Everyday Mindfulness

Hello there!

While listening to the singing of a black bird in the garden, which I think is weird for January... I try to appreciate such little things. However, that is not easy most of the times, since I often think life has played a trick on me by witholding me from big things.
I am chronically ill for about ten years, for no apparent reason. It seems a viral infection is what hit me, but not one that was ever identified by lab tests. So think of me as a post-viral someone. I have been meditating for four years and I think that is what keeps me from losing my marbles so far.

Last week I started the audiobook Mindfulness for Health by Vidyamala Burch and Danny Penman. Mindfulness is new to me and I am only in week 1. I was struck by the secondary suffering, I am aware of it since I learned something like that exists. Recognition is the first step? I can only hope it will get me somewhere. Because often I feel like a loser for that failing body of mine. For all this time I am housebound and have been a food freak (no un-organic stuff for me, thank you very much) for years now.

So here I am, opening up to all of you. Because I have known for a long time that asking for help is actually a good thing. This book by Burch and Penman made me realise how much fear I have inside of me. But I am on a journey and to know this is part of it, right?


Any suggestions? For life? For soothing, relaxation music on Soundcloud? Those are more than welcome, I hope to hear from you. Kindly, W.P.

PS - anyone else recently started this 8 week course of Mindfulness for Health (I think You Are Not Your Pain is the 2015 publication of the same book) and in need of a buddy?

Hi Wallpaper,
Welcome to the forum. We're a friendly bunch and always happy to help or advise if we're able. So do make yourself at home.
I've read the Mindfulness for Health book but haven't done that course. I did interview Danny and Vidyamala around the time of publication. You can find those interviews here: http://www.everyday-mindfulness.org/interviews/
Mindfulness is definitely a journey and the first thing that's required is self-compassion. Do go easy on yourself and try not to look for quick results. Any questions just fire away.
Here's a previous thread about music for meditation. viewtopic.php?f=23&t=3874
I look forward to chatting with you on here.
All best wishes,
Jon, Hove

Hi Jon,

Thanks for your warm welcome! And it seems you can look right through me, your remark about self-compassion is definitely about me. Indeed, I need to be gentle and not mad at myself for worrying.
When I am troubled and having a hard time to keep myself from that second suffering, I try to express a mantra or line to work with and keep in mind to help me through a difficult moment. Yesterday it was:

Please give me the ease of well being in mind.

Perhaps I stick to it as well for today.
And thanks for pointing out the music topic as well. I am sure, that is going to be helpful. Chatting sounds nice!

Enjoy your day, bye bye, W.P.