Meditation
Bender
Citizen
Anybody here practise meditation or "mindfulness" on a regular basis? Have you tried any apps for it? Any specific techniques that work for you, especially if you're the type that can't stay still for long?
I've recently got Sam Harris' "Wake Up" app, since I liked him anyway. Since I've experienced a lot of (mental and emotional) ups and downs this year, I've been putting more effort into physical well-being to keep myself stable. I enjoy his books and conversations so much, I've actually taken to listening to audiobooks since I just don't have time to sit down and read as much anymore. I found the theoretical part just as useful as the practical exercises, especially for emotional and self-awareness. Without having any great epiphany or breakthrough moment, I actually noticed a distinct decrease in my anxiety too.
I've recently got Sam Harris' "Wake Up" app, since I liked him anyway. Since I've experienced a lot of (mental and emotional) ups and downs this year, I've been putting more effort into physical well-being to keep myself stable. I enjoy his books and conversations so much, I've actually taken to listening to audiobooks since I just don't have time to sit down and read as much anymore. I found the theoretical part just as useful as the practical exercises, especially for emotional and self-awareness. Without having any great epiphany or breakthrough moment, I actually noticed a distinct decrease in my anxiety too.
Comments
But in fact it has been more meaningful for me than the in person meetings.
First of all, as an aspie, I always found the socializing before and after the meeting difficult.
Second, people who want and find meaning in meeting in silence every day have a level of commitment not seen in the meetings I have attended in person, in the past. There is much more wisdom and when there are verbal messages, they are for the most part very meaningful.
Third. Pendle Hill is located in Pennsylvania. They have had an 8:30 am daily worship there for 90 years. They did not want to give in to the pandemic. With Zoom now, attending the meetings are anywhere from 60 to 160 people from all over the world. England, of course, but also China, Mexico, Honduras, France, Poland; I can't remember them all. And of course, all over the US.
Meditation or worshipping in the manner of Friends (not the same, but close) is a practice. Once or twice does not do it. It is a maturation over time.
I always want to "go" to meeting. I've only missed when work has required I leave home before the meeting. It is fulfilling.
With the pandemic restrictions, there has been some concern that they would stop the zoom meetings, but I think they will continue. We are too scattered. Some people are disabled and can't get out. Some are isolated like me and can't drive to a meeting. Or are too old to drive. Families can come and little ones sit on laps, or color and it is so wonderful to see the little ones.
The personal connections, knowing each other just through zoom meetings for worship, is real and deep. The spiritual growth comes along with it. I finally feel like I am practicing Quakerism as it is meant to be. It is, I think it is something like a Buddhist sanga.
I've also been sceptical towards the use of technology in some ways and had a few good surprises. I've actually been putting some effort lately into trying things that seem counterintuitive with interesting results. It's good to be reminded how adaptable we actually are.
I hope you can continue your meetings, in whatever form possible.
I'm used to diving full force into things and getting fast or at least measurable progress, but this approach doesn't work with some things.
Putting consistent, relatively low-level effort over a long period of time can be problematic for me, not so much due to lack of patience or commitment, as to not feeling able to "measure" or evaluate my methodology and progress: do I make any? should I change my approach? am I wasting my time?
I've been slowly shifting and the decrease in anxiety has been extremely helpful. Instead of feeling like an old dog trying to learn new tricks, I started enjoying the practice in itself without seeking any other benefits, even if a change has been noticed by others. I'm still adjusting to the idea of doing something that feels good for no practical reasons
Thank you for sharing, blaze, this must have been so useful to you in many aspects of life. I think such practices can affect you in ways that can't be measured or even perceived consciously, but end up permeating every aspect of your being, from the way you think to the way you act.
Strenuous exercise is the only thing that never fails in slowing down or even quieting my mind and interacting with animals seems to do some good too. Now I'm exploring other techniques with varying degrees of success.
I also don't know if exercise calms me much (I'm hyperactive though so I have endless energy to burn... lol), but anything I can manage to hyperfocus on (video games, drawing, etc.) seems to help a bit more with that.
I started meditating as part of a group doing John Bradshaw’s inner child work. He has/had a number of guided meditations that I found useful and powerful. This was some 30 years ago.
I've heard of this, but never tried it myself. I was tempted when I quit smoking but couldn't find anyone at the time. After several failed attempts, success boiled down (again) to how I approached it mentally.
As I approach the end of Sam Harris's book Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion, I'm realising that I've actually been using certain types of exercise as an effective form of meditation/mindfulness for a while now, as counterintuitive as it might sound. Instead of being an inhabitant or observer living in my own body, I just become my body, free of judgement and existing solely in the moment. I paid more attention during the last few sessions and realised that this "switch" happens by now almost instantly or automatically shortly after I start, along with the way I'm breathing, even during low-level effort.