My journey while trying to get rid of the big things...

[WallPaper]

Hello there!

While listening to the singing of a black bird in the garden, which I think is weird for January... I try to appreciate such little things. However, that is not easy most of the times, since I often think life has played a trick on me by witholding me from big things.
I am chronically ill for about ten years, for no apparent reason. It seems a viral infection is what hit me, but not one that was ever identified by lab tests. So think of me as a post-viral someone. I have been meditating for four years and I think that is what keeps me from losing my marbles so far.

Last week I started the audiobook Mindfulness for Health by Vidyamala Burch and Danny Penman. Mindfulness is new to me and I am only in week 1. I was struck by the secondary suffering, I am aware of it since I learned something like that exists. Recognition is the first step? I can only hope it will get me somewhere. Because often I feel like a loser for that failing body of mine. For all this time I am housebound and have been a food freak (no un-organic stuff for me, thank you very much) for years now.

So here I am, opening up to all of you. Because I have known for a long time that asking for help is actually a good thing. This book by Burch and Penman made me realise how much fear I have inside of me. But I am on a journey and to know this is part of it, right?


Any suggestions? For life? For soothing, relaxation music on Soundcloud? Those are more than welcome, I hope to hear from you. Kindly, W.P.

PS - anyone else recently started this 8 week course of Mindfulness for Health (I think You Are Not Your Pain is the 2015 publication of the same book) and in need of a buddy?

[JonW]

Hi Wallpaper,
Welcome to the forum. We're a friendly bunch and always happy to help or advise if we're able. So do make yourself at home.
I've read the Mindfulness for Health book but haven't done that course. I did interview Danny and Vidyamala around the time of publication. You can find those interviews here: http://www.everyday-mindfulness.org/interviews/
Mindfulness is definitely a journey and the first thing that's required is self-compassion. Do go easy on yourself and try not to look for quick results. Any questions just fire away.
Here's a previous thread about music for meditation. viewtopic.php?f=23&t=3874
I look forward to chatting with you on here.
All best wishes,
Jon, Hove

[WallPaper]

Hi Jon,

Thanks for your warm welcome! And it seems you can look right through me, your remark about self-compassion is definitely about me. Indeed, I need to be gentle and not mad at myself for worrying.
When I am troubled and having a hard time to keep myself from that second suffering, I try to express a mantra or line to work with and keep in mind to help me through a difficult moment. Yesterday it was:

Please give me the ease of well being in mind.

Perhaps I stick to it as well for today.
And thanks for pointing out the music topic as well. I am sure, that is going to be helpful. Chatting sounds nice!

Enjoy your day, bye bye, W.P.