Conditioning - Happiness

[FM1]

Today, I helped a friend with her relationship problem. listened to her vent. I watched a good show, Queen's Gambit. I baked a cake!

Sounds like a beautiful day!
I would recommend writing down three happy things every day. It’s fun to revisit them, especially on not-so-good days.

 

[sunkacola]

Sounds like, by trial and error, you found out what works best for you. I’ve always been jealous of people who tell me they can meditate and it makes such an amazing impact on their lives. Sounds like an easy fix I wouldn’t mind having
I’m going to look into autogenic training as I’m intrigued now. Thanks for sharing with me!

Meditation, especially sitting meditation, is not for everyone, so don't let anyone tell you it is. It also isn't an "easy fix", because everyone needs to learn how to do it before it starts to help them, but I know what you mean. Meditation is just not suited for every mind or body, no matter how persistent a person may be in trying it. But the good news is that there are other things that you can do to reduce stress. I cannot do a sitting meditation at all, and believe me I gave two different methods a really good attempt: one year for one, two years on the other. Not only did they not help me, but that 20-minute period of trying to meditate was the worst part of my day. I'll never try that again.

but, I can do a sort of walking meditation, even in my house. I can also do it in nature which is better. And just walking in nature without even trying is a sort of meditative state for me. I make things, and sometimes when I am making something I go into a sort of "zen" state. Any time I can sit next to moving water and listen to it, is a kind of meditation for me. There are many things you can try.

 

[JayCS]

Just remembered "Body Scan" - saying hello to each part of my body, bit by bit, whether hurting or not: If it is: Not judging, not moaning, not complaining, more like self-caring, stroking myself inside. I often swap from autogenic training over to body scan, if I realize I don't feel like imagining (maybe because of pain) sun rays on me, warmth, heaviness, lightness,...

 

[FM1]

Meditation, especially sitting meditation, is not for everyone, so don't let anyone tell you it is. It also isn't an "easy fix", because everyone needs to learn how to do it before it starts to help them, but I know what you mean. Meditation is just not suited for every mind or body, no matter how persistent a person may be in trying it. But the good news is that there are other things that you can do to reduce stress. I cannot do a sitting meditation at all, and believe me I gave two different methods a really good attempt: one year for one, two years on the other. Not only did they not help me, but that 20-minute period of trying to meditate was the worst part of my day. I'll never try that again.

but, I can do a sort of walking meditation, even in my house. I can also do it in nature which is better. And just walking in nature without even trying is a sort of meditative state for me. I make things, and sometimes when I am making something I go into a sort of "zen" state. Any time I can sit next to moving water and listen to it, is a kind of meditation for me. There are many things you can try.

This is very encouraging as walking is the only thing that I found helps me feel better, other than hot showers and baths. I have to give “making things” a try. I know when I do crafts with kids I am in a happy zone, although the end result isn’t always something to be proud of
Been thinking of painting lately, too...

 

[FM1]

Just remembered "Body Scan" - saying hello to each part of my body, bit by bit, whether hurting or not: If it is: Not judging, not moaning, not complaining, more like self-caring, stroking myself inside. I often swap from autogenic training over to body scan, if I realize I don't feel like imagining (maybe because of pain) sun rays on me, warmth, heaviness, lightness,...

I like the idea of “body scan” as long as I don’t start getting upset with myself for being in pain everywhere. I have to say, as much as I hate admitting it, Lyrica has given me a flexibility and less aching (allowing me to enjoy walks and stretching more) I haven’t had in a while. Not sure how long it’ll last but I’ll take it.

 

[Jemima]

Will definitely look into it. I think my major hurdle is accepting the thought that meditation is a real thing. Working on it!

It sounds like we are cut from the same cloth

I advise looking into the science behind it - the idea is doing that which cues your body to switch from sympathetic nervous system ("fight or flight") to parasympathetic (so-called "rest and digest"). If it helps, totally avoid the term "meditation" - whether you consider it mindfulness, relaxation, breathing exercises, or whatever - the fundamental function is less spiritual and more about triggering chemical changes within the body.

 

[FM1]

It sounds like we are cut from the same cloth

I advise looking into the science behind it - the idea is doing that which cues your body to switch from sympathetic nervous system ("fight or flight") to parasympathetic (so-called "rest and digest"). If it helps, totally avoid the term "meditation" - whether you consider it mindfulness, relaxation, breathing exercises, or whatever - the fundamental function is less spiritual and more about triggering chemical changes within the body.

Now you’re speaking my language!
I’ve given up on ideas of meditation but I like what you just said. Maybe the only way to convince my brain to give out a shot is to stop referring to it as meditation as what it means to most people, and make it my own but understanding the science. Thank you!!