Every Friday during Lent the folks at Franciscan father Richard Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation are hosting a half-hour sit meditation. I only just discovered that last Wednesday, and decided to take advantage of the free, live-streamed YouTube
I recently went into the woods and say by a tree for an hour. It was in a rhododendron thicket so there was no view to distract me. I set the timer on my phone, but otherwise disconnected. My brain swirled for the first 30 minutes but then I seemed to sync with my surroundings. I began to hear the fluttering of Junco wings and an occasional leaf fall. I could feel the texture of the bark of the tree I leaned against. The muted winter woods colors slowly became more vivid. I discovered that by becoming disconnected I became more connected.
I recently went into the woods and say by a tree for an hour. It was in a rhododendron thicket so there was no view to distract me. I set the timer on my phone, but otherwise disconnected. My brain swirled for the first 30 minutes but then I seemed to sync with my surroundings. I began to hear the fluttering of Junco wings and an occasional leaf fall. I could feel the texture of the bark of the tree I leaned against. The muted winter woods colors slowly became more vivid. I discovered that by becoming disconnected I became more connected.
Haha! The monkey throwing poo made me laugh out loud!
I find it hard to meditate without some kind of guided imagery. Just being still is so very hard.
I love your thoughts about hope!