I'm Back

[Gareth]

Hi everyone,

I'm back. In the physical sense at least.

Over the last two weeks, I have given my body far too much alcohol, far too much food and far too much sun; it was all great fun.

A funny thing happened to me while I was away that hasn't really happened to me much in the last four years: I didn't meditate much at all. I am a very firm believer in regular, if not daily meditation, so I am a bit wary of putting this topic on here, in case people get the wrong impression. I'll tell you the reasons why I didn't meditate much.

I found from the outset of the holiday that my mindfulness was very good indeed. Every day there were countless opportunities for excellent informal practice: watching my kids in the pool, listening to music, drinking and talking with my friends, absorbing the new sights and sounds around me. I was hardly being taken away from the present moment at all, and it felt very good.

A couple of days in, I sat down to meditate for the first time, and I found that I was having more thoughts during meditation than I was during the rest of the day. Mainly about Everyday Mindfulness actually. This happened every time I meditated, and I actually felt like meditation was taking me away from the moment rather than allowing me to face it. I think I only meditated about four or five times on the whole holiday.

Don't doubt my dedication to meditation though. I am now back down to earth with a thump: a shed load of work on my desk, post-holiday blues, kids out of their routine, a houseful of stuff that needs doing. I really need my practice right now, so I woke early and meditated first thing.

In every moment we begin again.

[JonW]

"In every moment we begin again."
True as turnips.
Welcome back, Gareth. You've been much missed.