This is just what we need to read, Terry. Let's normalize normal! The world doesn't need more enlightened people. It needs more people who just feel (and act) better.
Exactly! Some of the most uptight people I've met are ones completely focused on getting enlightened, to the exclusion of everyone and everything else.
Helpful post Terry. Meditation has helped me. I was so angry about my renovation and meditating for 20-30mins daily has greatly reduced anger and irritation. And it's helped not be so angry at my attorney and just do a lot of his work just to get on with life.
What if the saffron robe was like a sprinkle of fairy dust on top?
Vincent's definition of a fanatic is spot on. It reminds me of myself, and of my eldest son. Anything we get into leads us to talk nonstop about it, and when others lack our enthusiasm for the topic at hand we're confused and even personally affronted. Fanaticism is a lovely way to live, but it has its drawbacks.
This Comments section will be responsible if I sit down to meditate today and can only think of chips.
Thanks for sharing your TM experience, Terry. I learned meditation in a different lineage, but the results are remarkable, especially when the practice is consistent.
Thanks, CL. Your guru sounds like a great person. I was told once that Maharishi, on being asked if it was better to eat brown rice than white rice, replied that brown rice is fit for pigs! I hope that story was true, because it strikes me as very correct, and down to earth
Thanks for the memory, Terry! I went to a TM few meets. I remember my mantra. It has a nice ring to it. I think there is more to meditation now though, than when I was first introduced to it. It may have been all of the accompanying hoopla at the time. Chess was also big at the time.
I meditate as well and have done for maybe 20+ years with varied occasional lapses. I usually meditate once a day for half an hour and if I feel myself getting wound up, then twice a day.
It has taught me a lot about balance, mindfulness, peace. I still get anxious periodicially but I'm fully aware that meditation is the key to my ongoing personal peace.
Saffron robes? No. But I do donate to a Tibetan womens' monastery via https://davidmichie.substack.com/. David has such an easy way of explaining the existential in our lives. Highly recommended.
Thanks, Prue. I'll have a loom at David's 'stack. I find meditating twice a day much better than only once, even though it uses up a fair bit of time. I gfeel more rested, and more balanced out i terms of rest and activity. Sleep better too. Maybe you should do it twice a day in the post-op period?
Meditation has changed my life. My thyroid med dose continues to decrease and I no longer have CKD. Emotional changes too. The trick now is to be in meditation with eyes open. Not so much a trance but that loving calm awareness. I’m still addicted to dark chocolate tho.
I first meditated via Emily Fletcher’s, Ziva meditation which uses a mantra. It wasn’t life changing. Then a friend recommended Dr Joe Dispenza’s book, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself. The book was an eye opener. He has a website of recorded, guided mediations which I love. I do better with an active, goal oriented meditation. And now that I know my energy chakras I sometimes meditate to music and focus energy on my Chakras.
I hadn't heard of those types of meditation. Yes, TM uses a mantra ie a word with sound but no meanning -- like most of my ramblings here in fact😂. I can't focus on more than one thing at a time. Do you find it good, music and chakras? Just about everything in my life has been inspired by my falling fior one girl or other! .LOL
I’ve had to explore various meditations. Sometimes I will do combinations. I ask my intuition which meditation is right for me that morning. Other times I know I need to do Ho’oponopono— a Hawaiin forgiveness meditation or a Wim Hof breathing meditation if I have a stomach ache. (I tend to hold stress in my stomach and it inevitably manifests into real pain. Wim Hof method resets the nervous system.)
Well, I'll take your word for it, having just read this: "NOTE that Wim Hof Method breathing can affect motor control and, in rare cases, lead to loss of consciousness. " I suspect it's best to get instruction rather than just doing it yourself, would you say?
Cool, Terry. Thanks for the Lao Tsu quote "“Those who know do not talk, and those who talk do not know.” It reminds me of a quote ascribed to Jesus, "... when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father in secret." I am neither Taoist or Christian, but I do appreciate their philosophies. It also reminds me of my vegan friends who always feel compelled to remind everyone of their veganish ways.... ALWAYS. Glad to hear TM has helped you, kid.
Thanks for that quote, Sharron. I'd forgotten it. So true. I always think something similar when I encounter what I believe to be performative goodness, ie virtue signalling. You know, if you were sincere, you wouldn't feel the need to make sure everybody knows about it
Yes, it can be obnoxious. But I've experienced the opposite problem. A group of us from our street went for a meal a few years ago. When I told the waiter I was vegetarian, I was subjected to a ten minute lecture from one of my neighbours about how hypocritical I am because I wear leather shoes. Had she bothered to ask me WHY I was vegetarian she'd have discovered that I've been vegetarian for most of my life because even as a child I wasn't a lover of meat. As for shoes I have my reasons. I don't know why some people think that if a person doesn't do EVERYTHING, they're a hypocrite. We all do what we can I think. There's a part of the Jewish prayers that reads 'The work is not for you to complete, but neither are you free to desist from taking part in it'
I've been able to meditate on the London tube. I tend not to, in case I fall asleep and start snoring! I've also meditated quite happily on a bench in central LOnmdon. Not ideal, but doable.
Being aware is being enlightened. You are aware, hence you wrote this, and hence, I’d argue you are enlightened. We are most enlightened when we cease to think, and just be. Meditation helps us get there. Therefore your temper bouts likely decreased post meditation as anger comes mainly from listening to thoughts. I am still trapped in the realm of the ego and tempter mostly because I have a teen and that’s an anti-meditative space, but I try:)
Thanks, Anu, but I'm thinking of enlightenment in the sort of way Maharishi talks about it. The first stage (as I think of it) is when you experience that inner silence all the time, whether sleeping, dreaming or in activity.
I used to fall asleep in the relaxation bit at the end of yoga classes too. What the body wants it takes, if given the opportunity. Some very interesting results from your dip into TM though. You clearly really needed it, so thankfully the universe gave you opportunities to try it. Well worth it for you. Thanks for sharing.
This is just what we need to read, Terry. Let's normalize normal! The world doesn't need more enlightened people. It needs more people who just feel (and act) better.
Exactly! Some of the most uptight people I've met are ones completely focused on getting enlightened, to the exclusion of everyone and everything else.
Helpful post Terry. Meditation has helped me. I was so angry about my renovation and meditating for 20-30mins daily has greatly reduced anger and irritation. And it's helped not be so angry at my attorney and just do a lot of his work just to get on with life.
What if the saffron robe was like a sprinkle of fairy dust on top?
Thanks, Reno. Yes. It's astonishing how meditating a couple of times each day can change one's outlook. Fair dust: 😄
Shame, I do like a saffron robe…! It’s great to adjust tools and ideologies to fit with us; we do what we can and that’s a good start.
😀 Indeed!
Thanks for sharing this, Terry!
my pleasure, Kate
Vincent's definition of a fanatic is spot on. It reminds me of myself, and of my eldest son. Anything we get into leads us to talk nonstop about it, and when others lack our enthusiasm for the topic at hand we're confused and even personally affronted. Fanaticism is a lovely way to live, but it has its drawbacks.
LOL. Thanks Jody
This Comments section will be responsible if I sit down to meditate today and can only think of chips.
Thanks for sharing your TM experience, Terry. I learned meditation in a different lineage, but the results are remarkable, especially when the practice is consistent.
And my Guru eats pizza too.
Thanks, CL. Your guru sounds like a great person. I was told once that Maharishi, on being asked if it was better to eat brown rice than white rice, replied that brown rice is fit for pigs! I hope that story was true, because it strikes me as very correct, and down to earth
https://notcomplaining.substack.com/p/making-pizza-for-our-guru
Thanks, but I can't read all of it 😱
Oops... I pulled it out from behind the paywall - you can read it now.
Excellent story. I've just commented on it. Thanks for sharing it here.
Glad I'm not the only one who does that! Will read it now. Thanks.
Thanks for the memory, Terry! I went to a TM few meets. I remember my mantra. It has a nice ring to it. I think there is more to meditation now though, than when I was first introduced to it. It may have been all of the accompanying hoopla at the time. Chess was also big at the time.
Chess! 😂 Take it up again, TM I mean, not chess. I ignmore all the hoopla. I just do my meditations and don't bother with the rest!
I love this, Terry.
I meditate as well and have done for maybe 20+ years with varied occasional lapses. I usually meditate once a day for half an hour and if I feel myself getting wound up, then twice a day.
It has taught me a lot about balance, mindfulness, peace. I still get anxious periodicially but I'm fully aware that meditation is the key to my ongoing personal peace.
Saffron robes? No. But I do donate to a Tibetan womens' monastery via https://davidmichie.substack.com/. David has such an easy way of explaining the existential in our lives. Highly recommended.
Thanks, Prue. I'll have a loom at David's 'stack. I find meditating twice a day much better than only once, even though it uses up a fair bit of time. I gfeel more rested, and more balanced out i terms of rest and activity. Sleep better too. Maybe you should do it twice a day in the post-op period?
Post and pre- I think. Last night, my brain went into overdrive on the what-ifs, so its a sign...
Definitely both. I thought you had already had the op
No, that stay was to treat me with mega-bags of I/V antibiotics.
Oh I see. I hope pre-op meditating provides an extra boost for you
Love this, Terry. I love all spaces in between. Chips and saffron robes are of equal awesomeness in this context I say!
Thanks, Holly! Yes, with chips being slightly better and more useful I'd say!
Meditation has changed my life. My thyroid med dose continues to decrease and I no longer have CKD. Emotional changes too. The trick now is to be in meditation with eyes open. Not so much a trance but that loving calm awareness. I’m still addicted to dark chocolate tho.
wonderful. Is that TM, or a different kind?
I first meditated via Emily Fletcher’s, Ziva meditation which uses a mantra. It wasn’t life changing. Then a friend recommended Dr Joe Dispenza’s book, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself. The book was an eye opener. He has a website of recorded, guided mediations which I love. I do better with an active, goal oriented meditation. And now that I know my energy chakras I sometimes meditate to music and focus energy on my Chakras.
TM uses a mantra?
Love that you started because of a girl.
I hadn't heard of those types of meditation. Yes, TM uses a mantra ie a word with sound but no meanning -- like most of my ramblings here in fact😂. I can't focus on more than one thing at a time. Do you find it good, music and chakras? Just about everything in my life has been inspired by my falling fior one girl or other! .LOL
I’ve had to explore various meditations. Sometimes I will do combinations. I ask my intuition which meditation is right for me that morning. Other times I know I need to do Ho’oponopono— a Hawaiin forgiveness meditation or a Wim Hof breathing meditation if I have a stomach ache. (I tend to hold stress in my stomach and it inevitably manifests into real pain. Wim Hof method resets the nervous system.)
Well, I'll take your word for it, having just read this: "NOTE that Wim Hof Method breathing can affect motor control and, in rare cases, lead to loss of consciousness. " I suspect it's best to get instruction rather than just doing it yourself, would you say?
I should have said, Beginner Wim Hof.
Cool, Terry. Thanks for the Lao Tsu quote "“Those who know do not talk, and those who talk do not know.” It reminds me of a quote ascribed to Jesus, "... when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father in secret." I am neither Taoist or Christian, but I do appreciate their philosophies. It also reminds me of my vegan friends who always feel compelled to remind everyone of their veganish ways.... ALWAYS. Glad to hear TM has helped you, kid.
Thanks for that quote, Sharron. I'd forgotten it. So true. I always think something similar when I encounter what I believe to be performative goodness, ie virtue signalling. You know, if you were sincere, you wouldn't feel the need to make sure everybody knows about it
The joke around here is, “How can you tell if someone is a vegan?”
“You don’t have to. They’ll tell YOU.”
Yes, it can be obnoxious. But I've experienced the opposite problem. A group of us from our street went for a meal a few years ago. When I told the waiter I was vegetarian, I was subjected to a ten minute lecture from one of my neighbours about how hypocritical I am because I wear leather shoes. Had she bothered to ask me WHY I was vegetarian she'd have discovered that I've been vegetarian for most of my life because even as a child I wasn't a lover of meat. As for shoes I have my reasons. I don't know why some people think that if a person doesn't do EVERYTHING, they're a hypocrite. We all do what we can I think. There's a part of the Jewish prayers that reads 'The work is not for you to complete, but neither are you free to desist from taking part in it'
Just so Mr Steiner. I expect them to come knocking on my doors soon, with little pamphlets
Be careful what you don't wish for
Like this?
https://www.vegansociety.com/sites/default/files/uploads/downloads/LOWRES_TVS_Why%20Vegan_Sep2019%20%281%29.pdf
I wonder how they get the energy! I tried being a vegan once, for a week. It was quite nice, but I like my cheese and eggs
Uh... yes.
😁
I find I meditate on how to get into a position to meditate. But the chips really help?--thanks Terry!
I've been able to meditate on the London tube. I tend not to, in case I fall asleep and start snoring! I've also meditated quite happily on a bench in central LOnmdon. Not ideal, but doable.
I agree. It's important to try different settings.
Being aware is being enlightened. You are aware, hence you wrote this, and hence, I’d argue you are enlightened. We are most enlightened when we cease to think, and just be. Meditation helps us get there. Therefore your temper bouts likely decreased post meditation as anger comes mainly from listening to thoughts. I am still trapped in the realm of the ego and tempter mostly because I have a teen and that’s an anti-meditative space, but I try:)
Thanks, Anu, but I'm thinking of enlightenment in the sort of way Maharishi talks about it. The first stage (as I think of it) is when you experience that inner silence all the time, whether sleeping, dreaming or in activity.
Your inner peace sounds like a lovely way to be. ☺️☺️☺️
It is -- but it gets overshadowed sometimes. Well, a lot! Still, it's a nice glimpse into future possibilities 🙂
I used to fall asleep in the relaxation bit at the end of yoga classes too. What the body wants it takes, if given the opportunity. Some very interesting results from your dip into TM though. You clearly really needed it, so thankfully the universe gave you opportunities to try it. Well worth it for you. Thanks for sharing.
EXactly so: 'what the body wants it takes'. Thanks, Beth
Great but now I want some chips. Ha ha!
LOL. Somehow I think I missed the mark!
I think it's that chip hovering above the head, it is just too strong! Cannot resist.
Chip? That's a halo!
a halo-shaped crispy chip! clearly. I want one.
Count me in.
🤣