#mim2014

So I skipped Day 7 because literally did not have a spare minute to myself all day. Not to worry. Yesterday I did the Bonus Body Scan. I found it a little harder to follow along with than the first body scan. I think its easier concentrating on each body part separately. But I gave it a go and thats the whole point right. I'm looking forward to trying the new Breath Meditation as that's a little more what I'm used to (within yoga). Happy meditating, everyone!

I went to my meditation class tonight which was lovely and really good for helping me wind down. I'm still drifting a little more than usual but it's getting slightly easier to control. The teaching tonight was really eye opening though and i'm sure I'll meditate on it throughout the rest of the week. All in all, still going strong!

I had a pretty shitty day yesterday, got some work-related news that stressed me out. I've had a day to think about it though and gather myself so I'm feeling a little less stressed and I've gained a little perspective. I did try meditating through it but it just wasn't happening and was making me more frustrated that I was. Sometimes you've just gotta know what you need and last night I needed a little cry, a home cooked meal and My Fair Lady. I have a 1.5hour meditation class tonight though so hopefully that will more than make up for missing yesterday.

Today my mindful practice was my yin yoga class. I had so many strange things come up in today's class too. My teacher says that we store trauma and emotions that the mind isn't ready to deal with in the fascia and that yoga releases those feelings in a safe environment. In “Rolling Panda” I was so uncomfortable and worried that I was nearly in tears and had to move to my rebound before the rest of the class. So apparently my poor old shoulders have been taking some of the burden of my brain. But then we moved to a side stretch and I had this vivid image of being back in Tel Aviv. The atmosphere, the sounds and smells, the heat and the taste of fresh pomegranate juice we're so vibrant in my mind's eye and I just got hit in the gut with this longing to be there practicing yoga. This image only lasted through one side though. As soon as I switched to stretching my right side I was back on my mat, in rainy old Melbourne. Go figure. Ah well, today's class definitely got my curiosity going.

Wow, so I said I wanted to challenge myself. I went for the 20 minute compassionate body scan today. Not only did I try it in the evening after a busy day but I ran out of time and did it on a busy train with a screaming baby in the seat behind me. Gosh, what an experience!! It was an act of trust as well to sit with my laptop bag next to me and keep my eyes closed. I'm really proud of myself for getting through it though and I think I'll give it another go (perhaps not on a train) tomorrow.

This video really got me excited for the day. Seriously, I've just woken up and now I can't wait to get outside and experience whatever comes my way. So pumped!!!

I abandoned the body scan today in favour of a breathe/sound focused meditation. Honestly, I woke up feeling pretty good (apparently 8 hours sleep and a glass of red the night before is the recipe for a good morning) and have been singing in the shower, so I didn't really feel like mediation was essential for getting me ready to face the day. It is however part of my mission for discipline, so I'm glad I did it. I certainly don't feel any worse. I also stayed a little more focused than yesterday. I think I should try so evening meditations, it's almost too easy to train the mind in the mornings before anything has happened to distract me. Time to challenge myself a little more!

I’ve begun my day with a 10minute body scan. I drifted a couple of times to a distressing conversation with my housemate but I managed to get back on track before it could upset me. I think I might address that in tonight’s meditation, and spend some time cherishing her. She deserves it!