How to Train an Elephant (book)

[FeeHutch]

Steve, I have struggled so much this week!

A few times a day I have remembered and if I have been at home and so felt less self conscious, I have stopped and thought I am now walking through a door and really tried to pay attention. I have noticed that some rooms in my hour feel hotter or cooler, smells change etc. I have noticed it occasionally when I have been out and about but so, SO many times it has been after the fact. It has really highlighted to me just how much time I spend not paying attention but I have found that a positive experience and haven't automatically beaten myself up for 'failing'.

I will add this to my own tiny commitments and also check out Ratitude.com, that looks like a very interesting site so thank you for posting the link.

Week 18 is notice trees. Even though I live in the industrial area of Sheffield we still have quite a lot of trees. In fact Sheffield used to be the greenest city in Europe when I was growing up, or at least the phrase was banded around a lot. The chapter talks about remembering how trees breathe. Both my girls have been talking about that very thing recently because they are studying it at school too.

When I am working at the uni, there are 2 large trees outside my office window. I have cultivated a habit of sitting and watching the trees and breathing, being present for a few minutes before I see each client. I love the idea of the week long retreat just watching a tree, it sounds so peaceful.

[Steve]

yes, trees this week - this is a good one. i'm lucky enough to live in the countryside so am surrounded by trees. I've been looking at the wide range of trees I pass on the way to work (by bike as the weather is so good). Many have a soft green sheen, some are already well green, others have blossom whilst others look like they have yet to wake up to spring.

So many types, shapes, sizes, locations - we're not short of subjects this week! I've even been trying to see if there are any places I am where I am not in sight of a tree - apart from the kitchen and the loo in the office, I haven't yet found any!

The trees down here in the south may be a bit ahead of those in the 'frozen north' - but I hope you have plenty to observe as well.

Steve

[FeeHutch]

Steve, the north has defrosted slightly
When I actually look I see all the different shades of green and cherry blossom on the trees. Today especially has been quite beautiful.

[Steve]

Tree Hugging, whatever next ?

The book talks about the wisdom of trees and suggests spending time meditating under one (not a bad idea on a sunny day!).

Most of the trees nearest me are relatively young (I planted them 15-20 years ago) so not really large enough to hug properly (up to 25cm diameter) but you can put your ear to them an listen to them. This is fascinating - you can hear a background whooshing (NB I don't think this is the blood flow in my ears as in a sea shell) but probably just the transmission of the noise the breeze makes passing through the upper branches. You can also hear a gentle rattling noise as small branches/twigs knock against each other).

Googling tree hugging is also fascinating including sites like: http://www.naturalnews.com/032782_tree_ ... ealth.html

Anyone else got up close to any trees? Am I loosing my marbles or just exploring new areas?

Steve

[FeeHutch]

I haven't actually hugged a tree yet but there is still time.
In fact I'm struggling to see the wood for the trees this week. I've been unwell and stressed out and the thought of meditating of under a tree sounds beautiful right now.

[JonW]

I've become fascinated with trees since I took up mindfulness practice. I could look at a tree for hours. Though I've yet to hug one. I suspect my spaniel would think I was behaving strangely.

[FeeHutch]

I just noticed the flowers are coming up on our very young apple tree which has cheered me up

[FeeHutch]

Well, I found this week difficult. My focus has been diverted a lot and my sitting practice has suffered. I always notice that if I'm not sitting as much it affects my mindfulness moment to moment practice.

Week 19 is another simple sounding one, several times a day relax your hands and focus your awareness on them for a few seconds. After a difficult time I'm aware that the temptation for me now is to strive to do this week 'well' to 'make up' for 'failing' this week.

[Steve]

Fee

Yes, its interesting how missing out regular formal practice affects your ability to be mindful at other times. Do you have a regular time for 'formal' practice? I still fit in a few minutes in my morning routine between showering and getting dressed - I find its a good time as the shower has woken me up properly and its good to sit quietly for a few mins before the rest of the (often hectic) day begins. Its often only 5 mins but I don't think I've missed a day this year so far Its now just a habit and sitting for even a couple of mins and letting go just for that short time feels good. I hope you manage to get back to sitting regularly - if you run out of time, tell yourself that something else must be less important than sitting and being for a moment and drop (or shorten) that instead.

As I see many trees and love trees so much, its not been hard to be aware of them more this week - indeed its been nice to notice and think about them some more. And an added bonus is the birds enjoying the trees so there has been plenty of birdsong to notice too. How different our lives would be without trees! Barren landscapes, less shade, less birds, no fruit, much windier, less oxygen, no wood(!) - where would we be without wood - no forests, etc etc. Its amazing what an integral part of our lives they are.

I hope next week is an improvement for you - different things will always suit different people and, as you say, 'striving' is not what its about - just different opportunities for us to be mindful during the day.

Steve

[FeeHutch]

Hi Steve
I normally sit once the kids are at school or take myself off and leave them with my husband for a while at the weekend but been so caught up then ill this week it's just not happened. I need to go back to basic rehab principles I think and ensure I'm making time for me and time to rest and reflect. I totally agree that I always see the impact everywhere if I don't practice even for a day or so.

I'm really glad it sounds like you had a great experience with this task