Gratitude: Accessible meditation

Netflix has a meditation series called Headspace featuring Andy Puddicombe. I happened across the program the other day and am grateful for the discovery. Andy offers a clear and accessible approach to meditation. His melodic voice pulls you into the words and simple animations pull you into the images. But really, the whole series could be a podcast because it is about the stories and techniques Andy shares.

Gratitude: Bike Ride Mantra Meditation: What am I doing right now?

Took a long bike ride after lunch today and kept repeating this mantra in the form of a question: "what am I doing right now?" This kept me focused on what my body was doing, literally, for the 75 minute ride. Each time my mind went into ideas and exploration, I re-focused on the physical activity. This was a hard practice, physically and mentally, because I kept looking down at the earth when usually my eyes and mind wander the external and internal landscapes. 

What I noticed is that my abdominals, glutes and hamstrings were the most engaged part of my physiology. Left and right sides of my body were not working with equal effort, which is something for me to keep building towards. As I became aware of these active areas my shoulders would relax and my breathing would deepen. 

This was a hard practice, physically and mentally, because I kept looking down at the earth when usually my eyes and mind wander the external and internal landscapes. 

I was also aware that my mind would wander into what I am labelling "mind map spiders" of ideas. One thought would ripple out into multiple thoughts and within seconds I was no longer present. Revisiting my mantra "what am I doing right now" would bring me back to the moment. The pathway rolled beneath me and I was able to ride 12 miles in what felt like 20 minutes. 

My gratitude today is in my ability to meditate and ride. For the next several hours after the excursion my breathing was centered, deep and calm. I am committed to incorporating this meditation practice into my rides, at least once a week.

2020 The Year of Speaking Truths

Since 2009 each December I identify a theme for the coming 12-months. The theme for 2020 is The Year of Speaking Truths. Too often I avoided speaking the truth for fear of the other person's reaction. My accommodating behavior is an effort to avoid conflict. 

As a professor and consultant this meant that I was not sharing all that is possible with my students. In my personal life this meant being abused by people who consumed my good nature - by pushing me down. It is my nature to help others. Some people perceive kindness as weakness. So now I will be kind and truthful. I am thriving because I choose peaceful approaches to speaking truths - there is enough hurt in the world. 

I have filled this past year with meditation and mindfulness. I have learned to observe the behaviors, emotions and reactions that arise in me and in others during conflict. Finding this pathway is a practice and I have deep gratitude for this continuous learning. 

Here are links to each year's theme:

2009 The Year of Amy
2010 The Year of Living My Dreams
2011 The Year of Balance
2012 The Year of Being Present
2013 The Year of Connection
2014 The Year of Clarity, Calm and Confidence 
2015 Year of Creative Expression
2016 Year of Integrating Parts 
2017 Year of Shining From Within
2018 Year of Calm and Confidence
2019 The Year of Wisdom

Grabbing a BlackBerry Moment

Using a BlackBerry is probably the antithesis of meditation unless you fully believe it demonstrates "being in the moment".

I notice that I am not alone when I reach for the Crackberry while waiting for public transit, riding an escalator, waiting on line at the grocery store, or cooking pancakes (comfort food of choice). Everyone around me has their Crackberry out too. Perhaps we are all talking to each other.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Reflexology Relaxes Your Soul

I'm more than a bit addicted to reflexology. Just got home from another session and I feel so super mellow. That makes two in two weeks.

The best part of the experience is the assessment from the reflexologist following the treatment. Your feet reveal so much about you. The practitioner always knows how to hit the most needy spots. Little crunchies give it away.

My spine, colon, face, neck and liver are the most crunchy part of my feet. That means they have the most chemical deposits that need rubbing out. I honestly feel all kinds of gurgling in my belly when certain parts of my foot are rubbed. I wonder how walking and wearing the wrong shoes impact your vital organs?

Every time I go they tell me the same thing - that I need to reduce stress in my life. This time Amy, the reflexologist, suggested that I write up a list of stressful things and start eliminating them one by one. Hum. Plus, she recommended that I meditate and practice yoga. Since I already do these things imagine how much more stressful my life would be without them?

If you want a one hour holiday for your soul/sole I highly recommend reflexology.

Image from a cool blog post about Reflexology in Bali.