Last weekend I went to my first ever meditation retreat in the mountains with Paul Wilson and some of his friends and felllow meditators.
The surroundings were just right. The air smelt wonderful, at night and early morning it was various types of eucalypt, the sounds of the birds, the frogs at night, the running water in the creek, the night sky full of stars…………………
On Saturday I sat on the bank of a creek, opposite a small waterfull. It was so meditative that I later I tried to record it to post on here so you could all experience it. My camera is very basic and the sound turned out to be very unwaterfull-like…………………. I’ll just post a pic and you can imagine what it sounds like 
During the weekend one of the things we discussed was finding time and a place to meditate. Paul suggested that we don’t get too precious about it and take advantage of small periods of time, even just a few minutes, sometimes is the most unlikely place [- I did suggest the toilet cubicle at work .
Since last weekend I have found myself noticing opportunities for small periods of meditation. This morning was a good example. I went for my usual walk and was going to go to the supermarket on the way home. The trouble is that the only supermarket here doesn’t open until 8am and I was not far from there when I noticed that I had another 15 minutes to go. I was walking through a park so, instead of doing what I would normally do and keep walking, I sat on a bench, closed my eyes and did a small meditation.
I wonder, what opportunities can you find to practice meditation or even just mindfullness? Maybe start with something simple like waiting for the kettle to boil….
I’d love to hear how you go with this one
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That is one beautiful waterfall. It is like, the poster-child for peaceful, meditative waterfalls, the world over.
I used to use rowing my boat on the water out back as a form of meditation, the rythmic physicality of forward and backwards motion is repetitious, and therefore, meditative. I also used to allow my steps to form the same rythym-setting, meditative pace in my mind, while walking around lakes. Water seems the most inspiring and relaxing for me, although woods and trees as well.
I read Julia Cameron’s book, The Artists Way, for the first time in about 1993, and she describes the chopping of vegetables to be meditative for her. So, ever after, when I pull out my cutting board and gather up all of that colorful, succulent fresh produce, I remember her idea, and allow a brief meditation to take place.
Thanks for keeping mindfulness, meditation and self-healing in the foreground for all of us.
I remember reading that part of Julia Cameron’s book as well. Since then I take my time when I cut the veggies too and notice the textures, shapes and differences in colour. Last night I was doing purple carrots
Glad you like the waterfall.
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On a mildly windy day I watch the trees sway back and forth and sync my breathing to the same rythm where possible (if it’s not blowing a gale!). I try to empty my mind and just focus on the gentle movement of the trees. I can actually feel the tension slowly flow away.
When my girls were babies and fell asleep in my arms I would close my eyes and feel their breathing and warmth and (if at that point I was not completely out like a rock as a result of the two hour sleep I had the night before !) I would clear my mind and completely relax. I focused on their breathing and the warmth from their little body and the tension would just melt away.
Believe it or not even cleaning can have a meditative effect, with the right music in the background. Listening to the rain, gardening, going for a walk, sitting at the beach watching the waves, etc… etc… all great, simple opportunities for meditation.
Many moons ago I used to think that I needed to book in time to meditate and needed the “perfect” physical location for it. Since having children I learnt to embrace any moment and any setting and just make the most of it all. I meditate when I least expect it and even just five minutes can make a world of difference.
Dani,
That is so very beautiful. I love the way sleeping babies, trees and soft breezes can ease away tension. Your deck would be a perfect place for that.