mermaidcamp

mermaidcamp

Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water

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Finding The Center

November 15, 2016 — 4 Comments

There is a long history of contemplative practice in Christianity. In the 1970’s three monks from Massachusetts created modern instructions for centering prayer. This form of meditation is close to Yoga Nidra.  It teaches the mind to rise above the normal thoughts that inhabit our thinking.  A jolly attitude is recommended toward the thought forms that casually intrude into one’s session. By gradually improving the ability to concentrate and fully focus on the selected subject or word, those pesky internal discussions cease and desist that constant chatter.  All forms of meditation are aimed at this goal.  If we have control over our thoughts we have control over our reality.

Lectio Divina is a way to use scriptures as the focus of the silent contemplation. Since journaling is a valuable way to amplify the lessons learned a company is producing lectio divina journals with recommended scriptures for each day with plenty of space to write down any impressions or ideas that spring from the session.  These guys are monks, so they always use Christian texts, normally the Bible, for the inspiration.  They refer to this as a centering prayer, which is a perfect way to describe the experience.  Asking for divine inspiration at the outset is the way to invite holy blessings.  Writing down journal impressions creates a bridge between the contemplation and everyday life.  Insights gained are captured in the writing practice.

I think anyone can do this kind of meditation. You don’t need to use Christianity or any other specific religion to do it.  Time spent quieting the mind and discovering the power of meditation and journaling is a wonderful way to simply deal with stress in the modern world.  Simple Abundance, or gratitude journaling are secular ways to include contemplation and writing in our lives.  There are many variations on this theme.  I think now is the time to develop practices that increase our joy and comfort in the world.  We are our own best medicine when we join forces with all that is.  We will all drive ourselves mad without some well tended personal space and time dedicated to centering. I hope you will discover a method that soothes your soul and raises your happiness quotient. You don’t have to be a monk to like it.

Simple Abundance

Simple Abundance

Sand Mandala in Tucson

September 20, 2013 — 5 Comments

We are lucky to have a tradition of sand mandala making at the U of Arizona Bookstore. Monks have been visiting to draw them on the floor in the basement for years. This is the third one I have been lucky enough to witness.  This time they are making the Buddha of Compassion.  After they create the image the sweep up the sand and dispose of some of it in water, in a ritual representing the cosmos.  This demonstration of attachment and enlightenment is illustrated clearly when the sand is swept and the American viewers rush in to get a bag of the magical sand to take home and keep.  The monks don’t need to do that; they are off to draw and destroy many more mandalas all over the world.  They do it to show the futility of attachment. It is a beautiful way to illustrate the point.