Meditation Download

Success!  We went to the meditation course last night and I got exactly the result I was hoping for!  

During our first foray into meditation, our instructor told us one of life's lessons: "expectations reduce the joy in life."  So with that sentiment, I went into it with an open mind, knowing that whatever happened, I just wanted to feel better afterwards.  And I am happy to report that I did!  I still do!

This particular course is only $5 and starts with a 20-25 minute "lesson" on meditation, followed by a 30 minute guided meditation.  Last night's talk focused on how well-known Colorado is for being one of the healthiest states.  Physically.  But that we don't always do the necessary "exercises" for our mind.  Insert meditation.  We focused on the importance of being able to control our minds when toxic or negative thoughts threaten to take over.  Sounds so simple, but in all honesty, I think we allow these types of take-overs more often than we may realize.

Our instructor gave a very simple example, and again, it sounds so obvious.  Yet, I have found myself in this situation more than I care to admit.  Say your car breaks down on the side of the road.  You have a problem.  If you allow this inconvenience to take over your mind, you now have two problems.  And the one you added to the mix does nothing to help you.  

These are welcome challenges for me.  As I have mentioned before, Chris is so much better at this than I am. The first time we traveled together, I remember getting in late to our destination after missing our first flight. Chris called the rental car company from the terminal to figure out how to get to the rental pick-up.  He was so polite and nice to the person on the other end, thanking them for their help before hanging up.  I looked to him for direction, asking which way we needed to go.  His response?  "They're closed. We can't get a car." You never would have been able to guess that this was the answer he was given on the phone, because he was still so positive and happy.  

This continues to be a lesson for me, one that I call on quite often.  It is easy to let things bring us down, but how much better will we feel if we roll with the punches and laugh our way through it?  I have some really good friends who are pros at this.  My hope is that I can continue to learn from their example.

I left last night's class feeling more calm than I had in recent memory.  Peaceful, really.  It was a welcome surprise for me, and I hope I can continue to make this a priority in my life.

Well, another thing checked off my Summer Bucket List!  Feeling energized and motivated to continue my journey of self-growth.

Buddhist Meditation

One thing that has been on my to-do list for a while is to attend a Buddhist temple and try a meditation session.  Although I have done a similar form of meditation in the past, I have been hesitant (nervous?) to go on my own. So in an attempt to actually make it happen, I added this to my 2013 Summer Bucket List.  And the form that is at the top of my list is Loving Kindness Mediation.

{ from our visit to Hong Kong last year }

I think many people turn to religion in hard times, allowing their faith to pull them through.  I have never been a very religious person, though that does not mean I do not have my own beliefs.  I find that Buddhism calls to me in a way that traditional religion does not.  To me, Buddhism is more a way of life.  A life practicing wisdom, compassion and awareness.  I appreciate the ability to see the good in any situation, and although I do feel like I an fairly good at this, I want to challenge myself to follow this path even in hard times.

I also appreciate that with Buddhism, it is not about convincing others to follow the same principles, but is more about leading by example.  Those who choose to follow certainly can, but it is never pressed upon anyone that they should believe what you believe, when it comes to Buddhism.  

In my endless attempt to continue to grow and evolve, I hope that this is an area that I can make some real progress.  It is so easy to allow the negative things that surround us to take over, and I hope that in times of struggle, this meditation can be my solace.

The result of my desire for growth?  I am going to the temple tonight!  I am very much looking forward to it, and am happily dragging Chris along with me.  Hey, haven't you ever heard of safety in numbers?!  Luckily, Chris is just as interested in all of this as I am.

Have you tried meditation?  Do you feel like it had a positive impact on you?

Wish me luck!