Dhyanapalooza

Late February Report (15 minutes, daily)

2010-03-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

My meditation practice has become consistent enough that logging it has started to become very tedious (and probably very tedious to read as well, for my one lone Google subscriber).

As it stands, I've moved to a 15 minute daily meditation, a combination of breath focus (to calm the mind and create a focus) and then Passage Meditation. I meditate in the morning, just prior to doing my yoga practice.

For the last few weeks, my meditation has been superb. Not perfect by any stretch, but calming and nurturing. It's always a challenge to keep my wandering brain in focus, but the challenge is part of the practice.

From now on, I'll write periodic summaries of my meditation practice every fortnight or so.

10 minutes

2010-02-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:50 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)/Breath Focus
Notes: I didn’t meditate much - mainly I sat there with thoughts streaming through my head and I was completely caught up in the stream.

10 minutes

2010-02-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)/Breath Focus
Notes: I tried to duplicate yesterday’s success, but this was another day. And I have cramps from my monthly cycle, so I was sleepy and in pain.

10 minutes

2010-02-18T14:06:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:10 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)/Breath Focus
Notes: Best meditation I’ve had in ages. I actually felt floaty and wonderfully calm! I experimented with mixing breath-focus meditation with passage meditation.

10 minutes

2010-02-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:30 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Very tired and distracted this morning. And COLD! Had to turn on the heater.

10 minutes

2010-02-16T14:04:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:10 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)

10 minutes

2010-02-15T14:04:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:10 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Much better today. I started with a breath focus meditation, then moved on to my passage meditation.

10 minutes

2010-02-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:40 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)

10 minutes

2010-02-13T12:53:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Much better today. I started with a breath focus meditation, then moved on to my passage meditation.

10 minutes

2010-02-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:20 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I’m tired of having a bad attitude about my meditation. To be honest, I’ve been going through the motions, but I haven’t been trying. That stops today. I was distracted, but I was trying.

10 minutes

2010-02-11T12:37:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:50 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Ack. Not a good start this morning. I was SO distracted. My brain was practically turning cartwheels. And yet I persevere. I sometimes read back in amazement at my November entries. How was I so focused?

10 minutes

2010-02-10T12:32:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:20 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Great meditation today! That was a surprise. I felt calm and very focused. I think sleep may be playing a role here. I was absolutely exhausted yesterday.

10 minutes

2010-02-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:30 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: My brain did not want to co-operate this morning. It was agonizing. Sometimes, I find that the passage meditation method just doesn’t work for me. I just stick with the breath. That’s what I ended up doing today.

10 minutes

2010-02-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:05 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Not bad today. My biggest accomplishment was bringing my attention back when it wandered. Need to keep my brain on a leash! One of my 2 intrepid Google Followers dropped off today. I’m not offended or anything - this is a really boring blog! I really don’t say much here. My last remaining follower get s a gold star!

10 minutes

2010-02-07T11:55:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:10 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Very early meditation today and I was feeling a bit sleepy, but otherwise very calm and focused.

10 minutes

2010-02-06T11:40:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:10 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Not bad today! I spontaneously switched to a different (but not new) passage. Lots of emotional strife in my life at the moment, so I’m surprised that I was able to focus.

10 minutes

2010-02-05T13:35:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:15 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: This one was a write-off today. I was in the midst of job-related chaos this morning and couldn’t slow my mind down. In general, it’s been a very ‘pitta’ sort of day.

10 minutes

2010-02-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:40 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Pretty good meditation today, but again I was distracted by the candle. And I didn't even light it this morning! I like the way it smells (berries) and the smooth texture of the wax. Clearly, my mind is looking for thought-fodder (sense-objects, argh!)

10 minutes

2010-02-03T12:10:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:20 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Very distracted this morning; thoughts of the past were intruding and fun flights of fancy. My brain likes to play!

10 minutes

2010-02-02T12:09:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Ug. Didn’t feel well this morning. I was very sleepy during my meditation.

10 minutes

2010-02-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:10 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Not bad this morning, slightly distracted. I cleaned my altar yesterday, so everything is sparkly and dust-free.

10 minutes

2010-01-31T12:09:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Oo...lazy morning! I did my meditation much earlier than my yoga practice, which I put off until mid-day. I enjoyed my zen minutes of stillness.

10 minutes

2010-01-30T12:08:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:20 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: I really enjoyed my meditation this morning. The weekend has a slower pace, which helps me settle into my meditation practice.

10 minutes

2010-01-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:30 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: I left the candle alone this morning, had pretty good focus.

10 minutes

2010-01-28T12:17:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:10 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Okay, I’ve uped the ante for distraction tactics during meditation: this morning I started poking and playing around with the wax in my pillar candle. Easily entertained? Yup!

10 minutes

2010-01-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:10 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Very distracted this morning.

10 minutes

2010-01-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:20 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: I’m all abuzz because I’m going to see Avatar later. Very difficult to still my mind.

10 minutes

2010-01-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Great meditation this morning. I was still and focused.

10 minutes

2010-01-24T11:05:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:20 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Emotional storms make huge waves - breakers - on the shore of my mind. Argh.

10 minutes

2010-01-23T15:44:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:50 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: My menstrual cycle started today. It tends to leave me very distracted and frazzled. In my meditation, I felt like my head was buzzing - it was almost like a ‘sound’. After about five minutes, this sensation receded and I felt much more relaxed.

10 minutes

2010-01-22T14:55:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:20 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: I was a tad bit sleepy this morning, but it makes sense since I was a bit short on sleep. I think it’s time to switch to a new passage, need to find one first though.

10 minutes

2010-01-21T14:55:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:10 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Nothing to report - perfectly ordinary meditation. Distracted a few times and also fascinated for some reason by my candle.

10 minutes

2010-01-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:20 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Late start because I slept in a bit. I was SO distracted today!

10 minutes

2010-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:20 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Up early-early today and I meditated before yoga practice. I’m still amazed that I’m not falling asleep during my sit, even this early in the morning!

10 minutes

2010-01-18T12:29:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:20 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Morning meditation is still going well for me - I never dread it like I used to at night. I find it easier to settle down and focus. A small addition to my meditation corner: I’m using my old Mysore rug, faded on one side, but still colourful on the other, as a Zabuton cover. It looks cheerful and pretty, really brightens up the corner.

10 minutes

2010-01-17T13:11:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: A little bit scatterbrained today. I’m all aflutter about candles these days. I got a nice pillar candle for the holidays and I’m prefering it to the tea lights I normally use. So pretty! I have others in storage, so I brought them out to be used eventually.

10 minutes

2010-01-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: I’ve decided not to extend my meditation just yet. 10 minutes really works for me. Maybe on weekends when I have more time. I’ll see. Today’s practice was good.

10 minutes

2010-01-15T12:18:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:30 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Up at 6:30 this morning and meditating by 7:30. My hip is no longer bothering me when I sit, which removes a huge barrier to expanding my practice to 15 or more minutes (the cramping is one reason I cut back)

10 minutes

2010-01-14T11:17:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:30 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Earlier today and it was blissful. I’m so grateful to finally use the adjective again - I’ve been struggling so much with this practice! It might finally be time to bump myself up to 15 minutes.

10 minutes

2010-01-13T12:13:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: I’m enjoying morning meditation again. Maybe it’s just a change of routine, but I feel less pressured and more serene in the morning.

10 minutes

2010-01-12T11:02:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Morning meditation! I’m feeling all delighted about it because it really was an effort to sit down, but then it was easy. I meditated right before my yoga practice and my focus during yoga was great. Is there a connection? I’ll try this again tomorrow and let you know.

10 minutes

2010-01-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:00 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: I feel like I was on edge all through the holidays and I’m finally starting to relax again. It’s nice, and it makes this meditation thing easier.

10 minutes

2010-01-10T17:39:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Yes, you read that correctly. I managed to do my sit in the morning and it was great. All day long I kept thinking: I already did my meditation. It was such a relief! Need to do this more often.

10 minutes

2010-01-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 11:20 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: Set up my mobile cushion at the house and huddled under my electric blanket. The dog insisted on being on my lap for this one, so it was a dog-ear-scratching meditation.

10 minutes

2010-01-08T14:12:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 11:20 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: To be honest, I just wanted to get it out of the way so I could read my book. Once I was sitting, I kind of settled into it, found myself enjoying the moment, though.

10 minutes

2010-01-07T14:42:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:30 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation (Prayer of St. Francis)
Notes: So very tired tonight. My hip has been bothering me while sitting and it was particularly bad tonight. I spontaneously used the Prayer of St. Francis tonight for my Passage Meditation. I need some new material!

10 minutes

2010-01-06T14:41:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I didn’t want to meditate tonight. This is a good reason to make time to meditate earlier in the day. At night, all I want to do is read my book or watch YouTube.

10 minutes

2010-01-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:40 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Very distracted. Sometimes, meditation isn’t very much fun. Yet, I persevere...

10 minutes

2010-01-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:40 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Managed to get my meditation in before I played hockey. I’m usually too wired after hockey to really settle down and focus.

10 minutes

2010-01-03T07:29:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Right on schedule! I must have drifted off into day-dream-land sometime in the middle of this session because it ended earlier than I expected.

10 minutes

2010-01-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:30 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: My mind was whizzing along at a million kilometres per hour, but I did manage to sit for 10 minutes.

5 minutes

2010-01-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:30 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Was hoping to get a 10 minute session in, but I didn’t get home until late. Maybe tomorrow...

5 minutes

2009-12-31T13:07:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:00 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Wanted to get my meditation in before I head off to a party. Won’t be back until after midnight at least!

5 minutes

2009-12-30T17:32:00.001-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I meditated a bit earlier in the evening. It’s a small step, but important. And I really had a good meditation. For all my struggle lately, I’ve had strong and focused meditations.

5 minutes

2009-12-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 1:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Forgot about meditating until the very last minute again. Doesn’t help that I was out late. This will be easier when I’m back on a regular schedule.

5 minutes

2009-12-28T17:19:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: This was better today. I think I need to try to move my meditation into the mid-day whenever possible.

5 minutes

2009-12-27T17:18:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 11:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Very hard to meditate when I’m feeling this frazzled!

5 minutes

2009-12-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 11:35 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)

5 minutes

2009-12-25T17:13:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 11:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Merry Christmas! I’m slacking off a bit around the holidays, trying to keep up a very abbreviated meditation practice.

5 minutes

2009-12-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:05 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)

5 minutes

2009-12-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 11:30 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)

5 minutes

2009-12-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 11:55 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Not bad at all. I'm feeling like it may be time to move back to a 10 minute meditation practice in the evening.

5 minutes

2009-12-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 11:30 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: This was the best meditation I've had in a long time. I felt calm and centred for a change. Crazy time of year, but it's beginning to wind down for me. And I'm thinking about where I want to take my meditation practice in 2010, in terms of setting a New Year's Resolution.

5 minutes

2009-12-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 11:30 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: My mind was scattered, but at least I was at peace with being on the zafu.Good sign.

5 minutes

2009-12-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 11:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I thought this would be another bad, bad meditation night, but actually, it wasn't. Given the kind of evening I had, that's pretty miraculous.

5 minutes

2009-12-18T07:27:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 5 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 11:40 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: *eyeroll* I can't sink any further than this. Five minutes of breathing and repeating “I'm okay, I'm okay, I'm okay” like a mantra. *sigh*

10 minutes

2009-12-17T13:05:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Horrible, horrible, horrible. The lesson here is never wait until just before bed when I'm cranky and yawning exhausted to do my meditation. I simply did not want to do it tonight.

10 minutes

2009-12-16T13:02:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:20 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I went to bed late and my mind was very, very busy. Still, I was able to come back from distraction again and again. I guess the practice is what counts, right?

10 minutes

2009-12-15T17:06:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:20 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Once again, pretty good. I set a limit on the fidgeting (but worked my way through all 'three strikes' within the first three minutes). I keep my eyes closed during meditation. Tonight, I kept spontaneously opening them and looking around. I never feel sleepy in meditation anymore, but I feel tired a lot during the day. I think it's just the time of year.

10 minutes

2009-12-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:00 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Bull's eye! Tonight, I resolved not to fidget during meditation - I limited myself to 3 fidgets. It worked! I guess my fidgeting was fueling my distraction.

10 minutes

2009-12-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:20 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I'm almost there! I really settled into the ten minutes and felt good about it. If it goes well tonight, I may increase the duration to 20 minutes.

10 minutes

2009-12-12T17:15:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 1:30 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Not bad! My mind wandered off near the end, but it's getting better. Meditation growing pains!

10 minutes

2009-12-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I was doing pretty good until the last few minutes and I fell apart (Random thoughts, they're SO much fun! How can anyone resist?)

10 minutes

2009-12-09T12:39:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:30 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I started out very focused, my wandered a lot in the middle, I managed to refocus again but it all fell apart at the very end!

10 minutes

2009-12-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 11:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Best meditation I've had in ages. I became distracted a bit in the middle of the session, but came back strong!

I've become very frustrated with my meditation as of late, so I've decided to ease off a bit, meditate less and maybe even once a day if that works better for me. I'll build up again gradually, but I want to emphasis quality of meditation rather than quantity.

I just haven't been enjoying my meditation lately and I want to get back to that!

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-12-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Not so great. A few minutes in, I heard a tap dripping and it was driving me nuts, then I remembered: the water was being turned off for repairs. I paused my timer and raced around filling up glasses and the tub. Then back my zafu, but my head was spinning.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:10 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Very good meditation! This makes me wonder if maybe I should switch it up and do my longer meditation at night because the mornings don't seem to be working that well for me.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-12-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 10:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Terrible, terrible, terrible. I actually sat and picked at my nails for the last two minutes. I felt like a big meditation loser. When did this become so hard?

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Better! I was in an energetic mood and my meditation was very focused. It helped knowing I only had 10 minutes to sit.

30 minutes (10/20)

2009-12-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Out late last night, but no regrets; good times and laughter with old friends made my heart very happy! I sat for 10 minutes this morning, constrained by time, but I had a good meditation.

Meditation: 20 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Not bad, not as distracted as usual, though my heart doesn't seem to be in it these days. I think I'm in a 'meditation slump'

30 minutes

2009-12-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:15 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: First 10 minutes: I was distracted. Second 10 minutes: I was falling asleep. Third 10 minutes: I was distracted. At least I'm not freaking out with anxiety like I was last week.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-12-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:15 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Very, very tired and drowsy. I don't know how I got through this meditation. My body was sending me a message and I got it: I took a three hour nap for the rest of the morning. Hopefully, I'm catching up on this sleep deficit.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:35 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: That wasn't bad! I wasn't falling asleep and my mind wasn't wandering quite so much. It's really not the wandering itself that bugs me, it's the part where I can bring my focus back (or I fall asleep).

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-12-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:15 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: A slight change to the morning schedule - I'll be starting at 6:15 to participate in a 'Virtual 15 Minute Meditation' with a group from a studio I used to frequent. I wasn't sure how it would feel to meditate with other people in this way, but I did feel a sense of camaraderie and unity during the first 15 minutes of my meditation.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Meditation was a last minute thing tonight. I was pretty focused for the first few minutes, but less so as time went on. Usually I look forward to my meditation but tonight all I could think about was going to sleep. I wasn't sleepy, but I wanted to sleep!

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-12-01T12:21:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Better this morning, in terms of focus, but I was SO sleepy despite an extra hour of sleep last night (and an early walk in the cold). I think I'm chronically sleep-deprived right now.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:50 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Moderately distracted. Had to wear noise reduction headphones to block out the sounds of the party next door *eyeroll*

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-30T12:28:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Up at my regular time but I was SO distracted, I felt like I wasn't even there. The last ten minutes were better than the first 20, but STILL....

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 8:30 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I was less distracted tonight. It's easier to talk myself into focusing when I know I'll only be on the zafu for 10 minutes.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-29T12:27:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 8:00 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: One disadvantage to meditating at the house is noise. I woke up late this morning, so I had to deal with a telephone conversation in the background. I put on headphones and listened to an ocean waves recording to block out the noise, but it was still difficult. Wondering if a recording of white noise, along with my Bose noise reduction headphones would do the trick?

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 6:00 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Noise again, this time a movie ('I Heart Huckabees' which is bad enough when you're NOT meditating...). Definitely need the headphones, or maybe earplugs. Very distracted and unhappy tonight.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: So sleepy! I felt like I was on the edge of sleep the entire time.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:10 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I'm heading to the house for the rest of the weekend, but decided to meditate before I left because I'll probably be too tired later tonight.

50 minutes (30/20)

2009-11-27T14:41:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: A bit distracted this morning, but better than yesterday. I wasn't sleepy because I slept in until 7 a.m.

Meditation: 20 minutes
Where: Meditation Group
When: 7:15 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Only 20 minutes because the group leader did this 'meditation instruction' thing for 10 minutes to orientate the beginners in the group. The time passed really quickly and I'm delighted with the Mobile Meditator in this context - I was very comfortable!

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Very distracted, but I kept trying!

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:10 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: This was one of those nights when I needed meditation to slow myself down for sleep. It *almost* worked, but I was too wired.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-25T12:10:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Very, very distracted. This was a great opportunity to practice bringing my attention back. Also good practice in observing my emotional responses. I didn't have very much sleep last night so I was feeling very drowsy.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Subway
When: 10:10 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I was so distracted tonight, this almost seemed like a waste of time. I have no control over my brain. Kept looking out the window (at nothing). Argh.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: First ten minutes I was distracted, second ten minutes, I was falling asleep, the third ten minutes I was fairly focus and more-or-less awake. Nice to end on a high note! ;-)

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:10 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I started my meditation with an agitated mind, but gradually calmed down. Not enough to sleep, though :-(

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-23T07:35:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Distracted throughout, but at least I wasn't drowsy!

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I was at a pub party following the ice hockey finals this evening. Meditating while tipsy and sleepy is not very effective, but I found it very amusing. Next time, I'll try to remember to meditate before heading out.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 6:40 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: A bit distracted, but I was able to catch myself each time my mind wandered. Wow, random thoughts are so *interesting* during meditation! It's like having a cookie dangled in front of you when you're pekish. So hard to resist!

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 10:00 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Swirling, swirling mind. I hate meditating when I'm upset.

60 minutes (30/30)

2009-11-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:50 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Terrific except for the allergy attack. I was blowing my nose every few minutes! Very frustrating. This time of year, I'm allergic to the moulds in the air (due to the fallen leaves). Later in the day, found myself inspired by this recording by Erich Shiffmann.

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 9:15 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: It's been a while since I've done a long evening meditation. I wasn't even planning for it tonight, but I really needed it. I'm still working out the temperature thing at the house. I brought my down sleeping bag this weekend, but it wasn't quite warm enough. I'm investigating an electric microplush throw to keep myself warm when I'm here.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:50 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I struggled a little bit with my focus this morning. I took a muscle relaxant last night to treat a shoulder problem and I think I had a bit of a chemical 'hangover' from the drug (I slept like a log). Lately, 30 minutes has not seemed very long for meditation at all. I've adjusted to it.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Streetcar
When: 11:15 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: The streetcar is a smoother ride, a little bit easier than the subway, actually.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-19T10:32:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:50 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Focus was good this morning and not sleepy at all! Hooray for adequate sleep!

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Subway
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I had a good subway driver tonight, my meditation was a smooth ride :-D Good focus. I seem to easily remain focused for 10 minute meditation sessions now.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-18T11:02:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: The first 10 minutes were very focused, the second 10 were scattered as I engaged in mental 'story-telling', the last 10 were mixed, focused with occasional mental forays.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Subway
When: 8:05 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: 10 minutes of bliss on the subway ride home. I'm starting to notice when I have a veteran operator; the train doesn't jerk around when there's someone with a light hand at the helm. I always appreciate that more when I'm meditating!

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: The first 10 minutes was really nice, but the longer I sat, the sleepier I became. May take a nap later.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Public Health Clinic
When: 8:05 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I was asked to wait for 15 minutes after receiving the Swine Shot, so I spent the time productively, meditating. I'm always amazed by the feeling of calm that descends whenever I meditate in a public place. But it was difficult to concentrate.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I had a difficult time staying awake this morning. I felt tired and heavy.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:35 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I decided that sleep trumps meditation tonight. Ten minutes of meditation was a peaceful way to end my day, especially after playing ice hockey.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I was fine in the first ten minutes, but really distracted near the end. I was interrupted midway though, which may have contributed to my lack of focus.

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: I very rarely drink alcohol, but tonight I had two vodka coolers. I discovered where the expression 'buzzed' comes from. My entire body was buzzing!

60 minutes (30/30)

2009-11-14T12:07:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 6:45 a.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: The first 10 minutes were good, the second 10 minutes were very distracted and the last 10, I was falling asleep.

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: St. C House
When: 9:45 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: Nice meditation. We found a small space heater for me to use. It was a big help in keeping me warm.

40 minutes (30/10)

2009-11-13T11:53:00.000-08:00

Meditation: 30 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 7:45 a.m.
How: This was a good meditation. I was definitely distracted, but I was diligent in bringing my attention back to the passage. It's amazing the meandering paths my mind can take if I let it loose!

Meditation: 10 minutes
Where: Zafu
When: 9:35 p.m.
How: Passage Meditation ('Twin Verses' from the Buddha, Dhamapada)
Notes: A ten-minute meditation was the perfect way to conclude my day! I went to sleep immediately afterward. No problem sleeping after meditation, by the way. That used to be problem, but hasn't been for the past few weeks.