Let me describe what my meditation/mindfulness training program has been like over the past six years:
- intermittent bouts of meditation
- consistent journaling before bed
- intermittent reading about: how to feel more like me, live in reality instead of something my mind dreamed up, and living a life that brings satisfaction and joy
- Monthly gatherings with other women interested in this lifestyle – my dear sangha
I list these because I find it fascinating that your mind requires training just like any other part of your body or activity you take on. And, I wanted to see in a list (and share) what my training looks like. Intermittent seems to be the overarching theme, but I’m ok with that. As a mother, wife, and freelancer, I know that I do the best that I can (some days I don’t feel that way, but most days I do. cool, huh?). So, this idea of training the mind and how I respond to it is something that I’m just now beginning to understand.
In my Deep Study classes with Elesa we’ve talked about being a “silent observer” to ourselves. In other words, to notice how we’re responding to situations, to try to not get too involved in the thoughts. It’s a little like parenting sometimes: observing your child work through a math problem, or navigate a challenging experience without getting involved until just the right moment.
This requires patience, and especially during the holidays, I’m discovering how much I lack in patience. But, I’m trying to be kind to myself. Which brings me back to the training…
Posted by Missy Baker, a long-time student of Elesa Commerse.
To contact Missy, email missylbbaker@gmail.com.
Posted Dec. 9, 2012