Love the minute idea. I used to do that when I was taking long tests for college. At a breaking point I'd stare at the sweep of the clock for 60 full seconds, and when I returned I felt refreshed and grounded. I'm going to try this when I'm writing and start getting frazzled. Might be nice to do before beginning, too.
Returning to student mode proves helpful in so many ways (though you sound like a more disciplined student than I was throughout college). It really is almost necessary for me toward the beginning or when I get distracted. Or counting thumb to each finger for a few minutes.
I was literally that kid who would zone out and the teacher would have to repeat my name a few times ... Bueller? Well, till grad school. Lol. Nowadays, I got the tools, but the trick is remembering to use them. :)
Haha I shifted my attention after 60 seconds to the suggestion of reading something dark. West on N is immediately readable and surprised me with an ending I hadn’t anticipated. Fine story.
Daily meditation. Not strict, hardcore, go-into-nothingness meditation, but silence and letting the mind just be. I'm far from an expert on this, but I know what works for me. Quiet mind. Even if only for 15 minutes. It resets me. All in my shed, an out-building on my small property. It's my sanctuary.
I love this. I have a miniature hourglass (about two minutes) that my father gave me when I was a kid. I just got it off the bookshelf and set it on my desk so I can flip it over periodically and focus on the sand running down.
Pain slows us down like nothing else. I appreciate and relate to your perspective on focusing on it as a means of meditation though -- I just recorded a 2-part session about this due to my own reconciliation with chronic pain.
I like this clock-face exercise. A minute seemed like five to me this morning. My quiet, creative space has been decimated by a broken pipe and a torn-up room. I'm working on finding that "space" not in a physical sense, but in my mind and heart. Writing must go on.
The writing must go on! I feel as though that should be a bumper sticker if it's not already. Sorry to hear about the broken pipe, Nancy, and I hope it's all remedied soon. Home repairs are definitely not something we can avoid. If only...
Love the minute idea. I used to do that when I was taking long tests for college. At a breaking point I'd stare at the sweep of the clock for 60 full seconds, and when I returned I felt refreshed and grounded. I'm going to try this when I'm writing and start getting frazzled. Might be nice to do before beginning, too.
Returning to student mode proves helpful in so many ways (though you sound like a more disciplined student than I was throughout college). It really is almost necessary for me toward the beginning or when I get distracted. Or counting thumb to each finger for a few minutes.
Well I needed it! I burn out easily and saw this as a way to take a breath.
I was literally that kid who would zone out and the teacher would have to repeat my name a few times ... Bueller? Well, till grad school. Lol. Nowadays, I got the tools, but the trick is remembering to use them. :)
Ha! I was the anxious kid focusing with all my strength, at least with the tests. Not as much with the classes.
Really? I'd like to hear your experience.
Haha I shifted my attention after 60 seconds to the suggestion of reading something dark. West on N is immediately readable and surprised me with an ending I hadn’t anticipated. Fine story.
Thanks for reading, Jim! :) Good distractions.
Daily meditation. Not strict, hardcore, go-into-nothingness meditation, but silence and letting the mind just be. I'm far from an expert on this, but I know what works for me. Quiet mind. Even if only for 15 minutes. It resets me. All in my shed, an out-building on my small property. It's my sanctuary.
Ah, you have the "bliss station" as Campbell called it. I love it. I'm working on creating one in my small house.
I love this. I have a miniature hourglass (about two minutes) that my father gave me when I was a kid. I just got it off the bookshelf and set it on my desk so I can flip it over periodically and focus on the sand running down.
How beautiful, Rachel. I love those hourglasses.
My own fine space has been interrupted by ongoing sciatica pain. So I focus on that as a means of meditation. Distractions
I face externally are a brain suck.
Pain slows us down like nothing else. I appreciate and relate to your perspective on focusing on it as a means of meditation though -- I just recorded a 2-part session about this due to my own reconciliation with chronic pain.
I like this clock-face exercise. A minute seemed like five to me this morning. My quiet, creative space has been decimated by a broken pipe and a torn-up room. I'm working on finding that "space" not in a physical sense, but in my mind and heart. Writing must go on.
The writing must go on! I feel as though that should be a bumper sticker if it's not already. Sorry to hear about the broken pipe, Nancy, and I hope it's all remedied soon. Home repairs are definitely not something we can avoid. If only...