Typically, the advent of the fall season ushers in a sense of renewed energy after a summer of - for some- a slightly more relaxed schedule, sun and warmer days.
Pencils are sharpened, the smell of fresh notebooks and readying of new or borrowed textbooks for many students, first time roommates for some, sports and social time.
We who are many years from school, often greet the Fall as a time to renew firendships, bring a fresh energy to parenting, work, volunteering and possibly sports.
As we enter into September 2020, we may experience a slightly different sense of energy. Much of the uncertainty of COVID, work, school, volunteering, extracurricular activity, and travel is still - for many- in a state of flux at best. Adding to that our social and political challenges, search for justice, and good health for ourselves and our loved ones lead many of us to extended experiences of anxiety, worry, fear, confusion and prolonged stress.
This is a stress that is actually new for many of us. Many, who are fortunate to have the faith and conviction that we will get through this/this phase too shall pass - strongly believe this; but how long before most of these challenges are behind us? Will we ever get back to what we once knew as a typical environment? What are we giving up in terms of time, resources, etc.
I hope you will allow me the time to explore, though briefly, over the next few of my newletters, and offer resources that we may discover we have not lost at all. In fact, this fall we may be able to celebrate New Beginnings and a sense of renewal - even as we continue along this new adventurous path of “not knowing” all that we would like to know.
Beginner’s Mind - Bringing a beginner’s mind to practice and even to a challenge is a hallmark of mindfulness meditation.
This fall, may we receive and accept an invitation to bring a beginner’s mind to practice… May we use this opportunity to let go of what some have referred to as the “groundhog day” existence. (We are still having to quarantine, limit travel and in person gatherings, and much of the negative talk around COVID and much of what stresses us today)…
with a beginner’s mind we have an invitation to bring a mind that is open to new possibilities: meeting someone anew in an online meeting or course (there are many free courses offered online), reconnecting with a loved one or dear friend, taking a walk in nature, reading an amazing book, reconnecting with yourself (what is your passion, or your stumbling blocks)? Finally a beginner’s mind may welcome a renewed connection with gratitude, forgiveness and love.
An optional homework: to start or continue writing in a journal, daily if possible. If you do not wanto to write, you may consider a brief (3-5 minutes) pracitce at the beginning or end of the day (or both) checking in with gratitude and an open heart and mind.
In my meditation today I introduce the 4-7-8 breathing technique… This technique promotes realaxation and is wonderufl for anxious moments - that we all encounter.
Simply, breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for seven 7 seconds and breathe out for 8 seconds. Please do no more than 4 repetitions to begin with. Have fun with this.
Meditation Practice: September 16, 2020
Enjoy Your Week!