So beautiful and gentle. The vivid descriptions of nature and the transition from observing to experiencing remind me of the importance of feeling rather than just watching 😊♥️
I am a meditator and I trained as a coach. Everyone needs something slightly different. Some start with walking meditation as mentioned above, just noticing. Others do well with a focus object- the flame of a candle or the facets of a crystal, and again, noticing. You are not going to be able to clear your mind, I'm sure there may be a monk or two who can but most of us, no. Just simply guide your attention back when you have a thought, back to nature, back to your focus object, back to your breath. If you feel frustrated with the process acknowledge it, allow yourself the thought, "I feel frustrated", then gently guide yourself back again. I hope that is somehow helpful!
I love this… that shift from watching to being is everything. And yes, the same place, totally different experience once you step into it. You can feel that difference in your words.
When I was starting out, what helped me most was letting go of all the expectations of what I thought meditation was supposed to look like… and all the judgment I had toward myself around it. Once I dropped that and just let myself be, everything changed, just like you said, once I stopped overcomplicating it.
And I really love that you said it’s simple but hard… that’s so real. It felt that way for me, too, at first, but you’re already doing it. It just deepens from here 🤍
I love the way you've captured your experience in your poetry. Contemplative prayer is my thing but what we call it doesn't matter. When I started, being still or sitting in silence was something I struggled with, but I gently persisted, now I find those times give me a sense of inner peace and I wouldn't be without them.
that is really helpful. I have struggled with contemplation but I beginning to learn step by step. Being still challenges me . . but I am getting there
When starting meditation, one thing that can help it only doing a few minutes. 3-5 minutes is a beginning. Gradually extending it but without any rush. Another thing to remember is meditation can be done in different positions. Standing meditation. Sitting. Lying on the back relaxed in 'corpse' position. There are a lot of unhelpful messages we somehow absorb about meditation, like the fact you have to eliminate thoughts. It could happen but not usually and certainly not at the beginning. Or that you have to hammer thoughts forcefully away. Just allow them to be without following them. I'm so excited for you that you are stepping forward as I know you have wanted to meditate for some time!
Thank you . . . I thought I was managing 5 minutes comfortably but today checked my phone because I had been going forever and found I still had over a minute to go . ..I find walking helpful and I am trying just to notice thoughts without attaching. M my gardener/therapist says look for the bird, and watch them fly. I am finding that helpful
This is all excellent! Yes, walking meditation is a beautiful way, and watching birds fly can be fully meditative in a way that is truly healing. Well done!
So beautiful and gentle. The vivid descriptions of nature and the transition from observing to experiencing remind me of the importance of feeling rather than just watching 😊♥️
thank you so much, I am glad you liked this
I am a meditator and I trained as a coach. Everyone needs something slightly different. Some start with walking meditation as mentioned above, just noticing. Others do well with a focus object- the flame of a candle or the facets of a crystal, and again, noticing. You are not going to be able to clear your mind, I'm sure there may be a monk or two who can but most of us, no. Just simply guide your attention back when you have a thought, back to nature, back to your focus object, back to your breath. If you feel frustrated with the process acknowledge it, allow yourself the thought, "I feel frustrated", then gently guide yourself back again. I hope that is somehow helpful!
thank you that is really really helpful. Coming back to focus is what I need to learn how to do. My mind is all over the place
I love this… that shift from watching to being is everything. And yes, the same place, totally different experience once you step into it. You can feel that difference in your words.
When I was starting out, what helped me most was letting go of all the expectations of what I thought meditation was supposed to look like… and all the judgment I had toward myself around it. Once I dropped that and just let myself be, everything changed, just like you said, once I stopped overcomplicating it.
And I really love that you said it’s simple but hard… that’s so real. It felt that way for me, too, at first, but you’re already doing it. It just deepens from here 🤍
thank you Andrea, this is so helpful. As your book has been too. Keeping things simple seems to be the best advice.
I love knowing that my book has been a help. That was the hope. Thank you for letting me know. 🤍
Ahhh… being still. ✨✨✨✨🌊
I find it so hard. But grateful that I have lovely views
Lovely, lovely views! Keep going. We got this :) ✨✨✨
I love the way you've captured your experience in your poetry. Contemplative prayer is my thing but what we call it doesn't matter. When I started, being still or sitting in silence was something I struggled with, but I gently persisted, now I find those times give me a sense of inner peace and I wouldn't be without them.
that is really helpful. I have struggled with contemplation but I beginning to learn step by step. Being still challenges me . . but I am getting there
When starting meditation, one thing that can help it only doing a few minutes. 3-5 minutes is a beginning. Gradually extending it but without any rush. Another thing to remember is meditation can be done in different positions. Standing meditation. Sitting. Lying on the back relaxed in 'corpse' position. There are a lot of unhelpful messages we somehow absorb about meditation, like the fact you have to eliminate thoughts. It could happen but not usually and certainly not at the beginning. Or that you have to hammer thoughts forcefully away. Just allow them to be without following them. I'm so excited for you that you are stepping forward as I know you have wanted to meditate for some time!
Thank you . . . I thought I was managing 5 minutes comfortably but today checked my phone because I had been going forever and found I still had over a minute to go . ..I find walking helpful and I am trying just to notice thoughts without attaching. M my gardener/therapist says look for the bird, and watch them fly. I am finding that helpful
This is all excellent! Yes, walking meditation is a beautiful way, and watching birds fly can be fully meditative in a way that is truly healing. Well done!
great to have companions along the way to help.