http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/forum/step-1-breaking-ground A place to share your experience, your growth and your support. en-US Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:10:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/search.php http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/interesting-and-inpsirational-quotes#post-61 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:37:24 +0000 YeShey 61@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>I love this one!</p> <p>"Wisdom analyzes arising phenomena and then chooses the ones that are suitable to focus on so that the rest can be allowed to pass by without causing trouble"<br /> Acariya Mun </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/interesting-and-inpsirational-quotes#post-60 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 08:17:52 +0000 YeShey 60@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>"Do not try to see the objective world. You which is given as an object to see is quite different from you yourself"<br /> Tozan Zenji </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/interesting-and-inpsirational-quotes#post-59 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:50:03 +0000 YeShey 59@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>"In meditation, it is important not to become lost entertaining the thinking mind because the activity and capacity of the mind is endless. If you give it all of your attention, it will take your life. It's the same for each and every one of us: the more attention you give it, the stronger it becomes. And the more you try not to entertain it, the more you confirm its presence. Either way, its got you. The antidote really a very simple thing: instead of putting all the emphasis on your small mind, put the emphasis on your Big Mind*" Kwong Roshi</p> <p>*the Big Mind refers to the natural light of awareness </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/interesting-and-inpsirational-quotes#post-58 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:27:08 +0000 YeShey 58@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>"I bow down to that peace and splendor which is the very essence of happiness.<br /> When knowledge of it arises, then confusion becomes just like a dream."<br /> Ashtavakra Gita </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/interesting-and-inpsirational-quotes#post-57 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:11:46 +0000 YeShey 57@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Generosity brings joy at every stage of its expression. We experience<br /> joy in forming the intention to be generous. We experience joy in the<br /> actual act of giving something. And we experience joy in remembering the<br /> fact that we have given. - The Buddha </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/interesting-and-inpsirational-quotes#post-56 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:53:54 +0000 YeShey 56@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>"Of all the many things that people value and care for in the world, a person's mind is the most precious. In fact, the mind is the foremost treasure in the whole world, so be sure to look after it well... Once we realize the precious nature of our own minds, we should not be remiss, knowing full well that we are certain to regret it later."<br /> A discourse given by a Savaka Arahant </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/interesting-and-inpsirational-quotes#post-55 Mon, 24 May 2010 17:47:20 +0000 YeShey 55@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>"The more loose and free you can be inside, the more deeply relaxed and open the better. To the extent that this freedom arises within, we can help others that much more" Tsoknyi Rinpoche </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/interesting-and-inpsirational-quotes#post-54 Sat, 15 May 2010 10:53:13 +0000 YeShey 54@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>"Being carefree, you can fit in anywhere. If you're not carefree you keep on bumping up against things. Your life becomes so narrow, so tight; it gets very claustrophobic. Carefree means being wide open from within, not constricted. Carefree doesn't mean careless. It is not that you don't care about others, not that you don't have compassion or are unfriendly. Carefree is being really simple, from the inside. Dignity is not conceit but rather what shines forth from this carefree confidence." Tsoknyi Rinpoche </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/interesting-and-inpsirational-quotes#post-53 Wed, 05 May 2010 10:08:19 +0000 YeShey 53@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>The basis for every experience is our own mind.<br /> "Things don't know themselves. There is nothing other than the mind that knows things. Things exist because of being perceived by a perceiving mind." Rainbow Painting by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-52 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:26:55 +0000 YeShey 52@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Dear Robyn,</p> <p>It is a great leap to make it through the first two weeks. It seems to be the time that alot of us have to make a conscious, diligent effort and recall our motivation - again and again and again! Sometimes we let our mind convince us that we don't 'want' to do it today and that day turns into two days and so so. Personally I do not give my mind the choice.</p> <p>Posture is something that will be built over time. Often the spine is a bit weak and will slouch. No problem, as soon as you notice this happening, make the breath a bit stronger so that you do not lose focus on the breath and with awareness lift the spine tall from the base. Check to see if the sternum is lifted and then gently draw the lower ribs toward the back body. Lift the shoulders up, back and then down again. Resume meditation.</p> <p>It is fantastic that you are noticing the change in your breath. This is awareness. Without awareness we will never be able to make change (or not make change if that is the better choice).</p> <p>Thinking of course is the biggest obstacle to overcome during meditation. Remember that the thoughts are not the enemy, it is quite natural for the mind the think. Our goal is to have control of the mind and have it focus on an object of our choice (the breath in the case of steps 1 and 2). As soon as you notice that the focus has been lost and you are 'thinking', patiently and happlily return the to breath. Do this again and again. As our practise matures the interruptions become less and less. Practice and patience.</p> <p>Love<br /> YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-51 Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:21:55 +0000 Robyn 51@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>I'm finished week two. Some days have definitely been easier than others. I find myself slowching as time goes on, and I'll notice it in my breathing. My breathing will get shallow and choppy, and then once I remember to straighten my back it gets much smoother and easier. Sometimes I feel like I've spent the entire time thinking and then Yeshay's voice or the bell will break me out of it. Other days are a lot better, and I have much more control over my thoughts. I guess it's just going to take time. </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-48 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:12:09 +0000 Simone 48@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Hi Teresa, </p> <p>Thanks for this, meditating in the evening is lovely, especially with step one, even if the cats don't think so!<br /> We suggest downloading each step in its entirety. For example, Step One is six files to be played over 21 days. Download them all and move them to your ipod or cd player and press play, YeShey will guide you from there. I set up a little calendar so I know when it is time to move on to week two, three and then on to day 21 and so on. Just count out and jot down the time to move on to the next week of instruction in a calendar to keep you on track. Hope this helps,<br /> Simone </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-47 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:16:32 +0000 Teresa Trower 47@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>I've been meditating at night before I turn out the light. The other night as I was settling in to the breath my 2 cats, who usually ignore me, jumped onto the bed where I was sitting and launched into a cat fight. I just laughed...oh, well, and went back to the meditation when the ruckus had died down.<br /> By the way, I'm not sure I'm downloading the right things. So far, I've downloaded up to the Week 3. </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-46 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:09:22 +0000 YeShey 46@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Dear Collette,</p> <p>Thank you for sharing. We all need a bit of work on our ego!!!! You have our full support! </p> <p>Welcome to step three - breaking through and congratulations on increasing your concentration. This is only achieved through effort and regular practice - way to go.</p> <p>What kind of chair are you using? </p> <p>Love<br /> YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/motivation#post-45 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:05:01 +0000 YeShey 45@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Dear Cynthia,</p> <p>Thanks for the link! It is so helpful to have a variety of places to learn from to help both refine and expand our view.</p> <p>Our practice depends on three things, all of them important each of them required - like a tripod. </p> <p>The first is call view. This is our philosophical standpoint of reality and is the foundation of every successful practice. If we do not know what to to think about, what is real and what is unreal; then one does not have a sense of direction and will not know when adjustments are required.<br /> Listening to teachers, reading books, being part of discussions are all great ways for us to establish our view. These help define our standpoint and are also great motivators.</p> <p>The second is practice - putting to use that actual methods we learn that will help us to make progress on our journey. This of course includes meditation as well as behavioral actions like morality and discipline.</p> <p>The third is called result and is the fruit of the work done, the fruit of the seeds planted. Wisdom. </p> <p>With wisdom we can further refine our view and continue to practice, etc etc.</p> <p>YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/motivation#post-43 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:40:28 +0000 Cynthia 43@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Thanks YeShey</p> <p>Recently tapped into the Mayo Clinic Mind/Body 2008 Conference videos at the Mind &amp; Life Institute <a href="http://www.mindandlife.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.mindandlife.org</a>. Virtually attending such a conference with Q &amp; A sessions motivates the mind and reminds what this is all about. Helping others to heal themselves whilst healing self is a prime motivator. </p> <p>Namaste </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-41 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:18:15 +0000 Colette Riml 41@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Hello fellow meditators....a very mindful and peaceful 20l0.</p> <p>Being able to share this amazing tool of meditation with you has been so inspiring, not only in the discipling of my daily life but helping me in an area which I have trouble big time and that is people pleasing. So with this tool I am working on my ego in this area for 20l0. Some of the things I have done to really make meditation my daily practice is to set up a small spiritual alter (eg. inspiring spiritual leaders, nature objects, a candle) reminding me every day of this very necessary discipline. I am now looking foward to the time I take. One of the things I have had to do is as much as I love to sit in the lotus poition in front of my alter, I now, because of the longer time I am working on my meditation, (I havejust started step 3) I am sitting on a small Buddhist chair a friend gave me which is working beautifully as I am not focused on the vertabrae I injured years ago. It meant letting go of my ego and giving myself permission to use a chair. I find my concentration is much better. Step 3 is challenging, but I am amazed that the 30 minutes doesn't really seem much longer. Staying focused, of course, I have good days and bad. Always look forward to reading your blogs. Have a great day! Colette </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/motivation#post-35 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:25:33 +0000 YeShey 35@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>One of the many things to help keep me motivated is reading a spiritual book. I have this type of mind that wants to understand so I spend alot of time reading philosophy. I read ever so slowly and take notes along the way.<br /> But I also love reading a great travel book that has a spiritual component to it.<br /> In 2009, my favorite book by far was "The Way of the White Clouds" Written by a German Monk named Lama Govinda. He was one of the first foreigners to journey through Tibet before they were invaded in the 1950's. He was not only an accomplished Buddhist practitioner, he was an artist and a fantastic writer. For me, it was one of those books that I did not want to put down and I did not want to finish it.<br /> There are some pretty heavy practice sections that may be a bit difficult to understand for some, no worries, just breeze through that section and he will soon return to his incredible story.</p> <p>I would love to hear about some of your favorites in 2009. </p> <p>YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-34 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:13:11 +0000 YeShey 34@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Dear Wendy,<br /> Your attitude is fantastic. It is very difficult to keep a daily practice when our routine changes (it is hard enough when we are in routine!). If a few days are missed because of this, there can be a long period before we get back to it.<br /> Sporadic is a great effort and getting right back to it when you got home is fantastic.<br /> It seems like your motivation is clear and you know and have experienced the positive influence mediation has on our mind and our life. Good luck at your meeting!</p> <p>YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-33 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:44:56 +0000 Wendy Weir 33@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>ok back at it - have been too sporadic in last 2 weeks - went toronto and tapes very good for relaxing to fall asleep -<br /> new pattern for a monday - today - meditated - feel better already<br /> will stay centered and grounded for meeting and facilitating this afternoon </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-32 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:25:59 +0000 YeShey 32@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Dear Heathercaterpillar,</p> <p>How is is going with the new meditation time? What kinds of differences do you notice?</p> <p>YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/motivation#post-31 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:28:27 +0000 YeShey 31@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Dear Janessa,</p> <p>Welcome and thanks for posting a great message in the forum.</p> <p>Learning how to relax seems like it should be a no brainer - but as most of us have found - it is very difficult. Often we try to relax by watching TV or doing another activity. This is interesting. Take the example of TV. It is filled with non-stop stimulating images and has a constant onslaught of advertisements that tease us into wanting more and being more. Nothing to do with relaxation.</p> <p>When do we learn to really relax? When we are thinking or doing, we are active. How many of us think that we need to be thinking to be alive and relevant? "I think, therefore I am". </p> <p>Note that in meditation the thoughts are not the enemy, we are just learning how to control them and for the to not control us.</p> <p>The purpose of meditation is to learn how to be present. In the present the past nor the future does not have an impact. We are only here now and observing the present moment. As you stated, even a short period of meditation can achieve this. As our meditation practise matures, the calm we experience will last longer and longer.</p> <p>Though we do not want to mix meditation with sleep, some of the techniques can be used to help get to sleep. When the mind is filled with worry, excitement or planning a future event, sorrow, joy or reflection about a past event, we are often unable to get to sleep. The mind is relentless, it will perseverate for hours! Just simply observing the breath while we are lying awake will help to become present and allow the body and the mind to relax and fade off to sleep. You can use the techniques from Step 1 week 2 to do this.</p> <p>YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/motivation#post-30 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:54:19 +0000 Jenessa 30@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Hi there, I am new to Meditation Village and am a student at Langara College. My motivation is mainly to learn how to relax. I have a mixed schedule (work and school) and some nights when I need to get to sleep at a reasonable hour I just cannot wind down. I once took a yoga meditation class at a community centre and as much as I disliked getting up early on a Saturday, I could see improvements in myself after only a couple of weeks. My posture was better, I was breathing better (apparently even when I was asleep - the boyfriend noticed) and just felt overall good about myself. I want to get back to that point and I think meditation is one way to get there for sure. Even yesterday when we did the short workshop at school, I felt more relaxed and calm afterwards. I've only downloaded Step 1 so far and am definitely looking forward to it! </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-28 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:03:00 +0000 heathercaterpillar 28@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Switching to evening meditation, I think my body and mind will thank me! </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-27 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:35:42 +0000 YeShey 27@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Dear Wendy,</p> <p>Welcome!<br /> Happy to hear your ipod is being put to great use! </p> <p>Thanks for the lovely sentiment: may my breath feel loved as it is so diligently watched upon:)</p> <p>YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-26 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:32:13 +0000 YeShey 26@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Dear Sarah,</p> <p>Try not to get frustrated with the story, the fact that you are aware of it is a necessity, and something to be happy about. If you did not know that the story was there, you would not be able to work on eradicating it.</p> <p>You have the right idea. As soon as you notice you are thinking, just happily return to the breath, no judgment, no frustration. Next time you may catch yourself one breath sooner, and the next time one breath sooner.<br /> Every time, start fresh, no expectations, with a calm and content mind just breathe. </p> <p>YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-25 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:23:57 +0000 Wendy Weir 25@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>this morning i started...after a few days of ipod wrangling (it is an older model and not recently used) and this meditation series makes it used and useful once again!!<br /> do so enjoy the leaders voice and measured cadence...it is amazing how quick my mind can wander and not even know it until reflected upon.<br /> a very settling expereince this morning and i look forward to to progressing through the days ahead<br /> may my breath feel loved as it is so dilignetly watched upon:)</p> <p>thanks for this opportunity to create a positive new habit </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-24 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:52:30 +0000 Sara Sjerven 24@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>YeShey,</p> <p>Thanks for your thoughtful response. I have been telling a bad story to myself lately and I am hoping to be able to insert a breath before the rest of the story gets going. I often catch myself toward the end of the story, where I am telling myself that things are hopeless. What strange mental loops.</p> <p>This morning's meditation was difficult. I only had a few focused breaths. The rest was storytelling extraordinaire. My goodness! </p> <p>Back to the drawing board tomorrow, or maybe I will try again later today.</p> <p>Sara </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-23 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:51:38 +0000 YeShey 23@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Hi Heather,<br /> Great to have you on board! See you in the ethers tomorrow morning!</p> <p>YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-22 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:49:14 +0000 heathercaterpillar 22@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Hi all,</p> <p>I'm Heather, just started the program yesterday, and actually managed to get on my cushion this morning before work. I'm going to try to stick with mornings for now and keep my mind open. I definitely felt more settled and balanced as I prepared for the day after listening to YeShey's lovely voice guide the meditation. Thank you both for developing this program!</p> <p>Heather </p>