Meditation is good for our body and spirit. It’s supposed to, if done right, calm us. And it comes, as you know, in many different forms. Is there any form of meditation you practice regularly? Have you tried to still your mind? Some days, at least for me, it works better than others. Sometimes I sit still.
But sometimes my mind doesn’t. I’ve tried walking meditation. Did it the first time at the Omega Institute in upstate New York. Drove right past the Woodstock exit on my way. Crosby, Stills & Nash anyone? Jimmi Hendrix anyone? Joe Cocker?
But when I’m really feeling, you now, grrrrrrrr: stressed, angry, frustrated – I’ve discovered what I think is a new form of mindfulness:
Speed Bag Meditation. My husband gave this speed bag to me for Christmas a few years ago when I asked what I could do to get rid of my upper back flab and tricep areas that are oh so hard to tone. I sport these pink boxing gloves to save my hands.
The surprising thing about speed bag boxing (is it boxing?) is that it has morphed into a form of meditation for me. It releases pent up rage and stress (hormones, menopause, anyone?). And it only works, really, when I get into the rhythm of the hanging, taunting, bag.
Pah-bum-bum …Pah-bum-bum….Pah-bum-bum. I can hear it now. So I may not have gone where I intended to go with it, but I think I have ended up where I need to be. Hopefully the arms are tightening in the process.
How about you? What do you do to release the bubbling cauldron? Or are you so very Zen that you never experience such rumbles??? If so – share that too. P-L-E-A-S-E. In the meantime – can we all give an audible Ohmmmmmmmmmmm?
I can see how a punching bag would be like meditation … you have to concentrate or you will miss and what a blow to the ego an air punch would be!
I have to already be pretty mentally settled to do a standard sitting meditation.
For me, I found any precise yet repetitive movement works. The best meditation I ever had was stoning ballgowns for competition. The placement had to be exact, there was a pattern to follow, and the right amount of glue must be used. I’d disappear into the process. Although my body ached from the position, my mind felt so much better.
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I’m so confused. When you say “stoning ballgowns” I picture throwing stones and pebbles at a ballgown until it bleeds or passes out. Then you said “glue” and I knew I was on the wrong track. So whatever that REALLY is – I’m glad it worked for you.
I like that image! I’m not so good at zen. Every so often during yoga I feel a nice sense of peace or something other than just being caught up in my thoughts:)
Karen@WaistingTime recently posted..I Never Met a Cookie I Didn’t Like
That’s the sweet spot – isn’t it?
Sewing and handwork calm me right down. Repetitive movements with pretty colors.
Yes! Excellent point. I think that’s exactly why I’d love to learn to knit. Click, click of the needles, repetitive movement and pretty colors. Well said.
Sometimes, however, I would like to punch the elliptical machine.
Hahaha – okay! Yes. And that works too. I think my speed bag has saved many a small, fragile object in my home!
Prayer. And that’s all. And that does it.
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There’s nowhere like prayer to turn to for peace.
While I do my repetitive everyday tasks like putting on my make-up, taking a bath, etc, I phase out, ponder, and meditate. I don’t watch much tv in the morning, so that’s when it’s quiet which helps. Prayer works too and when praying no one dares bother me! My life has been so busy till now and I had to find ways to do the 2 things at once,it works and it certainly keeps me focused. Barb I like your punching bag idea for the arms. I’d like to find a place in my tiny house to hang one. Are you and your husband retired? You sure do a bunch of interesting and fun things and visit cool places. It’s so nice to know my friends do wonderful things!
No – we’re not retired but are self-employed and able to work from wherever since it’s mostly on-line and telephonic. We do feel lucky in that regard. I think we’d both like to keep working for many years because we enjoy what we do and like the challenge. And on the meditative topic – it’s nice that you can be mindful and thoughtful while you’re doing mundane tasks. That takes discipline. LIke I’ve heard the advice to meditate while sitting at traffic lights – even for that minute or two. I’d zone out and have people honking. Doesn’t work for me.