Ann on September 12

[just_ann_now]

The last day of my vacation *sad*. I ended it as I began, with a 1 hour 50 minute yoga session focusing on breathing and meditation. On the first day , it was wonderful for relaxation and decompression; on the last day, it's got my mind clarified and energized.

I was able to achieve my vacation goal of nine days of extended yoga sessions (at least an hour) out of eleven days. My standing postures have improved quite a bit, which was a secondary goal. I'm not all the way of where I want to be with them yet, but I'm closer than I was. I also, at rydra_wong's suggestion, explored metta meditation, or lovingkindness meditation, as well as tonglen, which focuses on compassion, and will be working on incorporating those elements into my daily practice.

Comments

[shanaqui]

I've been doing metta meditation lately, but I had not heard of tonglen! Which is kind of funny, because all my life I've been doing this -- "if you are out walking and you see someone in pain —right on the spot you can begin to breathe in their pain and send some out some relief." Thank you for that link.

[just_ann_now]

Thank you! I got my free sample (hardcopy) issues of Yoga Journal last week, and there was also a very helpful article in the September issue, "Guide for New Meditators". (Unfortunately, I can't find a link to that specific article on their website.)

[rydra_wong]

If you're interested in it as a practice, I recommend checking out Pema Chodron's recorded talks and audiobooks -- she teaches it a lot and always has wise and funny things to say.

[shanaqui]

Thank you for the hint!