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brdgt
After a month of sicknesses (Shingles, Norovirus) and research trips (DC, Chicago) I got back to the gym this week (ran 5K Friday and Saturday). I also got to yoga twice (gym yoga and my favorite Saturday class) and started meditating.
I practiced meditation in high school when I was experimenting with all kinds of religions and one of my goals for this year is to be more aware and mindful and present, so I sent out a Facebook inquiry for suggestions around town. One of Nick's friends just happened to have gotten back from a semester long stay at a spiritual retreat, where she cooked for the nuns, practiced yoga and meditation every day, and had her own one room cabin. She had already planned to start a weekly yoga/meditation/potluck and moved in one block away from us! So I spent Friday night doing a half hour of yoga nidra, half an hour of meditation, and a few hours of good food and pleasant company (and cute dog for the win!).
I've always found that yoga helps me clarify thoughts that have been swirling around in my head, so this week has been super grounding and peaceful with all this mindfulness. Right now I'm focusing on the tension between contentment and yearning as well as (and not unrelated) the desire for knowledge. It's ridiculous, but we all need to be reminded of our blessings and all the things we have in our lives, from the moment we wake up (our partner next to us, a warm home around us, animals eager to see us) throughout our day (working to our fullest potential on our work, relationships, and personal goals) until we go to sleep (our accomplishments for the day, our hobbies, what made us laugh). I want to strive to honor all these things that make my life content and only yearn for things that add to that contentment and to focus on knowing what can be known well, instead of stressing over what I don't and/or can't know.
I practiced meditation in high school when I was experimenting with all kinds of religions and one of my goals for this year is to be more aware and mindful and present, so I sent out a Facebook inquiry for suggestions around town. One of Nick's friends just happened to have gotten back from a semester long stay at a spiritual retreat, where she cooked for the nuns, practiced yoga and meditation every day, and had her own one room cabin. She had already planned to start a weekly yoga/meditation/potluck and moved in one block away from us! So I spent Friday night doing a half hour of yoga nidra, half an hour of meditation, and a few hours of good food and pleasant company (and cute dog for the win!).
I've always found that yoga helps me clarify thoughts that have been swirling around in my head, so this week has been super grounding and peaceful with all this mindfulness. Right now I'm focusing on the tension between contentment and yearning as well as (and not unrelated) the desire for knowledge. It's ridiculous, but we all need to be reminded of our blessings and all the things we have in our lives, from the moment we wake up (our partner next to us, a warm home around us, animals eager to see us) throughout our day (working to our fullest potential on our work, relationships, and personal goals) until we go to sleep (our accomplishments for the day, our hobbies, what made us laugh). I want to strive to honor all these things that make my life content and only yearn for things that add to that contentment and to focus on knowing what can be known well, instead of stressing over what I don't and/or can't know.
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no subject
Date: 2012-01-22 07:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-23 04:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-23 02:11 pm (UTC)you have had a super busy month. I'm really glad you're feeling better.
Did you hear the story about how the Army is using the same techniques to improve psychological fitness of soldiers?
I find myself having to say (when I'm stressed and busy and overwhelmed): I have chosen to do all of these things. I can choose to stop doing some of them. they are not all required. So do them and enjoy them, or choose to stop some of them.
it helps me focus on what I want to do, which is, apparently, everything.
no subject
Date: 2012-01-23 04:25 pm (UTC)Just as important, if not more, though is that I only want to do things that make me a better person - a better partner, friend, historian, citizen.