Now that you’ve practiced meditating for two weeks, I hope that you’re better able to identify your stress triggers and choose an appropriate method to find your center again. Being able to do this means that you’re becoming more self-aware and mindful of the present moment. That’s a good thing . . .
Now we’ll move on to Week 3. And I’ll be the first to admit that this is one of the most difficult weeks for me. It focuses on letting go of expectations, judgments, and labels – which is really hard for me to do because I’m such a nerd and I love learning new things! I’m the kind of person who, when I see or experience something new, wants to know more about it. This week’s lesson is all about letting go of that habit and experiencing everything as if it were the first time. Aack! Seriously??? Forgive me for a moment while I take a long, slow, deep breath . . .
In Week 3, Sarah focuses on the difference between knowing about something and what she calls “direct experience”. She emphasizes that our minds tend to label and categorize things which can lead to judgments about them. Being a “know-it-all”, having expectations, and repressing our feelings because they’re not what we “should” feel are just as detrimental to directly experiencing something. She says that by doing these things we’re actually creating a disconnect, which prevents us from the true experience.
Sarah goes on to distinguish the two ways that our brains work: the “default network” and the “direct experience network”. The way she describes the first one reminds me of what I call the ‘working brain’. It’s the brain I use when I’m managing my day-to-day activities, planning my week, doing my job, thinking about my next crochet project, etc., etc. All kinds of thoughts ricochet through my brain. The “direct experience” part of the brain is when you are fully engrossed in whatever you’re doing, observing, or experiencing without thinking about anything else, creating a story in your head about it, labeling, or judging it. You’re just . . . being. Taking it all in. This is the brain I use while running, going for a walk, or doing just about anything by myself. I just soak in all that surrounds me and revel in it. And I love every moment of it.
So this week Sarah highlights a few activities to practice having a “beginner’s mind”. She suggests going to your favorite restaurant and letting the chef decide what to make for you, having a day when you say yes to things you might normally say no to, and to watch a movie you know nothing about (without violence, please) and simply experience it without picking it apart. Another activity is called “delectable eating” which you can do with others or by yourself. (It’s really kind of fun, actually!) Finally, she suggests “walking without labels” which is probably my favorite simply because I love being outside and walking without feeling the need to chatter the whole time.
In addition to the exercises for practicing the “beginner’s mind”, we’ll continue to do the “sitting meditation” in order to develop our new meditation habit. I wish you the best of luck this week. Please be on the lookout for the mid-week check-in – I’d LOVE to hear about your experiences with the “beginner’s mind” exercises! I hope that you enjoy this week and can begin to truly experience your life in a whole new way!
Coming up next week: Becoming “Soul-Centered”: Week 4 – Compassion: Love Yourself
The information and exercises listed above are from Sarah McLean’s book “Soul-Centered: Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditation”. I have done my best to accurately quote Sarah as well as to adequately paraphrase and express my own thoughts regarding the information in her book.
The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.
Wholeness Health and YOU! 