FPIAFW - Week 5: Turning Towards Difficulties

[JonW]

A big turning point for me in terms of mindfulness was reading Jon Kabat-Zinn's Coming To Our Senses.
He address this and and pretty much everything else mindfulness-related in the book.
I highly recommend it.
Is the body scan working for you?
All best,
Jon

[Niloc]

Thank you. I'm afraid that I am letting things slip at the moment because of approaching Christmas etc et etc . I sometimes find it quite difficult to fit it into the day, but I do have every intention of continuing. I find the body scan quite easy to do; much easier than "accepting" difficulties. Whether it is working or not, I'm not sure: I think it will take a long time.

[Gareth]

This is the thing with mindfulness.

At first it starts out as something you have to 'fit in' to your day because you have a busy life. It ends up being your number one priority in a given day because you have a busy life.

I don't suppose this really helps you at the start of your practice, but I can assure you that it was this way for me.

[James123]

Well I ended up finally having quite a strong sensation across the chest on day 5 and more subtle sensations on days 6 & 7. Although neither lasted particularly long so I couldn't really explore them I was just happy to see something happen. Could have done with this week either being 2 weeks or practising the meditation twice a day.

I think that because I have spent 15 years building a massive wall perhaps I'm not as tuned in with my body as I should be because trust me I was turning towards some potent thoughts!

[piedwagtail91]

You're your own boss with this. If you want or feel two weeks is best for you., give it two weeks.
The rest of the course will still be there and practice, especially week five is never wasted.
mick

[James123]

Too late. I'm already day 3 of week 6 and it would feel a little strange going back now.

Thanks anyway.

[Eky]

Hi, this is day one of week five for me. I think I was right to do week four twice, because I now feel ready for week five. Today, like others, I found it difficult to access physical responses to focussing on difficult issues, although I do get strong physical responses to stressors outside meditation e.g. butterflies and gastric pain. Will keep at it.

[FeeHutch]

Glad it feels more possible to tackle week 5 now. I look forward to reading how you get on

[Eky]

Not a good week; I found the meditation very difficult and knew by Wednesday that I will need to go to a second week, but then it's not a race. Finished the week with a two day migraine that made meditation unthinkable, so planning to restart week five tomorrow. Wish me luck!

[FeeHutch]

I had a 2 day migraine last week so really feel your pain on that one
You are right, it isn't a race and doing what seems the best for you makes sense.