:)

[miracle_0617]

Change of plans, friends

[MiM]

I think this is a great idea, good luck with your journal. I will certainly peep in an have a look every now and then.

But why is day 1 tomorrow and not today?

[miracle_0617]

That is such an excellent question, MiM! I've been envisioning a morning practice but may very well begin this evening!

[miracle_0617]

There is certainly a part of my that wants to delay - very strong resistance but I believe the part of me that desires to cultivate a solid practice is stronger than the resistance

[Peter]

Hi Charlotte,

I think it's wonderful that you really want to commit yourself. However, I also think that it might become pretty uninteresting for others to follow. If you write about your mindfulness journey every day. There probably will not be a lot of variation.

I also think that it would camouflage your overall experience, because it will probably fluctuate a lot on a day to day basis. One day can (and will) be totally different than the next.

If you want to write about it, I would advice you to do it a lot less frequent.

I wouldn't want to write about it myself, though. I would feel restricted, less free, and maybe even less private. I really think it could get in the way of mindfulness.

I don't mean to kill your motivation. I just want to advice you.

Peter

[FeeHutch]

Hey Charlotte
It's great that you want to share your experiences with us, maybe we can have a think about the way to do this? My experience of keeping my own personal journal each day was that it became a bit overwhelming. I realised I was spending the time I was meditating with my monkey mind throwing constant thoughts about what I'd write and how did this feel and was this guided meditation helpful or this sitting position or or and it went on and on, you get the idea!

[JonW]

Hi Charlotte,
Just wanted you to know that we'll all be supportive regards the journal. It's just a question of the best way to make it work.
All best wishes
Jon, Hove

[miracle_0617]

I so appreciate all of your feedback. I think I may find another way of keeping myself accountable, as the forum may not be the proper platform for the sort of log I'm envisioning. And as some have mentioned, it may conflict with the mindfulness practice I'm hoping to cultivate. If any of you have suggestion on how to move through or work with feelings of resistance and keep oneself accountable to daily practice, please let me know - I believe that is what I need help with the most!

[JonW]

Hi Charlotte,
Apologies if I've mentioned this before but a meet-up group is great for socialising with like-minded souls and encouraging regular practice. You might even meet people you want to meditate with.
I started my group three years ago here in Brighton and there's now 480 or so members. The group is cheap to run (it costs me around £2 a week) and easy to set up on meetup.com.
The challenge for me has been keeping my practice fresh. My group is one way I do that. I also read fairly voraciously (not only about mindfulness and meditation but loads of "satellite" subjects too).
All best,
Jon

[Peter]

Hi Charlotte,

Nice to see you came to this conclusion!

We were talking about your 'issue' behind the scenes (as I promised you via PM). On some things we agreed, on other things we disagreed.

But we unanimously agreed that it would not benefit you if you would write about your mindfulness journey so frequently. So I'm really glad that you came to the same conclusion.

As for advice: I agree with Jon. It helps a lot if you keep yourself involved with all sorts of mindfulness related things. I do that too.

Goodluck!

Peter