Many of my posts on this Blog are really diary entries albeit my diary is public. To some people this sounds morbid but each time I write a post and it is published, I think that it’s yet another piece in the jigsaw that will explain to my son why I am like I am. It’s a 21st Century legacy. My posts undoubtedly help me to communicate and explain how I feel and, in the process of writing about it, I often determine why I feel as I do. I feel comfortable doing this knowing that only those people who are really interested in knowing will be reading. Kerching! The lightbulb moment when you realise what’s dragged your mood down, made you feel vulnerable and sick in the stomach. Your confidence and self-esteem plummets and it’s not until you stand back and look in from the “outside” that you understand what has caused this instability and insecurity.
I recognise a trend with those whom I consider are members of my “tribe”. We need to live in the moment. Not churn over what happened yesterday; not preëmpt tomorrows’ events but just take each day, each moment as it comes. This is when “Headspace” comes into its own.
I don’t know about you guys but I find any attempt at meditation/mindfulness/switching off nigh impossible due to an overactive brain and, although I have tried meditation and guided meditation CDs, to date I have not mastered the technique of “switching off”.
Headspace therefore offers hope. What is Headspace?
“Headspace is a project designed to demystify meditation. Using the wonders of science and technology, we make it easy-to-learn, fun-to-do, and relevant to your everyday life.
Here at Headspace we’re on a mission to get as many people in the world as possible to take 10 minutes out of their day, to practice a simple and easy-to-learn meditation technique. And if you like the way it makes you feel, then we’d love to show you how to make that a life-long skill.”
I for one like this 10 minute idea. Surely I can switch off for just 10 minutes a day? Let’s be positive and assume it is within the realm of possibility. I will be following this programme from tomorrow to see if it works and if it really makes a difference.
I cannot remember a time when my mind was silenced. Even in sleep I have vivid dreams that are so realistic that I once got up believing I had breast cancer. The power of the mind is frightening and I never underestimate its influence but I need to quieten it down. I need some respite from its continuous visual and intellectual assault. Basically, I need a rest from my own mind.
Here’s hoping that Headspace works for me and you.
Let me know if you take up the programme and if it works 🙂
This is meditation for modern life – simple, scientifically proven techniques, that you can use every day to experience a healthier and happier mind.”
I’ll be curious how it works out for you. I had a yoga teacher who taught me out to calm. She talked about choosing a focus, how some people choose a candle or a flame in the front of their mind and focus on it. What was helpful to me was she assured us your mind wandering wasn’t usual or even wrong. The idea was to gently bring your mind back without allowing the stray thought to disrupt your focus. It’s been a long time since I’ve used the technique. Thanks for the reminder. I’m going to give it a try.
Hi Judy- I tried it this morning and was impressed. It takes away the pressure of having to do it “right” straight away so I found it a very practical start to relaxing my mind. Following the first 10 minutes I learned that I clench my teeth unknowingly which adds to physical stress and my feet are tense too?! Amazing what you learn about yourself when prompted to think and become aware. I will definitely continue with this programme as I like the 10 minute idea and the practical and realistic way that the tutor approaches mindfulness.:D
Cool. I’m more aware of taking a moment to center myself. Now… how do I make it a habit…
This also emphasised that mind wandering is perfectly normal and if it wants to think let it but you have the “power” to refocus when you are ready.
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popped over here from Judy’s page … I like what you’ve shared about trying to quiet our brains, even if only for ten minutes … lately I’ve begun listening to something I found on a friend’s facebook page … I turn the volume down and let it simmer in the background, and it really does seem to help calm my spirit … here’s the youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKsEqFgKhoA
hope the link works (I’m awful about knowing how to do things technically). Also going to try embedding the video, just in case:
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sorry if it neither one works … you can find it by searching Marconi Union – Weightless on youtube