Did meditation make a difference?

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

FIfteen days ago, I started an on-line meditation course. It has been a challenge to discipline myself, even when we were out of town, to spend the 15 or so minutes listening to the information and meditating. However, I think it made a huge difference in a visit we made while out of town.
My DH has an uncle who taught him to play tennis and has always been a favorite with all the cousins and even with the great nieces and nephews. We all had a great time almost 10 years ago planning and celebrating his 80th birthday. He is now in very fragile health and perhaps our visit this weekend was our last. I have always been uncomfortable in nursing homes and around older, frail people. Something was different this time. I didn't feel I had to say anything. I could just be there. I sat beside his bed, held his hand and poured as much love into my gaze as I could. The love that came back through his eyes filled me with light. Could I have been open to this two weeks ago? I don't think so.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MIADOLCEVITA 9/7/2010 7:34PM

Meditation open us to a wonderful world. Thank you for your posting. Report Inappropriate Comment

Cardio and Strength Training without equipment

Monday, September 06, 2010

We are spending the long weekend with family in St. Louis. Part of the purpose was to help our DD move from my SIL where she has been staying the summer (as she prepared for and took the Missouri bar exam) to the house she will be sharing with a friend of her cousins. My DH had rotator cuff surgery in late July, so he was mostly a director of the process. After carrying heavy boxes and two marble tops for bureaus down one flight of stairs and into her new abode, my DD knew I wanted more. I was given the task of taking things to the basement. I was up and down the stairs at least a dozen times.
Since all work and no play is no fun and DD's good friend was visiting, we took time off in the afternoon to spend two hours walking at the zoo. Did I mention I slept well last night. By the way to see my plans for today, check out my status!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LESLIEJEAN43 9/6/2010 3:24PM

It sounds as if you really enjoyed your work, AND your play!! What a great day for you. Hugs, Leslie Report Inappropriate Comment

JCORYCMA 9/6/2010 12:03PM

Excellent way to get exercise and have fun too! Report Inappropriate Comment

PLAYBLUES22 9/6/2010 10:51AM

Nice job Sweetie Report Inappropriate Comment

VXWALL1942 9/6/2010 10:18AM

Good job! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBRATAH 9/6/2010 10:07AM

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PRINCESSTTM 9/6/2010 9:53AM

great workout with special buddies... Report Inappropriate Comment

Meditation is making a difference

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

I have decided to meditate every day for 10 minutes in the morning shortly after getting up and 15 minutes before I go to bed at night. I have a "streak" of nine days going and I am beginning to see a difference in my demeanor, my attitudes and my equanimity. I have found ways in difficult conversations where lots of criticism was flying to gently suggest other motives and other possibilities for the behavior being criticized. I was surprised when the responses I got were all similar to "I never thought of it that way" and a sense of greater compassion arise.
The also applies to me. I am more compassionate with myself, less obsessed with getting everything perfect balanced every day on my nutrition tracker. I am going into a holiday weekend away from without dread, but with confidence about my choices and my ability not to draw attention to those choices.
This meditation process is not religious, but spiritual. That is a difference that is difficult to explain other than to say the point is to discover the quietness and stillness within me that lets me more fully appreciate my connection to all of creation.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHANTISHANTI 9/6/2010 10:47AM

Wow, I just started the same practice last week. I have committed to 15 minutes in the morning, to just sit on my cushion and follow the breath. No expectation, no judgment, just quiet time, to be with me. I know this will help in every aspect of my life, to slow me down, to help me to focus, to remind me of what truly is important in this world. By living a more spiritual life, I will be more able to send peace out into the universe. Have a wonderful Labor Day. Namaste. Report Inappropriate Comment

LESLIEJEAN43 9/3/2010 4:00PM

Good for you! I often think about starting a meditation practice, but never seem to get started... Report Inappropriate Comment

PRINCESSTTM 8/31/2010 9:20PM

thanks for sharing!!!! I am inspired Report Inappropriate Comment

Emotional Eating Resource

Monday, August 30, 2010

http://www.emotionaleatingsecrets.com/how-
to-stop-eating-when-youre-full/
This site has three scientific reasons supporting a way to "eat" through your emotional eating...it is titled "How to stop eating when you are full."
Check it out and see what you think.

  

Varied and interesting day

Sunday, August 29, 2010

This morning DH and I went to our favorite Sunday morning restaurant. I created my own breakfast "off the menu" and only paid $5. I had 2 poached eggs with salsa, dry toast (great to sop up the yolks) and fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.) We then took a walk through a relatively new downtown sculpture garden.
I came home to catch up on Spark and other email. Yesterday I found a site on emotional eating... you get a free 18 pg. PDF describing a method of dealing with emotional eating. That email included 2 conversations between a husband and wife team of psychologists who both have dealt with weight issues. The conversations demonstrate how to use the program described in the PDF. The I got another email with a third conversation. I'm not sure how many I get free and, of course, I get "encouragement" to buy their program... but I have found some very interesting ideas so far. If it keeps looking good, I may post a link.
Then off to a restorative yoga class which was just what I wanted... however, the first 1/2 of the class was restorative in that we did some very challenging poses to open up our bodies so we could really appreciate the restorative poses. I must admit by the time we got to a heart opening pose, I could literally and figuratively feel my spirit open and rise. It was wonderful

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SYLPHINPROGRESS 8/29/2010 8:38PM

You've described bliss! How wonderful to have that experience in yoga class after a delightful breakfast with a delightful (yes?) sweetheart and companion. never mind "emotional eating." Never heard of it. Laurie Report Inappropriate Comment

LESLIEJEAN43 8/29/2010 7:41PM

It sounds as if you had a wonderful day! Good for you. Report Inappropriate Comment