I love and deeply understand this. For the longest time I was terrified to meditate. (And this as a person who identified as spiritual, was profoundly drawn to all things spiritual, etc.) As soon as I closed my eyes I had the sensation that someone was going to run up and plunge a knife into the center of my back, although I could meditate in a wobbly little way if I was in a group.
In a different place now after a couple of decades+ but the panic was wild.
My god I felt this. I can't meditate traditionally. I meditate when I make bread or embroider. I can't sit in complete silence and I always felt like a failure. I'm learning to accept that my ways are different. I'm sure I would benefit from meditation but I just can't.
The body leads. And three minutes is timeless for her, therefore, enough. My three minutes happen upon waking, tuning my mind toward witnessing. And then forgetting. And then witnessing and forgetting again as the day unfolds.
I arrange your work on a mental map pinning yarn between the pieces trying to solve the mystery of their author. I was surprised by this one, and it’s had me rerouting yarn everywhere. Good for you.
This was me too when I first started to meditate. I was terrified of being still with my mind and my body would do all sorts of things to stop me. Well done for getting to 3 minutes. It took me a few years to get there and now, after several years more, and a daily qigong practice, as well as a year of therapy, I can now sit in peace for as long as I want. It’s a journey to get there! Your writing is gorgeous. Thank you 🙏 💙
Hi Amanda! I don't know if you recall, but we met at the writing festival in York many moons ago. I've been following your work, too. And ditto loving it. Yes, this quality is so easily dismissed as not trying hard enough while those same practices advise the whole point is to not try. It's been a relief to understand my own path through it.
I love and deeply understand this. For the longest time I was terrified to meditate. (And this as a person who identified as spiritual, was profoundly drawn to all things spiritual, etc.) As soon as I closed my eyes I had the sensation that someone was going to run up and plunge a knife into the center of my back, although I could meditate in a wobbly little way if I was in a group.
In a different place now after a couple of decades+ but the panic was wild.
Three minutes is perfect and a triumph.
So happy you understand. And yes exactly, knowing this, three minutes is an absolute triumph xx
My god I felt this. I can't meditate traditionally. I meditate when I make bread or embroider. I can't sit in complete silence and I always felt like a failure. I'm learning to accept that my ways are different. I'm sure I would benefit from meditation but I just can't.
I’ve accepted 3 mins as my max, but I do it every day.
Beautiful...
The body leads. And three minutes is timeless for her, therefore, enough. My three minutes happen upon waking, tuning my mind toward witnessing. And then forgetting. And then witnessing and forgetting again as the day unfolds.
Nice. Thanks Kimberley
I arrange your work on a mental map pinning yarn between the pieces trying to solve the mystery of their author. I was surprised by this one, and it’s had me rerouting yarn everywhere. Good for you.
Three is a magical number, Eleanor!!! Yay!!! 💛💛💛
Yay!
This was me too when I first started to meditate. I was terrified of being still with my mind and my body would do all sorts of things to stop me. Well done for getting to 3 minutes. It took me a few years to get there and now, after several years more, and a daily qigong practice, as well as a year of therapy, I can now sit in peace for as long as I want. It’s a journey to get there! Your writing is gorgeous. Thank you 🙏 💙
Hi Amanda! I don't know if you recall, but we met at the writing festival in York many moons ago. I've been following your work, too. And ditto loving it. Yes, this quality is so easily dismissed as not trying hard enough while those same practices advise the whole point is to not try. It's been a relief to understand my own path through it.
Of course I remember! We had a fun time hanging out and on that panel session, which I was late for as I got the room number wrong 😂
Impossible to me I say my painting is it !
I love this and I have felt similarly about my journey. We are sisters!...BIG love for you.
I’ll look it up. Thanks.