How to Train an Elephant (book)

[Steve]

Me too - it helps a great deal to have a "meditation buddy" to help keep the practice going and hearing someone else's thoughts and experiences makes it a much richer experience.

Thank you

Steve

[Gordo]

This sounds like a brilliant book! I've been away from the site for a bit, and not being meditating as frequently as before, but this has given me the kick to get back into things.

Its certainly true that getting out of the routine causes some stress and anxiety to return.

[Steve]

Gordo

You'd be very welcome to join us in working through the book if you'd like. Each chapter is something new so anyone can join in at any time. The more the merrier!

Steve

[Steve]

It occurred to me that the 3 minute meditation by Prof Williams might be appropriate for this weeks task - may be not before answering telephone - but perhaps in response to a periodic gong.

A video can be found at http://oxfordmindfulness.org/learn/resources

Steve

[Gordo]

How many weeks does the book take to complete? What is the agenda for this week?

[Steve]

Hi Gordo

There are 53 short chapters and the book itself suggest doing one per week. We're now on week 10: each time the phone rings (or you hear a chime or buzz) stop what you are doing and take 3 breaths to settle your mind before answering the phone (or carrying on with whatever you are doing).

Steve

[Gordo]

Hi Steve,

Ahh ok, so I guess the entire book could take almost a year to get through! I actually tried brushing my teeth with my left hand this morning... It's actually amazing how the same task (brushing your teeth) can become totally different and requires you to really focus on what you are doing. I'll stick with that for the rest of this week and see how it goes.

[Brad]

Wow, it's really cool that you guys have stuck with this. I had never heard of the book before, but the concept sounds really interesting. I'll have to check it out and try to catch up.

[FeeHutch]

Hi Brad,
Welcome to the community and the more the merrier

[Brad]

Would you guys recommend me starting on week one and working from there, or can I jump into week ten with you guys? Does sequence seem to matter? For now I'm going to hold off on buying the book, but I'd like to start doing the practices anyway.