Just
because we can't control a situation, there is no
need to allow it to control us.
As I sit here, I ponder over my morning. My mother was diagnosed 2 days
ago with a bleed on the brain and today she has a 2.30 appointment with
a neurologist.
When I woke this morning I felt my body tense and tight; and my mind
was racing.
At times like this living over a thousand kilometers away from my family,
can add more stress to a worrying situation. I feel it is significant
to share with you the importance meditation is to me on these occasions.
...Far
From My Busy Life
With 4 kids and a fabulous husband
filling my home, I need to find somewhere
quiet to meditate. I have favorite meditation
places. My back garden is one, but my
most favourite is a rock embedded in
the cliff on the edge of Mutton Bird
Island (Coffs Harbour). For many years
now I have ended my morning walk and
yoga, meditating on this rock. It is
far from my busy life, the view is spectacular,
the air refreshing and the sound of the
waves soothing.
This morning my mind was full, fast and painful. I had all the 'ifs'
and 'buts' happening concerning my mum. I had 100 'diagnostic outcomes'
and 100 ' hospital scenarios'. I had the 'Will I drive to Victoria?'
one minute or "Will I buy the air ticket over the net or at the flight
center?' the next!
Meditations
Change The Way I Feel
As I neared my favorite meditation
spot I was almost running, for I knew
how my meditations change the way I feel;
and this morning I was in desperate need
for positive change! I sat and took a
few minutes to relax into my rock. I
then closed my eyes and took some deep
breaths.
As I sat with my eyes closed, a
little more relaxed than a few minutes before,
I imagined myself sitting on the highest mountaintop.
Now, this mountaintop represents peace to me. I
know whilst I am there I will not be disturbed
by anyone or anything. I use this as my totally 'free
zone' (a very comforting thought!).
I have found the more I use my mountaintop,
the quicker the effects become. I instantly feel
a peace running through my body. I instantly feel
relief in my head. My thoughts and the insane need
to control a situation that is out of my control
STOP.
When my thoughts wander back to the scenarios (as they naturally do sometimes),
I bring myself back to sitting on the mountaintop and focus on my breathing.
Instant peace once again!
I
Had a Choice
This morning as I sat high above
on my imaginary mountaintop, in the silence,
it came to me.. I had a choice. I could
spend my day with a clear mind or a mind
that was racked with turmoil trying to
control a situation I had no control
over. I chose the former. I knew the
way to do this was every time I caught
myself worrying about my mum during the
day; I would close my eyes and imagine
myself sitting on the mountain.
I left my meditation spot far more peaceful, as though a heavy weight
had been lifted. My body felt far more relaxed and energized, and my
mind was happy and refreshed.
...A
Stronger Feeling of Love
This hasn't stopped the thoughts
of my mum during the day. It has brought
a stronger feeling of love and compassion
when I think of her. It has definitely
stopped my mind from concocting up way
too many horrific scenarios. It has stopped
the tension from locking up my body and 'zapping'
my energy.
The insatiable need to control and
busy myself has diminished. I know I can't 'fix'
my mums situation, and normally I'd try and look
around for another situation to 'fix' to soothe
my anxiety. No, instead, I feel happy and balanced
and my day has been positive and productive.
I
feel Instant Peace
Because of regular meditation I
am more consciously aware of my thoughts and my
feelings as I go through my day. I am quick to
pick up when I have drifted back and am working
up the worst- case scenario.
Therefore I am quick to bring my
thoughts to my mountaintop for a couple of minutes
then back to what it is I am doing (bringing myself
back 'into the moment'). I feel instant peace and
I am conserving my energy.
Regular meditation brings great benefits of recognition and commitment
to oneself. You begin to understand how important it is to 'check in'
to yourself during the day therefore becoming far more conscious of where
your thoughts are and how they are reacting within your body.
You
Are More Aware
You are more aware of when your head hurts or your hands are tight and
tense, whether your neck and shoulders are stiff and sore or if you're
breathing is shallow. When you are more conscious of your thoughts and
your physical body you can bring yourself back into 'the moment' so your
mind and body function in a far more relaxed and positive state.
Most importantly, the regular practice of meditation will bring a sense
of stability, strength and peace in stressful, worrying situations.
Gael Drum |
