Lawrence, a blog by Lawrence

Discoveries in meditation

I need to pick a time and stick to it every day

I've noticed that body pains come and go but I need to just notice them then "breathe into them" and not stop attending to the present moment.  (will power?)  They are even a help to focus on the present moment.

Will power takes practice and incentive.  I have experienced a smile come to my face and a general wellbeing from most of my meditations.  They keep me meditating and overcoming the experiences that tempt me to not go for my alloted time.

Also being grateful for my times in the present moment is essential to me.  Being grateful for unpleasant as well as pleasant moments.  It is all one package.

I also "ask" that present moment experiences happen through out the day.  With practice I think they will come within me spontaneously.

Lawrence

It seems to me that this wellbeing depends on whether I accept whatever happens and how long it takes to learn.  Maybe this is part of what (was) is called character.

 
Published May 30 2008, 05:21 PM by Lawrence

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Comments

 

Alden Gannon said:

Thanks for this Lawrence.  One time I was experiencing quite a bit of discomfort in meditation during a retreat centered around an old injury I sustained many years ago in a motorcycle accident.  Feeling this pain in meditation was very common, and I used to dread the experience and shift and move away from it, both physically and mentally when it happened.

But this one time, I determined to stay still and listen directly to it.  I opened myself to it as best as I was able and just sent love and compassion to it.  It released  a LOT of pain.  Pain wrapped in the fear of the memory.  Somehow it started to unravel.  Within a day, it was largely gone, but would occasionally return.  I would see it and mentally say, "yes, I am hearing you, I am seeing your pain" to my body without judgment.  The pain would ease.

I didn't do that practice forever, but it changed my relationship to pain in my body.  This pain, I can love this, too.

June 8, 2008 1:16 PM
 

Lawrence said:

Thanks, Alden.  Yes I breathe into all kinds of muscle pains (seem like muscles) and now that I have had two hernia operations and going to my third I believe this where my weakness is--that is in the stomach and groin area.  

   I too believe that I have to love my pains.  Love to me is attentive appreciation and it heals.

Lawrence

June 12, 2008 1:22 PM

About Lawrence

Catholic upbringing which has broadened with age. Grade school through to a masters degree in Counseling. Includes degrees in History, English, Philosophy, Theology. art. Experience of the land from Father's farm as a youth. Now living in the southwest, New Mexico, Where I do my art and writing. Experience working in a bookstore. Retired