The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Today's C2C asks "what is meditation?" It suggests that the answer for us is to interpret in our own ways, but drawing on other member's experiences can help us to find what works for us.
It suggests various interpretations such as seeking the spiritual purpose to our actions, concentrating on breathing, reciting the serenity prayer, imagining handing our problems to our HP...there are endless possibilities really.
I struggled for years with mediation because I thought the only way to achieve it was to 'think of nothing" which is of course impossible; the harder you try the more you think..now I try to just stay focused in right now and that works much better for me. I also enjoy guided meditations, especially in a face to face group..for some reason that's easier than alone.
Good Morning Ms. M Great topic and thanks for your service. I find, now that I can keep the focus on the moment and in the day , I can meditate almost anywhere-- riding the bus, walking, doing, Yoga.
I consider quieting my mind, being where my feet are the initial step to meditation Then I look about and feel appreciation and gratitude for the scene before me. It could be a flower, a smile, a child, a dog . a church. Being able to appreciate and be grateful for the world I see, instead of dwelling on the negative aspect that I always looked for when I traveled, is a true spiritual gift. This has been a gradual process and a true gift of being present and in the moment with HP . Other times I will do formal mediation -sit quietly in Church or at home ,close my eyes and "Chant" That works as well .
I thank Alanon for providing me with he ability to be constantly focused on my higher power and the beauty in nature and in the world. I do believe that that's a great form of meditation.
Thank you for sharing the reading today, MissM, and both for your ESH regarding meditation. I like the description of 'quieting the mind', around the concept that my mind chatters away at times with thoughts that don't accurately reflect reality, but instead are poisoned by negativity and fear.
Rather than attempting to focus on nothing, I found that by focusing on just my breathing, a program slogan, serenity prayer, or a chant, I could repeatedly, gently, push away outside chatter of my mind until it gradually faded, leaving me with the serene quiet of my focused thought, idea, or feeling. I set timers for these sessions, starting at three minutes, then five, ten, and so on. The more I practiced, the easier it was to get into my quiet, mind-chatter-free zone, and the longer I could dwell on focused thought.
Besides being immensely healing and calming at the time, I find that, like a muscle that is exercised, my mind's ability to close out the negative chatter is stronger also in non-meditative times. I am able to shut down fearful thoughts of tomorrow or regrets of yesterday without going into full eyes closed, palms up meditative mode. Meditation is also the gateway for connecting to my higher power, so takes on a spiritual significance.
No matter how it is practiced, it is almost impossible not to benefit. Thank you for highlighting this wonderful, flexible tool
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
