http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/tags/the-mind-in-meditation A place to share your experience, your growth and your support. en-US Fri, 10 Sep 2010 07:59:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/search.php 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/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/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/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> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-21 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:36:27 +0000 YeShey 21@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Dear Coco,<br /> Wonderful. Thanks for sharing!</p> <p>YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-20 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:35:01 +0000 YeShey 20@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Dear Sarah,<br /> Often the first response to the question “what is more powerful; a word and action or a thought?” is either a word or an action. Words and actions have tangible results and thoughts do not (until they become words or actions). </p> <p>Thoughts are the seeds for all actions and all words.<br /> People will die for their beliefs, they will kill for their beliefs.</p> <p>Once we have control of our thoughts (mental discipline) we will have control of our words and actions. </p> <p>Anyone observing their thoughts even for one day can observe how outrageous and disconnected our thoughts can be. Not only do we jump easily from theme to theme we can also get very caught up in the story and let it get out of control. </p> <p>Take for example a tinge of uneasiness. This can quickly become the thought “I do not like this” which can then become “oh oh I am in trouble” and then maybe we experience a physical response (subtle but still there and affecting us like an change in heart rate, respiration or body temperature) and this can result in a stronger reaction like “oh I really hate this” and then “my life is horrible” ….</p> <p>The next time the tinge of uneasiness comes (the seed) there will be less steps to get the mind to “my life if horrible” (the result) and then the next time there will be less steps again and the result comes faster and sooner. The tinge if uneasiness triggers the physical response and the next thought is “my life is horrible” This is how habits are created. </p> <p>With meditation, we learn to not engage the story, we learn to notice that we are thinking and then, without judgment we return to the breath.<br /> There are two things here:<br /> One: no judgment – this means not engaging in the story and therefore not going further than the seed<br /> Two: return to the breath: this trains the mind to stay focused and slowly the mind becomes more concentrated and controlled. We learn to stay in the present moment. The present moment is peaceful and clear and with this mental disposition we can choose how we respond rather than just blindly reacting. </p> <p>I am not sure what the Dalai Lama or Tich Nat Han would say but I hope that helps. </p> <p>YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-19 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:51:58 +0000 Colette Riml 19@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Good morning all!</p> <p>I just thought I would share a moment with you. I woke up way too early this morning with a severe pain in my stomach (I think too much curry which I love.) Usually I get up, read, or watch TV but I decided I needed more sleep so I concentrated on my breath and was able to go to that "Space". Within 20 minutes I went back to sleep for two more hours and woke up with no pain and refreshed. </p> <p>Great to share ...have a good day.</p> <p>Coco </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-18 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:12:24 +0000 Sara Sjerven 18@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>I like the idea of questioning thoughts, words, and actions. I would assume that actions have the most impact on our lives, and yet I know the idea is that thoughts become words, words become actions, and actions eventually become habits. So if we have negative thinking, this will eventually be reflected in our actions. But how to change habitual thinking?</p> <p>When I used to meditate regularly, I had no kids and so I would have the "perfect" space, I would get up before my husband, light my incense, get my mat and my cushion and sit for my allotted time every morning. Now I get my computer and do it wherever I am. In bed, on the sofa, wherever. My kids make a lot of noise, heck, my husband is noisy. But I am just trying to smile and carry on. What would the Dalai Lama say? What would Thich Nath Hanh say? Just carry on. Life is going on around me, I can't prevent the noise or distractions, so try to do it wherever you are. Or that's what I imagine they would say. And then the perfectionist in me can't quit because it isn't perfect. </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-16 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:02:36 +0000 YeShey 16@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Dear Collette,<br /> From the sounds of it, you are in step 2. Thanks for the wonderful check in and letting us know how you are doing, some of the positive changes and the things you are working on.</p> <p>The moments that we stop to enjoy nature are really quite fantastic. The reason that we often cherish a great sunset, the expanse of an ocean or the greatness of a mountain is because our minds are completely present in those moments that we absorb nature. Take an extra moment next time and try to observe that presence. Just observe it. </p> <p>Living in silence is quite a challenge for us in the western societies where we are inundated with stimulation all the time. I often think of farmers in their fields all day or yak herders in the Himalayas, the silence they live in must be fantastic. Of course their minds are not silent, but I do think it would be quite lovely.</p> <p>Sounds like Maggie Rose is doing some mediation in the evening. Maggie Rose; do you have a regular time in the evening?<br /> I often do a practice in the evening as well - somewhere between 6 and 8 pm. Sorry I am not very precise.</p> <p>YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-15 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:48:15 +0000 YeShey 15@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Dear Maggie Rose,<br /> One of the biggest obstacles is going away, missing a couple of days of mediation and then not getting back to it. Good on you! Right back in the saddle! The next step is to try to meditate even when you are away from home.</p> <p>I agree, it is very relaxing to meditate before bed, clears the mind and allows for a better rest.</p> <p>Ahh, yes the never ending stream of thoughts. You have got it, being aware of how much our thoughts are there and how disconnected they can be is wonderful awareness. If we do not know this, we would never try to correct it. Just be patient, bring the mind back to the breath again and again. Be happy each time. Each time is one less time you will ever have to do it! Each time you do do it, it is a moment of mindfulness and and a moment of clarity<br /> YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-14 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:07:53 +0000 Maggie Rose 14@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Hi, All,</p> <p>This is Maggie Rose. I just started week 2 yesterday. I was out of town the first part of the week, and didn't meditate during that time. I got back to it now, and it feels good. I am amazed at the acrobatic ability of my thoughts--- they jump all over the place. But I am patiently following the directions and sending them off while I try to focus on my breath. My, they are persistent! Even noticing that is a growing awareness. I will keep at it. I have taken to "meditating" just before bed a few times, in addition to the morning, and I believe it helps me sleep well. Yeah!</p> <p>Maggie Rose </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-13 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:39:40 +0000 Colette Riml 13@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Hi Everybody....</p> <p>Typically me; I am not sure what step I am on but it is c/d 31 to 39 and I am on the second day. My biggest challenge is trying to meditate at the same time every day so I was wondering if people could blog in their time and I will make an effort to at least join one of you. I love the idea of group consciousness... I know when I do yoga in a group it seems so much more powerful and the benefits longer lasting. </p> <p>I am just loving the discipline of meditation and where I am at is really making me look how I am living my day, ie every moment. I find I am turning the tv off...still love my music so need to work on the complete silence. When I walk I really notice the beautiful turning and vibrancy of the leaves and even more present for those I love and need to listen and really hear. Still lots of work to do but I feel so supported. </p> <p>Have a great in the moment day.</p> <p>Colette </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-12 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:39:00 +0000 YeShey 12@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Hi Sara,<br /> I really like your attitude. I often hear that it is so difficult for mom's to carve some time out in their day for themselves, much less a somewhat quiet period when you know your children are safe and occupied. Thanks for sharing.</p> <p>One of the most important components of step one is to develop the habit of meditation. When we meditate we are not only learning that we can live in the present with joy but we are also planting seeds for our future. Part of developing the habit of meditation is to learn how to protect the garden the seeds are planted in so the deer don't eat the shoots. For mom's this is translated as learning how keep the space protected with an attitude of openness and love. Being creative and patient. Please let us know some of the strategies that you come up with. </p> <p>Once we are introduced to and inspired by an idea - like living with the light on, we want very much to embrace it and be it. So wonderful. The idea will come and go from our consciousness. Sometimes we will be aware of this and sometimes we will forget. With some reminders to ourselves every now and again and stopping to experience it when we have the clarity, the gaps between living with the light on and living with it dim or off will be shorter and shorter.</p> <p>YeShey </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-10 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:07:33 +0000 Sara Sjerven 10@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>I have just started the second week and I loved the idea of "Living with the light on." I hope that thought will stay with me through the day as I try to remember to be present throughout the day. I have two small kids who love to interrupt me during my meditation, so my practice has been and will continue to be interrupted and fragmented but I have decided to carrry on without peace and quiet in my house. C'est la vie.</p> <p>Sara </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-9 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:03:23 +0000 Colette Riml 9@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Hello there....</p> <p>I am on the 24th day of Step 2.....I can't express strong enough how much this meditation is helping me in my daily life, staying in the moment and breathing in that wonderful space ofnot thinking. I still have a lot of work to do because I am also seem to be going through some transition in my life which I dont really understand but with this meditation it seems to be exactly where I need to be. </p> <p>Peace, life and love to all</p> <p>coco </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-8 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:16:19 +0000 natalie 8@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>haven't started because I have been sick all week. planning to start soon. </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-7 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:20:38 +0000 Aganeta 7@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Yes,I have started and happy to report I'm on week 2.I,m finding the daily meditation guide inspirational.It,s getting me on my cushion every morning and knowing other people are meditating at the same time is also helpful.An important factor for me is to remind myself throughout the day why I'm keen on pursuing a meditation practice.<br /> Aganeta </p> http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/topic/let-us-know-where-you-are-at#post-6 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:08:47 +0000 Simone 6@http://www.meditationvillage.ca/community-forum/ <p>Have you started your 21-days? </p>