Saturday, April 24, 2010
Hi Ralph and class! I was practicing and have had difficulty with my thoughts distracting me. I have made up a mantra; "one" on the inhale, and "breath" on the exhale. I am still focusing on the cool air as it enters my nose and the warm air as it leaves; however, this little mantra helps me to maintain my focus on that "one breath at a time". I am noticing that I am better able to not get caught up in my thoughts and; therefore, am returning more quickly to the breath. Is this ok?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Ok, so I had what I feel is a wierd experience, although I hesitate to say weird because it is what it is. I was practicing my meditation today, focusing on my breathing and using my mantra. I got comfortably seated on my meditation pillow, took my stater breath and began. Well, I don't know where in the 10 minutes it began, but by the end of my practice I started to really feel uncomfortable like I very strongly noticed that I was really looking forward to the 10 minutes to be over. I noticed that the feeling was so strong that I was struggling to remain focused on my breath and my mantra. I was able to complete the 10 minutes but felt very relieved it was over. Not sure why but I noticed I was agitated, my breath seem shallow and slightly labored? It was a perplexing experience and I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts about it?
ReplyDeleteit's not always easy to sit still and quiet is it!? congratulations for staying it out for the full 10 minutes!
ReplyDeleteany feelings you may have when you are not practicing are fair game to occur when you are practicing - anger, agitation, sadness, lust, joy, anxiety, etc. it might seem that just because you are sitting still to quietly focus on your breathing, that all should be calm and peaceful - not so! but as you said, it is what it is; and "what is" is constantly changing within the field of awareness. so you just allow what is to be there, and you return your focus to the breath and the awareness of the sensation AND the agitation... with equanimity. be curious to notice what is, no matter what form it takes - agitation, sleepiness, discomfort, euphoria, etc. BE the awareness that notices it all in equanimity.
regarding the "mantra" you've chosen to use: if it helps as a tool to keep you focused on breath, that's fine. just remember that it is a tool and, like any other tool, there comes a time when you put it away after it has served its purpose. that way, you don't become dependent on it and begin to think that without it, you won't be able to focus.