Happy Tuesday, lovely! I’m fresh off of my retreat that took place in Rhinebeck, NY on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for professionals (what a mouthful!). It was an experience I am so grateful for as I sit here and reflect. An experience that opened my eyes to so much life that I’d been missing out on. I’ve received a few questions on what this experience was like, how it felt, what it consisted of, and more. I’ll definitely be publishing more detailed posts in the future, such as how to apply mindfulness to difficult thoughts and emotions, how to establish a formal practice, the gifts that a formal practice can allow for, and much more. However- for now, I wanted to share what is at the forefront of my mind.
Instead of the typical information-based workshop, this was quite experientially focused. In short, we were able to both formally and informally practice a LOT of meditation and mindfulness. The underlying purpose behind this was so that we could deepen our own practice before teaching it to others. This was, of course, filled with moments of love and excitement for the practice, as well as pure frustration and irritation. During one of the 36 hours of silence where we pretty much spent all of that time alternating between mindful exercises, I recall thinking- ‘if he tells us one more time to go out for a walking meditation once we’re done this sitting one, I’m going to lose it!’ Needless to say, that sitting meditation was followed by a walking meditation. The highs and lows of this experience were quite surely a metaphor for life 😉
The entire experience of this retreat was so enriching and awakening for me, in the truest sense. I’ve come away with many insights (many which ironically come from my frustrations) about my own life and how I truly want to live. It’s interesting, because while I ‘knew’ this before, I didn’t truly ‘feel’ the extent of it until now. During this time and in the few days since I’ve returned, I’ve made more of an effort to bring awareness to my thoughts, circumstances, and feelings. I am still in awe at the time I spend distracted in my day-to-day life, or how often my mind gets hooked on certain thoughts and spirals into a cycle before I know it. I’m aware of my urge to make a meaning or have some profound insight from my experiences. I’ve learned to let go of that urge, and to simply be in the moment.
It’s when I get caught into that urge to make meaning, that the true meaning of the moment is lost.
I cannot force this feeling by thinking about it. I’ve learned to trust in myself and what surrounds me. In an age of speed and hustle, taking time to pause and ‘be’ quenches my thirst and allows me to feel refreshed and vitalized.
A gorgeous Buddha statue in one of the gardens at Omega Institute.
By relinquishing that need to make meaning, I’ve been able to witness more moments. More life. I’ve been able to enjoy an inexplicable feeling of ‘aliveness’ that comes with surrendering and opening to the moment.
I’m not sure where you happen to be at this very moment, but are you willing to open up to the richness of the moment that you’re in? Are you able to become aware of the cycle of thoughts your mind wants you to engage in, and simply see it? Remember, at any time in your life, you can start over. You can begin again. That’s the beauty of this very moment- that you get to choose who you wish to be, how you want to approach the present, and ultimately, how you want to live. So, head out into this world with a fresh mind, as if you’ve never experienced this moment before. Because really, you haven’t.
Light and love,
Tara