Everyday Mindfulness

I always thought of television as my way of relaxing, I can turn it on to zombie out. After staring at computer screens all day I found reading a great strain on the eyes and TV just sent me into a daydream, perfect.

However I meditate in the mornings and just needed more time in my day to try yoga and other perhaps guided meditations. Hiding the TV behind a cloth didn't work so unwired the lot and put in another room. I can no longer watch on impulse.

So, one week and no TV (except for last episode of Game of Thrones) and I am impressed.

..I feel so much more relaxed as if I've got nowhere to get to and no need to rush to sit on the sofa and catch the news.
..the silence is bliss
..instead of going to bed at 11, falling asleep by 1, I have gone to bed and to sleep by 10 a few times
..better concentration at work with a good sleep
..I seem able to read now
..not done any yoga or guided meditations, but plenty of just sitting, tuning into silence.
..no more dinners in front of TV, sit and talk instead.
..calling people more often now.

I miss some programs, but I can watch the news by steaming on my phone and can be highly selective on you tube.

Overall it's this incredible feeling I have absolutely nothing I need to do now and yoga can wait until tomorrow, I am busy doing nothing (well except typing this)

I'm impressed, MyBubble! Very nice!
Now, you only need to ditch the phone
Peter

I never used to watch a great deal of TV anyway, but without question, mindfulness has reduced that amount even further. Especially the news; I have reduced my news intake dramatically. Now, I actively avoid it throughout the day and just watch one bulletin at night. It's mostly bad news anyway. I've come to learn that everything that goes in has an effect on our mental wellbeing.

Gareth wrote:Especially the news; I have reduced my news intake dramatically. Now, I actively avoid it throughout the day and just watch one bulletin at night. It's mostly bad news anyway. I've come to learn that everything that goes in has an effect on our mental wellbeing.

Totally agree! I do that too.

That's wonderful Mybubble.

It is amazing how long and peaceful evenings can be without TV.

Thank you. I must admit to have always been a TV junkie, I can watch the news channels for a couple of hours never coming away that happy. I feel much better now, it took a year of sitting in front of the TV thinking I don't like this but always giving in.

Can't give up the phone, a step way too far!

I could have done with a telly last night in order to watch the mighty Welsh trounce the Belgians but, in general, I'm happy living without one. It amuses me when people tell me they have no time for meditation and then proceed to bang on about all the TV shows they watched the previous night.
Jon

I agree, it's probably best to watch little TV, but I enjoy it, and watch it pretty mindful. I'm often very aware, of myself, my surroundings, and the content, when watching TV.
Peter

The TV is rarely on before 9pm in our house. It just hasn't got much appeal, unless it's something that is worth watching (Jon, Wales was enjoyed very much ).

Gareth, I am the same regarding the news and it makes for a much happier life

I think some TV is awesome and we are so fortunate to view. For instance nature or scenic documentaries especially in HD.

I tried to watch mindfully by imagining I was looking through a hole, through the cameraman's eyes as he/she films as if I was there.

When will I ever get the opportunity to visit all these exotic wild places without TV. I am glad to witness it indirectly. Although it does create want. I want to see it myself.

Unfortunately I have no self control to just watch this, I land up watching all the rubbish too. I do intend to watch nature and other documentaries by streaming occasionally. At least it's not so easy to channel flick and get sucked up again.