Irene mentioned that she prays as part of her daily rituals and i was wondering about others and what we all do to fulfill this aspect of our lives?
I used to meditate and still enjoy contemplation. i also find that remembering to be grateful is enormously helpful....but i'm still an appalling specimen of humanity!!
What practices do you do that help you?
i also try to keep up with people and how they are.
I've always had a busy mind full of worry and anxiety which of course is not helpful. I usually meditate in the morning (briefly) and before I go to bed. I read something spiritual that fits my mood. I've even read traditional and non traditional prayers, chants or mantras. I find whatever helps me move to a better state of mind and spirit is useful. Talking to someone someone has at times had a profound effect on me.
My twelve years of intense Buddhist study and practice were, in retrospect, sort of extreme and ultimately probably a bit too stressful for my skin. But I did learn how to observe my mind and my energy, so I can catch myself when I'm having a stream of negative thoughts. Journaling puts them in a safe place. I don't seek excitement, but value feeling calm and content. It seems the more I pay attention to small things like plants and knitting and the more I watch small, slow paced films and read low-toned novels, the better I am.
I also learned how to try to substitute compassion for negative judgements of people.
But if you met me socially you'd probably find me intensely enthusiastic and outgoing, and at times sarcastic, so I'm not at all the picture of calm centredness. It's all relative. We're all on our individual continuum.
thats lovely Wil ....thank you so much. i feel inspired to know that you take this special time to nuture yourself...and its moved me to continue to look for special words and also poetry...such as i used to love. both my parents died recently....quite close to each other and it was so helpful to be guided towards the right words and poems that we wanted to use and to say in their memory. i am so glad you have the ability to connect with others such that the effect is profound. thank you again.
love marey x
oh yes absolutely....! i'm a real wild child and its my continuum.
know what you mean about the stress of that practice....saw a few monks and nuns go by the way side. you weren't in the NKT by any chance were you? no need to answer that if you prefer not to....but thats were i was involved.
compassion.... isn't it just so helpful...and rejoicing in the merit of others ...i like that one too!
thank you very much Morrell for sharing all this ...its so lovely to be getting to know you and how you're progressing. one thing Morrell i'm a bit concerned about kathleen. is she ok? haven't seen her out there and am a bit worried. would you be able to PM her? i don't feel that i could but you are special to her. she may just have been away?
love marey x