Mindfulness is becoming a chore

[OliDoyle]

Hi there,

I have experienced something similar myself and your question reminded me of that time in my practice. You inspired me to record a class about it on my website, I hope the podcast you find there helps you through this patch. You can find it at http://www.alittlepeaceandquiet.com/the-day-i-quit-mindfulness/

Hope that helps,
Oli

[Gareth]

Our next meet-up is in the pub this afternoon.

Jon also likes to call his meetup an "all day session".

[Happy Buddha]

Hi James, this may be too late now but just got back from retreat. What you are talking about is common with people who don't have a good teacher and other practitioners to help and encourage.

I would suggest you stop making mindfulness into such a big thing and sit quietly each day for 5 minutes twice a day. Stop calling it mindfulness. Mindfulness now comes with big expectations because of all the research. The are subtleties to mindfulness which cannot be conveyed in a book.

Take your foot of the throttle and take time out a couple of times a day. Mindfulness will become a chore if it is not meeting our expectations - and I am afraid that in todays world we have many and they are high.

If I can help in any way - I live in Leicestershire then would be glad too. wishing you well, Suryacitta

[JonW]

Wise words, Suryacitta, wise words.

[Newcomer]

I sometimes go on a day-long mindfulness in nature retreat organised by my former teacher. That never fails to freshen me up.
What's also been useful to me has been running my own mindfulness meet-up group here in Brighton. Started a year ago and we've got 110 members now. Our next meet-up is in the pub this afternoon. It's a great way to engage with like-minded people. Very cheap to run too.
http://www.meetup.com
Cheers,
Jon

I felt frustrated. I bought The Power Of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg as a nice re-introduction.

[James123]

Apologies for the belated response. All points read and re-read so thanks again. Some cool mindful cats on here.