How to Train an Elephant (book)

[JonW]

There was a story in The Sunday Times today about mobile phone use. Apparently the average person checks for messages on their mobiles 150 times a day. That's quite a statistic.
One of the first things I did when I started meditating was make the decision to retire from Facebook. I was wasting so much time on there. I don't miss it at all.
Have a great time at Euro Disney, Jon

[Steve]

Its been all about being aware of your posture this week. This has been fascinating. Your posture reflects what going on inside - am I feeling confident and calm or hassled and weighed down? Standing tall makes you feel so much better.

Thinking about posture also links very well with yoga - which I find to be just another way to meditate and be present - doing a mountain meditation was particularly apt in this connection

Looking at your reflection is also very revealing as to your posture, especially in side view and doing this in front of the mirror after a shower is a great way of really seeing how you stand (with nothing on to 'mask' your body position ). Indeed, I have found that I am much more conscious of my posture the lighter (or fewer) things I am wearing - so an amusing technique I have tried when out and about is to imagine I am naked (which of course I am under my clothes!) and try to walk/stand as if the clothes were not masking my posture.

The biggest challenge is to adopt a better posture when crouched over a computer screen - anyone got any good ways of addressing this?

Steve

[JonW]

Hi Steve.
The only thing that's ever worked for me is a special posture chair, the one you kneel on rather than sit on. Takes a bit of getting used but it does keep the posture good and proper.
http://www.naturalliving.co.uk/acatalog ... R6RiKX6K9Y
It's been some time since I used one though. These days I work from my bed as I find it more relaxing than sitting up.
Cheers, Jon

[FeeHutch]

The toadstool shaped meditation stool I bought helps me maintain a straighter posture and also encourages me to be mindful of my posture
I will be travelling all day tomorrow and will use it as an opportunity both to meditate and also to pay attention to my posture. If I finish the trip feeling reasonably well and not so stiff I struggle to walk, well that would be an added bonus.
Have a good week everyone, I look forward to 'seeing' you all next week.

[JonW]

Have a great week, Fee. Hope the toadstool works well for you.
Good things, Jon

[Steve]

Good to hear that your 'toadstall' helps with posture - I certainly find that when starting a 'formal' meditation session, getting a good posture is the first requirement.

This task has also made me more body aware - as said before, I find it useful to try to adopt a 'dignified' posture and also a confident, positive posture when particularly when standing (eg in queues) or just walking about. Not so easy when seated without looking a bit odd.

Being body aware also helps me remember to stand up tall (tummy and bum tucked in!) rather than slouch - and I found that either pretending to be naked (or sometimes when on my own actually being so!) an effective way of maintaining a full body awareness noticing the contact between the skin and the surrounding environment (I do make sure that no visitors are expected!!).

Onto week 8 - Gratitude at the End of the Day. We are to think back over each day and record 5 things for which we are grateful. This sound a pleasant task - I have read elsewhere that this is a good way of lifting one's mood (and helps one appreciate the positive things rather than letting the negative dominate)

Have a good week

Steve

[FeeHutch]

Hi everyone
I just got home. I had a great time and found being mindful helped me deal with the more painful aspects of travel and getting around. I've had a quick look at all the new posts but need to go rest now.

I'll be back to catch up with you all properly asap.
Fiona

[JonW]

Welcome back Fiona. Glad to hear you have a fab trip.

[Steve]

Glad to hear you had a good time Fiona. Did you use your toadstall on the train or boat?

Progress on Recording gratitude so far this week: it is surprisingly easy to list things to be grateful for once you start noticing them during the day and spending more time being grateful and noticing positive things gives you a more positive outlook (and helps ensure negative things do not occupy the mind for a disproportionate amount of time). It would be nice to be seen/thought of as a positive person than a negative one. I think I achieve this some of the time but would like to make it more of the time.

Hearing/seeing the significant problems/difficulties others have to face is also a very sobering experience and reminds one to be grateful for all those things we tend to take for granted. I've had a couple of these experiences this week.

So despite sending half the day with lawyers (working on one of my problems), I've still enjoyed having a day off and made sure I spent time on and thinking about positive things so remain in an upbeat mood

Steve

[FeeHutch]

I didn't take my stool but found ample opportunity to practice on the long, uncomfortable journey and also experienced many mindful moments during the holiday itself.
I'm sure this peace of mind helped me deal with the pain and I even avoided a migraine
Sounds like you're finding similar benefits