Each of the last four Tuesday I have attended a meditation class, and each time I have gained very important insights. Today, both the mediation practice and the lecture were more enlightening than ever.
We learned about the practice of pratayahara, which translates into "accepting confrontation". It is basically to sit still and observe your thoughts and feelings, knowing that they are reactions of your circumstances. They are not a part of who you are. And this is a concept that I really like. Most people seem to mix what we feel, how we think and what we do with the perception of who they are. But think about this: did you feel the same things when you were 12 as you did when you were 16? And do you think the same way now as you did being a teenager?
It made me realize that it is ok, even for grown ups, to change their mind. Changing your mind is simply like changing clothes. It's a reaction to changing circumstances, which - let's face it- are changing faster today then ever before. (Thank, God - now I know there is nothing wrong with me!)
Photo from our lazy days in Spain.
What a coincidence, my class on Happiness studied gratitude and meditation last week! We tried a few different types of postures and it was interesting to focus on my thoughts the way you described, in kind of a detached way.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I first realized that changing your mind did not mean you were a hypocrite....but it took me a long time to get over my stubbornness sometimes and admit to change my thinking. :)
Great post!
beautiful photo and a beautiful concept.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely blog! And your photography is amazing. Thank you for saying Hi on my blog so I could find you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post.
Maja
p.s: i am also a business student. :) just finishing my degree
I embrace this concept. Shifting opinions and thoughts are evidence of reacting to and interpreting our world, right? Far worse to embrace our actions as an unalienable part of ourselves...
ReplyDeleteOh, how wonderful! I took a few meditation classes and I really enjoyed them. [ I do have trouble sitting still for so long, though! ] This post is a wonderful reminder of the importance of knowing yourself and your mind.
ReplyDeleteI think I really need to go to some meditation classes. I suffer from panic attacks (and depression. And insomnia.. Bah.) and I think something like that would really help me out. Especially in the middle or beginning of a panic attack. To know that I am just freaking myself out more and I am NOT GOING TO DIE. Haha.
ReplyDeleteHope you're doing well, Halina!
What a great way of looking at it. I really dislike confrontations lol
ReplyDeleteMeditation sounds like something I need to learn more about. I have thought about it before, but I have a short attention span... must try again.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely something that get's your mind of all the things that affect your emotions in a daily life. I would say it enables you to be you!
DeleteI always struggle with changing my mind. Thanks for reminding me that it's OK to do it!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness we do change and we change our minds when we get older because I would die of embarrassment if I thought the same way as I did when I was 16... YIKES! Phew! :)
ReplyDeleteI have found that I have become more easy-going and patient when faced with confrontation, but that my initial gut reaction is still pretty much the same as it was when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteReally good points. Meditation is amazingly effective.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I've practiced yoga for years and have always fancied taking a meditation class, but never quite got round to it. Agree that it is good to change your mind - esp as we grow as people. Lovely blog btw!
ReplyDeleteI am with Marcy. Core me is the same. But I like this analogy with changing your clothes very much. Thanks for Rewinding. Nice to see you again Halina x
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