I just discovered a new way to practice mindfulness . . .
This one takes place at the Y, on the elliptical machine. And it goes like this:
Set the time for 30 minutes. Pick a strenuous workout. I do 'Intervals', level 12. Hit start, grab the handles, and close your eyes.
And practice mindfulness, for the whole time.
Focusing on the breath, the intense sensations from body being worked real hard. Body being breathed super fast, in and out, core temperature getting hot, droplets of sweat sliding, down the forehead, the temples, the eyelids, the cheeks, the upper lip, the back of the head, the back of the neck, and vanishing into the chest. Hands touching the handles, shoulders taking turn pushing, then pulling. Feet pressing, legs circling. And the feeling of thoughts trying to squeeze in, and not being given the chance. Same with sounds. Mind's taken by the phenomenon of internal combustion, and can no longer form opinion on bits of conversation, heard and quickly dropped.
256 calories burnt. Mind completely refreshed. Body hot and happy. All in 30 minutes.
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I am a friend of Alicia's and she sent me the link to your blog and your writing is wonderful! I lap swim at the YMCA and my swim is MY meditation. The only thing I cannot do is close my eyes or I will run into another swimmer or the wall LOL!
ReplyDeleteOh! nice 'meeting' you Kelli. I used to swim also, and yes, swimming can be another great object of meditation, particularly with the breath. I believe I wrote a couple of post on that a while ago.
ReplyDeleteMuch metta,
marguerite
Through the body to the mind! :) Isn't it wonderful when we give our *full* attention to something, anything really, but especially a strenuous workout? It might give us an insight into a totally different, unexpected kind of energy. Thanks for your wonderful post Marguerite.
ReplyDeleteYes. I was thinking that the Buddha taught during times when many of our modern ways of life did not exist. It he were to live today, I am pretty sure he would incorporate such practices into his teachings. If we understand the spirit behind the suttas, we then can develop our own practices to fit our 21st century lives.
ReplyDelete