Last weekend in yoga teacher training, we had a two hour workshop on meditation. I found it very interesting and quite enjoyable when we practiced for 30 minutes. It was challenging to still the fluctuations of my mind, but I was able to achieve it and actually felt the awareness that my mind and body are separate, the feeling of being a witness, and then once I realized what was happening, it was gone.
It was recommended that we start a daily seated practice for at least 20 minutes. Yesterday, I woke up early and was able to sit for 19, but it was incredibly challenging to still the mind. Today, I made it for 10...
Now, I am the type of person that believes anyone can do anything they set their mind too, I am also a busy body and meditation, to me feels very unproductive. How can I sit quietly in the morning, when I know I have to make the kids breakfast, dry my hair, pack a lunch, get ready for work, etc? Even if I wake up and give myself extra time, I can think of a million different other ways to fill that time with productive things...the dishwasher needs to be emptied, the dog would love to go for a walk, is the grocery store open at 6:30, maybe I have time to prepare this evenings dinner...
In the meditation workshop we learned three techniques, body scan, breath, and global awareness. In the workshop, I found each one simple to do. At home, I can hardly get past my head in the body scan or three breaths tops, before my thoughts have decided they have other plans.
I'd love to know if anyone has any tips to share or if this process is typical when beginning a meditation practice. It's not very often that I feel I can't do something and I know I can do it, I just think it is going to take some time. Thanks.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Freedom Can Feel Selfish
These words rolled off the tongue of my yoga instructor like a mellow tune at the beginning of class. With my eyes closed and the entire class in Supta Baddha Konasana, I was completely captured by her statement. I don't remember exactly word for word everything she said after that, but I do remember the gist of it and it was this: giving yourself freedom can feel selfish, at first, but eventually it will begin to have a ripple effect on others around you.
YES! To me, these words validated so many of the emotions I had been experiencing.
I, like many other people on this earth, am a woman with lots of responsibilities. Committing myself to classes twice a week, on top of a full-time job and mothering two young children, meant rearranging schedules to make up for the 5 additional hours I would be away from home. Easier said than done, but we did it, and amazingly enough, it has been incredibly rewarding.
Giving myself time each week to reconnect my mind and body, has given me more energy and positive thought to share with everyone around me. I am more patient with my children, more loving towards my husband, and am able to offer support to family, friends, and co-workers. In response, I have seen each of them respond more positively to themselves and those around them.
It has always been said that we surround ourselves with like-minded beings and it is very difficult to change the thoughts and attitudes of others, but if we start with ourselves and tend to our own needs, then eventually it will effect every being that we interact with (pet's included), even outside our immediate circles (at the store, on the road, etc.).
YES! To me, these words validated so many of the emotions I had been experiencing.
I, like many other people on this earth, am a woman with lots of responsibilities. Committing myself to classes twice a week, on top of a full-time job and mothering two young children, meant rearranging schedules to make up for the 5 additional hours I would be away from home. Easier said than done, but we did it, and amazingly enough, it has been incredibly rewarding.
Giving myself time each week to reconnect my mind and body, has given me more energy and positive thought to share with everyone around me. I am more patient with my children, more loving towards my husband, and am able to offer support to family, friends, and co-workers. In response, I have seen each of them respond more positively to themselves and those around them.
It has always been said that we surround ourselves with like-minded beings and it is very difficult to change the thoughts and attitudes of others, but if we start with ourselves and tend to our own needs, then eventually it will effect every being that we interact with (pet's included), even outside our immediate circles (at the store, on the road, etc.).
May you find time for yourself, relish in its positive impact, and
radiate your new found energy to the rest of the world!
radiate your new found energy to the rest of the world!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Tofu Noodle Soup
Ingredients
1 package rice noodles, cooked, drained, set aside
Base
6 cups water
3 packets Trader Joe's Savory Vegetable Broth Reduced Sodium Concentrate
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
3 carrots (peeled & sliced)
3 stalks of celery (sliced)
1/4-1/2 cup soy sauce (depending on taste preference)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Additional Veggies
8 oz sliced baby portabella mushrooms
2 baby bok choy (chopped)
1 cup broccoli florets
Directions
In large stockpot add all base ingredients, bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low for about 20 minutes. Then add additional veggies and let cook on low for about 10 minutes. Add cooked noodles and enjoy!
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