!

Yea... the dreaded insomnia. When I get into bed I am tired and think sleep will come easily. Within minutes my eyes are open and my mind is buzzing and sleep is no where to be found. Sometimes meditating in bed to settle my breathing will help but not always. Every night is a crap shoot. I am sorry too that any of us have to cope with this. It plays havock every which way you look at it.

I also know what you mean Lavie about putting things off that I 'should' be doing. I wonder if we are being fair to ourselves when we judge our choices. Yes we want balance but I wonder if sometimes we predetermine what that looks like and we plan what to do to ensure balance without listening to our heart and body so that balancing our time and activities can come more organically from within. I think maybe we could be more successful with balance if we didn't intellectualize it and thing it is something we have to manage. Our heart and body need to have a stronger voice in our lives perhaps. Thus is the gift of meditation.It teaches us to listen from within so that what we do is grounded and at peace with our whole being.

Maybe try to catch yourself when you judge your performance and those things you feel you 'should' do will happen more naturally. If instead you expressed gratitude for what you were able to do those things you didn't won't carry so much weight. Just a thought.

I am so happy for you Sun to hear about your sit in the sun. Kind of cool how even your dog got into it. lol By the way what is your dog's name?

My snow buddy fell over. Boo Hoo. Never in all the years I have been making snow buddies this is the first time one fell down. I think between packing the snow too tight and the snow being pretty wet that the weight was too much. We had more snow again last night so I will try again to build a snow buddy. This time I won't pack the snow so hard.

Other then the anxiety busting moments of focused breathing and mindfullness throughout the I sat and listened to some soothing music last night. I considered it a meditation because I mindfully stayed focused on the music and brushed aside any distractions. It was very relaxing. I then spent a bit of time in silence, ready to receive from the universe and then some time giving thanks and offering prayers. Sort of like your mettas Lavie.

I have been wondering just how much time I spend in a day doing 1 to 5 minute anxiety busting meditations. I bet its into the hours. I am going to start to track it just out of curiousity. I know it has increased since we started this thread. It comes to mind as a tool sooner and is therefore more effective and preventative.

I'm sorry about your snowbuddy, ss!!!! Awwww!!! It's great that you are spending so much time throughout the day being mindful. I think that is the ultimate goal. There is mindfulness in the form of formal meditation practice, and then there is mindfulness as a way of living. Sounds like you are well on the way to the latter

I have 3 dogs: Buckaroo, Ebony and Scamper. We are pretty much joined at the hip. We are together every moment of the day just about. They definitely pick up on my energy and I think they are enjoying the extra meditation sessions! I had a good session this morning. My breathing fell naturally into a slow, deep, even rhythm. Usually I have to consciously breathe in that way. Today it was happening on it's own. At least for a little while!

Love to all

I want to make sure to read this later when I have time, so I hope no one minds me posting this so I remember.

Hi gaia. Welcome to the thread!

Yea... my poor snow buddy but it was a hoot to watch. First the head and then the second ball started to tip. It was so funny and my son and I had a lot of laughs imagining the internal dialogue. It was like he was trying to reconnect his head.

We got another big dump of show so I was all excited I would have another chance. Unfortunately this snow fall was too dry and the snow won't stick together. One day it is very wet the next it is too dry. I think the snow had bi polar. lol.

What a lovely family you have. Love their names too. Very cool how they are sharing the experience with you.

I know what you mean about the breathing. Sometimes it can take a while before I am able to breath smoothly. I have to work up to deep breathing. Isn't it nice when you find yourself breathing rythmically naturally. Being more mindful throughout the day helps me to catch those times when my breathing is either really rapid or nearly non existent. Does that ever happen to your guys? I had a dentist ask me once if I was okay because he didn't hear or see me breathing. When stress is constant for any length of time I nearly stop breathing because I am so tense.

I think I am beginning to find a balance that works for me between formal sits and being more mindfull throughout the day. I can still be trigger when caught off guard but recovery is easier and quicker.

Welcome gaia. It is nice to have you join us here.

wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww so many amazing posts. Thank you so much for all the wonderful reading. Welcome Mgran And Gaia.

I wanted to jump right in and post. But the problem with not having read for more than a day is that there are then too many good things to respond to.

SS, I am sorry things were so challenging with meditation. But congrats on forging ahead and coming out on the winning side. Love the snow buddies. Sundog, (((( for your canine family )))) Lavine, You and everyone are looking for inspirational things to watch online, I should do that also. Thanks for the suggestion.

I am going to sit tonight. I am not good at doing it during the day. Night time is my time to come alive. I know that sounds rather odd. But it is the way it is. Plus, I suppose there is the matter of procrastination. Oh yes. So because of the inspiration of this thread. I will sit in the light tonight. Doing what I call " running my energy ". Sundog, I love the picture of Thich Nhat Hanh. Soooooooo beautiful. He is amazing. Love looking at the picture. Thank you. You all can call me Sunsun for short if you want. Huge blessings to all <3<3<3

Hi Sunsun. Nice to hear from you again and thank you for your support. Meditation and mindfullness have been my lifesaver lately. I am grateful to Madisgram for the inspiration. I am still hoping she will join us here too.

I totally relate to coming alive at night. I can be dragging myself all evening waiting for bedtime and then at about 10pm I am energized again as though I had just woken for a long restful sleep. If I go to bed too early I am awake in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep.

Meditating has been helpful to settle me back down so sleep has a better chance. It doesn't always work but when I do sleep it seems to be a more restful sleep then before.

I like that... running my energy. Good description. I hope you have a satisfying sit tonight. I am looking forward to sitting tonight too.

Hehe to the Bi Polar snow!! ((((((ss))))))) Thanks for being interested in my doggies! They are my world!

I can really relate to what you say here about barely breathing. I get these phases where I have what I call "self-conscious" breathing. By that I mean, phases where I suddenly become aware of my breathing and aware that something is off kilter with it. It feels almost like I've forgotten how to breathe properly.

This happens quite a bit in bed when I'm trying to go to sleep. But it can happen at any time when I'm at rest (let alone what happens when I'm really anxious, but that's a whole other story!). My "self-conscious" breathing often attracts my attention while I'm watching TV. It's very unsettling and it's the kind of thing where the more I think about it, the worse it gets. I really feel as if I might actually stop breathing altogether. What I find helps me most in that situation is to move around quite vigorously. For example, going outside for a brisk walk (not very practical in the early morning hours!!). When I start doing something that requires me to breathe more deeply, then my "regular" breathing kicks in. It's when I'm being "idle" that I often have the most problems. Even sitting here now typing this, I can feel my breathing start to go off kilter a bit. I'm sure it's anxiety-related for me since I do have a lot of problems with anxiety. And my psychiatrist told me that the autonomic nervous system (breathing, heart rate, swallowing, digestion, muscle movements etc etc) are often effected on a sub-conscious and conscious level by anxiety.

Anyhow, that's why I really do appreciate it when my breathing falls into a good pattern! Generally when I meditate I can get some "good breathing" going (unless I'm very anxious). So I'm trying to do more of that meditation style breathing in other situations too (by "meditation style breathing" I mean, deliberate, slow, full breaths using my diaphragm not my chest).

It's great that you are noticing so many improvements (((((((ss))))))))

I can relate to becoming more energized at night too! I find it really hard to go to bed. In the mornings though, I find it really hard to get up! I wish the situation could be reversed!

Hugs to you ((((((((SunSun)))))))) And hugs to all

Not my best day. Feeling quiet nausiated. it has been coming on for a while but today is the worst yet. I thought it was stomach anxiety but I am not so sure now. Anyways.... more unpleasant than anything.

Not much of a sit last night nor this morning. Quiet focused breathing while in bed both times. My tummy ache was distracted but not as bad when I was laying down. I am going to try to sit later today and focus on my tummy and see if I can't get some relief.

Wishing you all a great day.

Really sorry about the tummy ache and nausea (((((((ss)))))))) I often feel nauseated too, though I don't tend to have stomach ache with it. It's just a horrible feeling of queasiness. Anxiety can definitely do that, but if it persists it's probably a good idea to get it checked out?? I really hope you feel better soon

No time for a sit this morning and it's pouring with rain so I won't be able to sit at lunch time on my dog hike. I'll have to try and do a double session this evening.

Love to all

Thanks sun. It is not so much a stomach ache as stomache tension I think. The nausea makes eating rough. It takes me a couple of hours just to get my lunch down today. No fun.

I did mention it to the doctor when I went to see him to get some forms signed today and he agreed it was probably anxiety but he wants to do a lung test to see if there is anything there to be concerned about. I agreed even though I doubt the hyperventilated has anything to do with my lungs. I don't think he really gets it.

I can't do much of anything before my heart starts racing and I start to hyperventilate as though I had just come in from a run. Just having a shower and dressing for my appointment required me to sit down to settle my breathing at least a half a dozen times. Standing up long enough to do dishes or prepare a meal is vertually impossible without feeling like I am going to pass out.

It is very draining and it is effecting my mood because I am too drained to cope very well with the ups and downs of mixed episode at the same time.

Anyways.... Enough of my whinning. I think it may actually related to my thyroid. How I feel is similar to how it was before I accepted treatment. Blood work a couple of weeks ago suggested a need to increase the dosage but it was only yesterday that I was able to fill the script. If that is the cause then it should pass soon. I responded very quickly to the meds once I started them so maybe I will feel some improvement soon.

Not much of a sit this afternoon. Mostly just resting and attending to my breathing. Anxiety busting. It does help to focus on those parts of my body holding the stress and it does ease things for a while.

Its a slow self care day.

I'm really sorry you're having a hard time physically (((((ss))))) I hope that the dosage change in your thyroid meds will help. I wish you a restful afternoon and evening

Thanks Sun. It has been very restful since coming home from the doctor appointment. It is helping ease the tension in my tummy. I was watching phoebe for a while until it was too dark. Otherwise I have been cruising all over the boards while watching the news channel on tv keeping a watch on Lybia. I think I need to take a break from both. Its time to give my brain a rest.

I hope you have had a good day and your evening is peaceful. And may the sun come out again for you tomorrow so you and your beauties can enjoy its warm healing gift.

Thanks so much ((((((ss))))))) I've been doing too much internet surfing too and my brain feels fried tonight. I am so compulsive about my computer use. I know it would serve me better to turn my laptop off way earlier in the evenings and spend a good hour or so winding down before I even start meditating......On that note, I'm going to turn it off now and go take a bath with some salts for my back. I hope you're resting peacefully

Hi, guys! I've been following this thread as an encouragement to regularly meditate and have been picking up some tips here. Here are some thoughts I am meditating on this morning:



They seem literal, but I got to thinking about "the laugh as much as you breathe" one and thought about how laughing is similar to diaphragmatic breathing. Maybe that's one of the reasons I feel so refreshed after a good laugh!

Breathing is so key!! I find myself subtly holding my breath, or breathing shallowly while busy at a task. Just focussing on taking a few deep breaths when I realize I'm doing it maintains a calm throughout the day.

Beautiful pic Sun. So much beauty to take in. Thank you.

Me too. I have been doing pretty well lately getting myself off line earlier to give myself a bit of time before trying to meditate to slow down my brain. I have noticed you doing the same thing now and then so we are both making some progress in that direction. Unfortunately I couldn't sleep last night no matter what I tried so I ended up back on line into the wee hours of the morning. I was able to finally get some sleep but not until 5am. A bath in salts might have been a good idea too. At least I beat the sunrise. Now that I say that a sunrise meditation would have been nice especially since the sky is clear of clouds again today.

I hope the sun is shining upon you today. Be well.

That has been the most valuable learning since meditating more. Taking a deep breath is magical.

I am glad the thread is offering you encouragement to meditate.

Your picture didn't show up but I love the 'laugh as much as you breathe'. It makes sense what you say about diaphragmatic breathing. It forces you to take in air from the belly instead of the chest. I am a big fan of laugh therapy. It lifts my spirits and lightens my load. I sometimes have a laughing session with myself in the mirror. My son of course things I am a little "off". lol. When I am down I often go to utube to watch a few funny clips. Here is one of my favourites that no matter how much I see it I roll over in laughter, especially when the manniquin enters the picture.

Thanks (((((((ss))))))) I'm sorry you weren't able to sleep last night. I had a bad night too. Even though I was really tired and had a long soak in the tub beforehand. I went to sleep ok, but then I kept waking up. It was very stormy last night and a couple of things in the backyard blew over. Then my back was really aching again and I started worrying about it. I probably should have got up, but instead I just lay there.

I hope tonight is a better one for both of us

(((((((((wing))))))))) Thanks so much for sharing that. I was able to see the image. I really like the idea of meditating on some specific word or mantra, as opposed to focusing on my breath. I do that sometimes and I want to do more of it.

While doing some reading online I came across the term "gatha". It's a sanskrit word meaning verse or poem, and it seems gathas are often used in meditation practice. Moreover, they are used throughout the day as a "tool" to help us return to a state of mindfulness.

I really like this idea because it only takes a few seconds to recite them and you can do it anywhere. In the car at a stop light, at your desk, waiting to speak to someone on the telephone etc. Or you can recite them repeatedly while doing a walking meditation. You can either use a pre-existing gatha, or make up your own.

In the article I was reading it suggests this as a gatha to start the day:

Then throughout the day something like:

And then at the end of the day, this one:

Here's a link to the article: http://iamhome.org/articles/gathas.php

Sorry for your struggle with sleep last night Sun. Waking up through the night is the worst. It can be very upsetting especially if I am really tired. Do you think the increased back ache was because of the anxiety from you fight for sleep? Do you think the waking was because of the wind? When I wake up throughout the night that my resolve to stay calm is almost non existance. It can be really upsetting and I will often ache somewhere on my body. It must be a hundred times worse given you back problems being so constant already.

I am with you. I hope tonight is better for both of us too. I claim it to be so!!

I am heading out into the record cold for our area (-10C) to enjoy a dose of sunshine and crisp air. I will need to bundle up good today. It is beautiful out there. The sky is so blue and the mountains are shining with snow. Beauty is so magical.

As the days get longer we are getting more direct sunlight in our little valley surrounded by mountains. In the heart of winter we might get maybe 30 minutes around the noon hour between mountain peaks blocking the sun. I have to walk a good distance to the north to get out of the shadow.