further to our discussions re relaxation
i am reading a book - the science of happiness
which is a collation of the science and research regarding being happy (how our minds and body work)
one point made is "happiness is not the opposite of unhappiness"
the following is from the chapter i ahve been reading this weekend
" that meditation has measureable effects was first shown by the Harvard neurologists Herbert Benson and Robert Wallace over three decades ago. It has been confirmed by many studies since. When thoughts are calm, muscles relax and the electric brain activity shifts to the steadier rhythm of the so called alpha waves. Finally the pulse drops, as does blood pressure and the utilisaation of oxygen. At the same time, fewer stress hormones circulate in the blood, which is why it's thought that regular meditation might strengthen the immune system. The whole organism attains a more balanced state - on that the brain interprets as anxiety free, relaxed and pleasant"
the book also quotes the Dalai Lama
"the actual secrets of the path to happiness are determination, effort and time"
Further to our discussions about relaxation
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
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Further to our discussions about relaxation
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Gabes!
Love your post! I am a great believer in meditation and enjoy reading about Buddhist thought. One of my favorite Buddhist sayings is: "Yes, life is indeed painful, but suffering is optional". Profound, no?
Your info is right on! At the U. of Wisconsin they have been studying long-term meditators (with the cooperation of HH the Dalai Lama) and have found that the area of the brain responsible for happiness actually increases in size in those who have meditated more than 20 years. The happiness "set point" actually changes - IOW, it takes much less to make a person happy if they are longterm meditators. I have found this to be true - whenever I have met a Buddhist holy person (lama or rinpoche) I have been so impressed by their sense of humor, the delight they take in everyday life, the sense of peace that surrounds them. It is impossible not to notice. I want to be like them!
Another book you may enjoy is "Joyful Wisdom" by Youngey Mingyur Rinpoche.. The book is primarily about anxiety, but he has unique insight and experience in the relationship between science and meditation. In fact, his description of the way the brain works is one of the best I have ever seen.
Love,
Polly
Love your post! I am a great believer in meditation and enjoy reading about Buddhist thought. One of my favorite Buddhist sayings is: "Yes, life is indeed painful, but suffering is optional". Profound, no?
Your info is right on! At the U. of Wisconsin they have been studying long-term meditators (with the cooperation of HH the Dalai Lama) and have found that the area of the brain responsible for happiness actually increases in size in those who have meditated more than 20 years. The happiness "set point" actually changes - IOW, it takes much less to make a person happy if they are longterm meditators. I have found this to be true - whenever I have met a Buddhist holy person (lama or rinpoche) I have been so impressed by their sense of humor, the delight they take in everyday life, the sense of peace that surrounds them. It is impossible not to notice. I want to be like them!
Another book you may enjoy is "Joyful Wisdom" by Youngey Mingyur Rinpoche.. The book is primarily about anxiety, but he has unique insight and experience in the relationship between science and meditation. In fact, his description of the way the brain works is one of the best I have ever seen.
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Polly
thanks for the recommendation i will definately seek it out.
i had started reading this book last year when i was really unsettled, interestingly now i am going back and re-reading it as post mc diagnosis, going through the current transition, i have a different outlook/focus.
removing anxiety/unsettlement is my aim, and getting to a settled place of 'loving what is'.
it has been very interesting to look at the science (?genetics) of the brain via this book so i am very intersted in joyful wisdom
back to our caveman theory, i can imagine their simple delight was not having to go to far or exert too much energy to hunt and gather dinner (sounds familiar).....
have a great week
thanks for the recommendation i will definately seek it out.
i had started reading this book last year when i was really unsettled, interestingly now i am going back and re-reading it as post mc diagnosis, going through the current transition, i have a different outlook/focus.
removing anxiety/unsettlement is my aim, and getting to a settled place of 'loving what is'.
it has been very interesting to look at the science (?genetics) of the brain via this book so i am very intersted in joyful wisdom
as we have frequently discussed on this forum, the delight in having a day with no D, brings that principle into focus.the delight they take in everyday life
back to our caveman theory, i can imagine their simple delight was not having to go to far or exert too much energy to hunt and gather dinner (sounds familiar).....
have a great week
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Dear Gabes and Polly
Thanks so much for the great post. Polly and I have talked about this some years ago and it brings me joy to see it come up again.
I have been 99.9% symptom free for at least three years with no medications at all, ever . Keeping track of how long just kept bringing me back to what was wrong instead of dwelling on that which is so right so I quit thinking how long has it been . I attribute a large part of that to three things. #1- Diet, #2 Meditation, #3 Yoga/stretching.
Several years ago after a frustrating meditation I took off for the grocery store to look for gluten free foods. By the way, after meditating for several years now I have discovered that their are no good meditation sessions or bad meditation sessions. Only meditation. Any way... a realized my frustration and simply went to one regular grocery buying what fruit and vegetables I thought I could tolerate, some meat, fish and fowl that could be made into wonderful, nutritious soups and stews some spices, tea, Nut butters and seed butters and eggs and got out. Have eaten that way ever since. When the subject of the Paleo diet came up a few years back I made a few tweaks and did even better.
Early on I found myself so tense with not feeling well and running to the bathroom at odd times that I was tying my muscles in knots . Went to a chiropractor who said ”Gee Matt have you ever thought about stretching or Yoga”. I soon discovered that stretching is a meditation in itself. What I now call active meditation as opposed to sitting meditation that can be active, or might I say reactive at times. Active meditation can be really effective at those times you just cant sit still. Even walking, running, Qigong, bicycling, laundry, cleaning or dishes can be an active meditation if one makes it such.
Well I could go on but so enjoy hearing about others that have gone in the same direction I have, and find that it helps.
Looking forward to further discussions.
To your continued recover.
Love
Matthew
Thanks so much for the great post. Polly and I have talked about this some years ago and it brings me joy to see it come up again.
I have been 99.9% symptom free for at least three years with no medications at all, ever . Keeping track of how long just kept bringing me back to what was wrong instead of dwelling on that which is so right so I quit thinking how long has it been . I attribute a large part of that to three things. #1- Diet, #2 Meditation, #3 Yoga/stretching.
Several years ago after a frustrating meditation I took off for the grocery store to look for gluten free foods. By the way, after meditating for several years now I have discovered that their are no good meditation sessions or bad meditation sessions. Only meditation. Any way... a realized my frustration and simply went to one regular grocery buying what fruit and vegetables I thought I could tolerate, some meat, fish and fowl that could be made into wonderful, nutritious soups and stews some spices, tea, Nut butters and seed butters and eggs and got out. Have eaten that way ever since. When the subject of the Paleo diet came up a few years back I made a few tweaks and did even better.
Early on I found myself so tense with not feeling well and running to the bathroom at odd times that I was tying my muscles in knots . Went to a chiropractor who said ”Gee Matt have you ever thought about stretching or Yoga”. I soon discovered that stretching is a meditation in itself. What I now call active meditation as opposed to sitting meditation that can be active, or might I say reactive at times. Active meditation can be really effective at those times you just cant sit still. Even walking, running, Qigong, bicycling, laundry, cleaning or dishes can be an active meditation if one makes it such.
Well I could go on but so enjoy hearing about others that have gone in the same direction I have, and find that it helps.
Looking forward to further discussions.
To your continued recover.
Love
Matthew
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Thanks for sharing Matt,
as i have mentioned in other threads, part of the adjustment to the the 'new life' that MC has given me is finding new ways to relax and let go.
with my weekend cook ups, i put my favourite music on, I am putting alot of effort to make cooking fun and enjoyable. I dont want it to be a chore
if i am in a bit of discomfort, i have set up a relaxation cd that i play and i lay on the bed and relax, not sleep, not full meditation but try to stop thinking (one of my traits is always thinking to the point of overthinking)
and i totally agree with no good or bad there is what is....... (this applies to lots of things)
as i have mentioned in other threads, part of the adjustment to the the 'new life' that MC has given me is finding new ways to relax and let go.
with my weekend cook ups, i put my favourite music on, I am putting alot of effort to make cooking fun and enjoyable. I dont want it to be a chore
if i am in a bit of discomfort, i have set up a relaxation cd that i play and i lay on the bed and relax, not sleep, not full meditation but try to stop thinking (one of my traits is always thinking to the point of overthinking)
and i totally agree with no good or bad there is what is....... (this applies to lots of things)
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
dear Polly, Gabes, Matthew, I couldn't agree more with all three of you!!! Meditation, yoga and diet, I do all three. Although yoga less due to a knee injury (I have a crack in my meniscus and bending my knee deep gives my pain). I really miss the yoga, actually I was more into body balance (sure they have this all over the world). For weeks I am telling myself try pilates. Also I find swimming very relaxing, but that is also of the list at the moment due to a skin reaction to the water. And just simple plain walking (also good for the osteoporoses)
IMO is is big misunderstanding the meditation is always fun, I find it sometimes quite stressful, there is no escape anymore, in the moment you face what is there. Afterwards, sometimes even a day later, things get lighter and easier. I am daily meditator, twice a day an hour.
That is also one of the things I recognize in Buddhism, accepting and above all experiencing things the way they are, also feelings like anger, grieve, physical or mental discomfort, the better you can "be" with or experience it, the easier it will go away. But as soon as you start to meditating, feeling or experiencing it with the goal "it has to go away" it is not working anymore (this I can tell you from personal experience, harma -control freak - tried this so often).
What I have learned the last three years, that the biggest misunderstanding in life is that we have to solve every problem we face immediately and that we are in control of our life. The more I try to control my life, the less control I have. The more I just let go (or better said just "be" with it), the more control I have. But man, it sounds so easy and it is, but also one of the most difficult thing in life.
IMO is is big misunderstanding the meditation is always fun, I find it sometimes quite stressful, there is no escape anymore, in the moment you face what is there. Afterwards, sometimes even a day later, things get lighter and easier. I am daily meditator, twice a day an hour.
That is also one of the things I recognize in Buddhism, accepting and above all experiencing things the way they are, also feelings like anger, grieve, physical or mental discomfort, the better you can "be" with or experience it, the easier it will go away. But as soon as you start to meditating, feeling or experiencing it with the goal "it has to go away" it is not working anymore (this I can tell you from personal experience, harma -control freak - tried this so often).
What I have learned the last three years, that the biggest misunderstanding in life is that we have to solve every problem we face immediately and that we are in control of our life. The more I try to control my life, the less control I have. The more I just let go (or better said just "be" with it), the more control I have. But man, it sounds so easy and it is, but also one of the most difficult thing in life.
When I had my first bout of D, and before I was diagnosed, I tried meditation. I was a little
overwhelmed about teaching myself, particularly while I was so sick, but I found some guided
meditation that I downloaded to an mp3 player. I am sure it was the only stable thing in my
life at that stage, (and my fantastic husband). I am actually having another flare now, and my
husband can tell if I have meditated or not when he comes home from work. I absolutely
recommend it for not only people with MC, but everyone.
Sandra
overwhelmed about teaching myself, particularly while I was so sick, but I found some guided
meditation that I downloaded to an mp3 player. I am sure it was the only stable thing in my
life at that stage, (and my fantastic husband). I am actually having another flare now, and my
husband can tell if I have meditated or not when he comes home from work. I absolutely
recommend it for not only people with MC, but everyone.
Sandra
Good Morning!
Harma, I am amazed that you meditate 2 hours a day. And I agree that you can't have any goals for meditating (other than just DOING it each day) - there is no good or bad session - it is what it is.) Yep, it is humbling for control freaks like us. LOL! I used to think that I had to rid my mind of all thoughts. Now I follow them when they arise, while reminding myself that they are simply thoughts and have no life of their own (unless I allow them to). Just sitting and "being" is so enlightening. I love the saying that "we are no longer human beings - we've become human doings"!
Love and namaste,
Polly
Harma, I am amazed that you meditate 2 hours a day. And I agree that you can't have any goals for meditating (other than just DOING it each day) - there is no good or bad session - it is what it is.) Yep, it is humbling for control freaks like us. LOL! I used to think that I had to rid my mind of all thoughts. Now I follow them when they arise, while reminding myself that they are simply thoughts and have no life of their own (unless I allow them to). Just sitting and "being" is so enlightening. I love the saying that "we are no longer human beings - we've become human doings"!
Love and namaste,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Somewhat akin to meditation is an activity that totally engages your mind. For mental activity I'm thinking of Sudoku, and for physical activity, something like rock climbing. They keep you totally "in the moment" and you can't think about anything else like work or other worries. I don't meditate, but do find Sudoku to be very relaxing. I used to have a cat who would jump on my knee and just sit there purring for as long as an hour when I would work a Sudoku puzzle. She wouldn't bother me or curl up, just sit there. I'm assuming that I must have been in some sort of "zen state" that she found very attractive. It got so that when she saw me pick up the Sudoku booklet, she would run over to my chair and wait for me to sit down and get started...... 
All of your comments on the benefits of meditation have me wanting to check it out. I've never more than slightly looked into it, but will now! This forum is wonderful for all the help it provides in coping with the emotional as well as the physical issues of MC.
Rosie
All of your comments on the benefits of meditation have me wanting to check it out. I've never more than slightly looked into it, but will now! This forum is wonderful for all the help it provides in coping with the emotional as well as the physical issues of MC.
Rosie
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time………Thomas Edison
Gabes,
I use a mind stilling technique that you might want to try came from the book "Awakening the Buddha within".
Just count to ten, repeatedly. Count one with the in breath, two with the out breath, three with the in breath etc. When you get to ten, the next breath is one. Keep gently bringing the mind back to the count. Amazing how often I find myself counting 13!! Once the mind has settled a bit (if it settles) try just concentrating on the feeling of the breath coming in through the nose - can you feel it coming in and out?
Rosie,
Cat meditation is one of the best forms isn't it? I like to sit on the floor with a cat and gently comb her. When the cat tells me she has had enough, let her curl up in my lap and just sit with her and feel the rhythm of her breath.
Lyn
I use a mind stilling technique that you might want to try came from the book "Awakening the Buddha within".
Just count to ten, repeatedly. Count one with the in breath, two with the out breath, three with the in breath etc. When you get to ten, the next breath is one. Keep gently bringing the mind back to the count. Amazing how often I find myself counting 13!! Once the mind has settled a bit (if it settles) try just concentrating on the feeling of the breath coming in through the nose - can you feel it coming in and out?
Rosie,
Cat meditation is one of the best forms isn't it? I like to sit on the floor with a cat and gently comb her. When the cat tells me she has had enough, let her curl up in my lap and just sit with her and feel the rhythm of her breath.
Lyn
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
Lyn
strangely enough, (and the MC family is the only place i can share this), i use this breathing technique when in the bathroom. especially at work, quite often i have had to excuse myself from a conversation or meeting, do a fast paced walk to the bathroom, and by the time i get there the adrenalin is a bit elevated. I always stop and breathe a while to get the body calm before i return. this also ensures that i am giving my body time to do what it needs to do.
I try to get it done quickly and get back to the meeting, i find that as i am walking out the bathroom door i have to go back. the breathing technique slows my mind down to match the pace my body
strangely enough, (and the MC family is the only place i can share this), i use this breathing technique when in the bathroom. especially at work, quite often i have had to excuse myself from a conversation or meeting, do a fast paced walk to the bathroom, and by the time i get there the adrenalin is a bit elevated. I always stop and breathe a while to get the body calm before i return. this also ensures that i am giving my body time to do what it needs to do.
I try to get it done quickly and get back to the meeting, i find that as i am walking out the bathroom door i have to go back. the breathing technique slows my mind down to match the pace my body
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Isn't this thread fun???
Rosie, I have reviewed many books on meditation, and here is the one I like the best: "Meditation Made Easy" by Lorin Roche, PhD. It's easy to read, fun, and totally applicable to western culture. Many meditation books apply more to monks in monasteries, but this one is especially relevant to us. I agree with you about immersing yourself in a hobby or activity. Have you ever noticed how time has no meaning when we do that? Loved the story about your cat. Have you seen the CD you can buy that is nothing but a cat purring? I guess others like to meditate to purring, too.
Lyn and Gabes,
Yes, breathing meditation is so helpful. A good way of slowing down the heart rate and lowering blood pressure is to breathe like this when you're feeling stressed: Sit quietly and straight and take a deep breath in, counting to 3 or 4. Then exhale using double the breaths - 6 or 8, (twice as long as the inhalation). The deep breath should be one where your abdomen bulges out - not just the chest moving. Within minutes (at the most), there is a physiologic response - you will feel your heart slowing down and calmness. Try it!
Love,
Polly
Rosie, I have reviewed many books on meditation, and here is the one I like the best: "Meditation Made Easy" by Lorin Roche, PhD. It's easy to read, fun, and totally applicable to western culture. Many meditation books apply more to monks in monasteries, but this one is especially relevant to us. I agree with you about immersing yourself in a hobby or activity. Have you ever noticed how time has no meaning when we do that? Loved the story about your cat. Have you seen the CD you can buy that is nothing but a cat purring? I guess others like to meditate to purring, too.
Lyn and Gabes,
Yes, breathing meditation is so helpful. A good way of slowing down the heart rate and lowering blood pressure is to breathe like this when you're feeling stressed: Sit quietly and straight and take a deep breath in, counting to 3 or 4. Then exhale using double the breaths - 6 or 8, (twice as long as the inhalation). The deep breath should be one where your abdomen bulges out - not just the chest moving. Within minutes (at the most), there is a physiologic response - you will feel your heart slowing down and calmness. Try it!
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.