If you are like me and you wish you could meditate more, I've got a solution for you. There are so many things going on in our lives that keep us keyed up and tense. I know for me one of those things was doing the dishes. However in the process of learning to be present in my life I have come to not only be accepting of doing the dishes, but to find it very meditative. Here is what I do.
First, you need a sink full of dishes. (of course one dish will do, it just won't last as long) Before you do anything, take a couple of deep breaths and become aware of your body. Feel your feet on the floor. Feel anywhere you body is touching something else. Your clothes, the sink the sponge in your hand, etc.
Once you are centered in your body begin the ritual of washing the dishes. Focus on the temperature of the water, the feel of the soap, become fully aware of your physical surroundings. Any time your mind wanders to something that is not the mechanics of washing dishes, bring your attention back to what you are doing. How does the dish feel in your hand? Solid? Fragile? Rough? Can you still smell dinner? the dish soap?
Remember to breath.
Be deliberate in all that you do. You can wash fast or slow. Whatever works for you, just don't rush as this is an indication you are not fully present and you are probably already thinking about what is next on your list.
Once you are complete feel what your state of being is at that moment. Just be with whatever it is. Are you feeling peaceful? Complete? If the state of being feels good to you, take it with you to your next task. If on the other hand you feel tense or anxious, review what you have just done. More than likely you allowed yourself to drift from the present moment. No worries, this is just an exercise. When next you are faced with more dishes is your chance to practice again.
Now that you are complete release the task as being done and continue with whatever comes next.
Let me know how this worked for you.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Choosing Pain
So as I go on this fabulous journey to create inner peace I have come to some realizations. One of which is how we as human beings choose pain. Yes, I said we CHOOSE pain.
I know for myself there have been days when I have felt down and I know that all I have to do is think of something else, or change what I am doing to change how I feel. And I'll spend a few minutes "trying" (a useless word really. Like Yoda said, you either do or do not, there is no try.) to change my state of mind. However, after a few minutes I will convince myself that it's too much effort or too hard, and I'll give up and slip back into feeling blue.
It's incredible really. Once I really got that, it became easier and easier to change my state of being. It is not instant, at least not yet, but it sure beats the alternative. Staying sad. Once I began to make that realization for myself I began to see how my friends make that choice, too.
It has been interesting watching my friends choose the stories that keep them in turmoil. We make up a story about whatever present situation we find ourselves in and continually add to it until the story is bigger than what is actually happening. For instance, getting a parking ticket. Annoying yes, but really are you not just reaping the consequences of not following the rules? And in the grand scheme of life it is not in and of itself a big deal.
However, it is when you begin to create a story around it that it grows and takes on a life of its own. "The police are out to get me." "They (whoever 'they' are) are ripping everyone off." "Why does this always happen to me?" So many stories we can make up which if we played it on the big screen would be entertaining, but you could see how the ticket itself is not traumatic. We give it the power to alter our state of being. It does not, in reality have any power over us. Think not? Then why do some people let you in front of them on the freeway while others will honk their horn and suddenly try to run you down? It is all in the individual's state of being. It is not inherently the act itself. Interesting.
It has helped me to greatly improve my ability to spot it in myself. However, it sometimes seems that even knowing we have a choice, we choose it anyway. Why?
I'd love to hear your response to this question.
CJ
I know for myself there have been days when I have felt down and I know that all I have to do is think of something else, or change what I am doing to change how I feel. And I'll spend a few minutes "trying" (a useless word really. Like Yoda said, you either do or do not, there is no try.) to change my state of mind. However, after a few minutes I will convince myself that it's too much effort or too hard, and I'll give up and slip back into feeling blue.
It's incredible really. Once I really got that, it became easier and easier to change my state of being. It is not instant, at least not yet, but it sure beats the alternative. Staying sad. Once I began to make that realization for myself I began to see how my friends make that choice, too.
It has been interesting watching my friends choose the stories that keep them in turmoil. We make up a story about whatever present situation we find ourselves in and continually add to it until the story is bigger than what is actually happening. For instance, getting a parking ticket. Annoying yes, but really are you not just reaping the consequences of not following the rules? And in the grand scheme of life it is not in and of itself a big deal.
However, it is when you begin to create a story around it that it grows and takes on a life of its own. "The police are out to get me." "They (whoever 'they' are) are ripping everyone off." "Why does this always happen to me?" So many stories we can make up which if we played it on the big screen would be entertaining, but you could see how the ticket itself is not traumatic. We give it the power to alter our state of being. It does not, in reality have any power over us. Think not? Then why do some people let you in front of them on the freeway while others will honk their horn and suddenly try to run you down? It is all in the individual's state of being. It is not inherently the act itself. Interesting.
It has helped me to greatly improve my ability to spot it in myself. However, it sometimes seems that even knowing we have a choice, we choose it anyway. Why?
I'd love to hear your response to this question.
CJ
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