MBSR, start again ?

[Bixente]

Hey!

I have been doing an MBSR-programme ( following the program in " Mindfulness: A practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world" by Mark Williams and Danny Penman) for three weeks. I have been doint the parts of the meditation that is about laying down or sitting on a chair. But the everyday-life mediatations as being in the moment when youare brusching your teeth or going on the toilette has been more difficult. Often I have just forget to do that. Im now on week 3 on the 8-week program
Shall I start again from week 1 and be more aware of remember the everyday mediatatin or shall I continue from week 3 ? What I most feel for is to continue but maybe its better to start again ?

This is my first visit in this page. Iam gratefull for answers. Sorry if my english is not 100 % correct always, its not my first language.

[JonW]

Hi Bixente.
Like yourself, I stuck to the formal meditation practice during the eight-week course but I was less disciplined about the "everyday" practices. Personally, I don't think this is a problem. The course is, after all, just a guide and it's up to the individual to adapt it to his/her own tastes. Do you feel that you're being more mindful generally since you started meditating?

[FeeHutch]

Welcome to the community Bixente
I had a similar experience when I followed that programme. If this is your first experience of mindfulness it seems reasonable to take time incorporating mindfulness fully into every day living. Wanting to try and doing our best are the main foundations to using mindfulness I think. If it feels like going back to week 1 would help then try that but don't feel you 'have' too.

I hope you find lots of help and support here and I look forward to reading more posts from you.
Fee

[Bixente]

Thank You for answers!

I think I will continue with week 4 tomorrow. I feel more for that than going back to week 1. I,am intressted to later see what week 5 means. About if I have been more mindfull since I started the program; at least I have been more aware about when Iam not mindfull. I think I have a little bit easier now to notice when I get stuck on thoughts association, one thought lead to another without that youre aware about that you are following thoughts, and maybe sometimes its a little bit easier for me now to decide if I want to follow the stream of thoughts or not. But I cant say that I notice a big difference compare to when I started some weeks ago.

In the book from Williams and Penman and the book Full Catastrophe Living, which I have read a part of, there is quite many " succes stories" about peple that feels a big breaktrough after some weeks. I dont feel like this, even if I feel that i think it has made me a little bit more aware. Maybe its not so good to compare to much with these stories, even if it is inspiring as well to read about them.

Its feels nice to have found this forum. Cause im doing this programe alone and its my first time its good to have the possiblity to share some thoughts or ask some questions that is coming up!

[JonW]

Everybody experiences it differently and at their own pace. Don't be concerned about "big breakthroughs". At this early stage the fact that you feel a little bit more aware is something to cherish. Again, it's worth reminding yourself not to be goal-orientated and not to judge yourself. Meditate to meditate. The rest will surely follow.

[mbsr-polska]

dont worry about "hard start" you have get used to these changes in your everyday life, nothing is happening just here and now. Give yourself more time and try what is best for you and suits to your "reality" Goodl luck and never give up

[gerronwithit]

would imagine we have all at times done this when following a programme. Just continue and try to bring the informal practice in.