Sunday, March 3, 2019

Achieving Happiness Through Meditation 2019

beauty 



 Someone recently asked me: what is your secret to being so positive? Simply put, it is one word. Meditation. Meditation has provided me with many benefits. If I ever have difficulty falling asleep, in my mind I do a body scan starting from the top of my head working my way down to my toes. I relax each muscle, and by the time I get to my toes I am in dreamland.   

Don't you agree that joy is a state of mind which is completely in our power to achieve? We all want that, don’t we? And it is entirely possible to attain. It costs nothing and the rewards are great.  I believe that. I also believe that happiness and contentment come from within us. And that it matters very little what our external circumstances are.

Most people view me as a positive person, a resilient person and, on the whole I am. Having said that, it is not always easy for me.  Regardless, I make a concerted effort to be positive and cheerful.     We frequently don't see the challenges that other people are dealing with. We only see things on the surface and we make judgments on what little we know. I prefer not to reveal my inner struggles because I really don't see them as overcoming anything big. I recognise that we all have struggles and some of us deal with them differently.  At the same time, I don't hide my true feelings. It is a balance of treading carefully between maintaining my privacy and revealing too much information.  The truth is that my fierce independence is what sometimes gets me into trouble at the end of the day. And it is also the very same trait that make me who I am.     

My intention is to inspire others, and if my story helps, I will reveal enough to help. I have read numerous stories of people's challenges that have inspired me lately. I am especially drawn to those people who defy odds by improving some challenge in their situation through innovation and experimentation -- people who see challenges as something to defy.  People relate to you more deeply when you are authentic. Indeed, I am a person that sees the glass half-full. I avoid complaining about anything I can't do anything about. My belief is that everything has a positive and negative and we choose how we see it. Although, I must admit it is easier when you have unconditional support of your hubby and son who have ensured I have had what I needed within reach.   I also acknowledge it can be frustrating for those who help because I keep doing things on my own which could result in a setback if I harmed myself. The balance I have to take is to be mindful of my strengths and weakness and to only do things for myself when it is safe.   

Still, l am sometimes reluctant to take advantage of their kindness and help.
  
Being raised in a large family with ten brothers taught me there are things that girls are not as good at as boys. That said I didn't let that belief limit me.   However, this does not mean that I don’t acknowledge there are things I am unable to do. But I still push myself to do the things that I fear. Fear has never held me back. Instead, it motivates me.

I recently had a physical setback, injuring my knee, and I have some fear still about weight bearing on my injured leg, which I am working on. But I am cognizant that in order for it to heal I must put weight on it, to build up the muscles, but only when it is safe.  I had no choice but to depend on others for help after my injury. However, asking for help is something that does not come naturally to me. It would have been ideal if I had family nearby, but I don't.   My injury left me housebound, during the coldest part of winter. Unable to drive, I had to stay put. Fortunately, for me I have books, and my meditation to keep me sane.  (Not to mention CNN and the endless saga of Trump world!)

Years ago, while at University I discovered meditation. After a few months, I realized the practice actually energized me.  But it also gave me something more valuable than that.  It gave me an understanding of myself. For the most part it had to do with conditioning. It is a balance between every action and reaction. I delved deeper into meditation theory. And by doing to discovered more of myself.

Once, when my heart was beating too fast the examining doctor said: “Do you know how to mediate?” “Yes, I do” I responded. I was surprised to be asked that question by an MD.  OK do it for 10 to 20 minutes.  I did and it slowed down my heart.  it was those very words that resonated with me, and I knew I was being treated by the right physician, one who aligned with my philosophy.  

I began to notice that regular meditation helped me to get control of my emotions years ago.    And I attained contentment and a level of happiness through meditation. I developed a morning ritual early on in my practice.  Today was no different.  When I wake I listen to something uplifting and innovative for inspiration.  Today’s subject was the brain, an area of very great interest to me in the past year. The podcast was an interview with neuroscientists Dr. James R. Doty MD. On his new book Into The Magic Shop, about his quest to uncover the mysteries of the brain and the secrets of the heart, the pathway he took is through meditation. His book takes the reader into the practical application of harnessing the heart through cultivating compassion and love through meditation.    

Today, I had a massage scheduled, so I did my meditation half an hour before my massage therapist arrived.  When she arrived, I was already in a completely relaxed state.  I got onto the massage table and positioned myself before she entered the room. I never know if I should completely disrobe, today I decided I would. I remembered my first massage at a sports club at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver. My masseur handed me a small towel and told me to completely disrobe, I said “completely?” He said, “yes of course, you came for massage, didn't you?” He explained that it is better that way.  If I kept my underclothes on, he said it would be awkward and the massage would not go smoothly, as he had to massage around my clothing.   It made sense to me. So, I took off everything, and it was the best deep sports massage I ever had. However, having a massage in privacy of my home, and in the intimacy of my bedroom is different than in the public place.   I am never certain of the etiquette or protocol. Lyne is a professional and easy-going, so I asked her at our first session what she preferred. She said, I should be comfortable, and relaxed, so it was up to me.  It is essential that both she and I be comfortable for the massage.

Today's massage was different than our previous sessions, because she had to be cautious around my injured knee. The music she picked was a slow methodical beat, and her hands kept to the slow rhythm. This suited me fine since I was still in the zone after my meditation and it kept me present.   

I was mindful of her touch, as her hands glided over my skin, slowly. I realized that she was being mindful as well to avoid my injury and the music helped her remain in the present.    When your mind is clear, and your body is relaxed, and you are mindful of the sensation you relax even deeper. 

I was like a wet noodle. Completely relaxed, as she repositioned my limbs, to access specific muscles, And I totally surrendered to her and allowed her to move them. There is a trust that is developed between the massage therapists and client.     
     
Having regular massages is a gift I give myself, not only because of the physical benefits but it also has emotional and psychological benefits.   

We should not shy away from gifting ourselves these indulgences if they make us happy. Achieving happiness and joy in your life requires dedication and ritual. There are tons of studies attesting to the benefits of meditation. If you don't have time for a complete massage, give your feet a relaxing soaking bath in lavender or herbs and rub oil on them, while doing some deep breathing exercises.  Pamper yourself.

Create your own happiness. Surround yourself with like-minded people, be positive, know that no matter how cloudy it is the sun is always shining above the clouds. And, know too that everything changes the bad will not last. People are at their core really goodhearted. I meditate because it helps me respond to my environment rather than react to it. I highly recommend Into the Magic Shop by Dr. James Doty. It is worth the read.  Meditation can help you change your story. 

Change your story, and you can change your life in a good way.    



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