My husband says the most he's been able to do in one sitting is 15 minutes, and his most consistent bout was to stick to it for just one month. Because he's not seeing results in terms of a state change, he can't justify the commitment. However, he's naturally pretty calm and optimistic (we should all be so lucky!).
I've always struggled with meditation as I find it so difficult to quiet my mind. A walking meditation was always my "go to," but it spurs on creativity which must come out! (Not always so restful!) I love the tips you've shared Lisa, (the cat stretching sounds lush!) and I definitely resonate with the eyes open thing. Thanks for the resource recommendations, I'll definitely check them out.
Excellent! Glad to hear this resonates and might prove useful. Let me know what you try and how it works for you. Meditation is definitely NOT one-size-fits-all.
Im sorry its been so difficult but am glad to hear you found something that works for you. I disagree- yoga is meditation and meditative (the classic encompassing definition, but also asana practice), unfortunately over the years asana can be distilled to exercise- which robs ppl the opportunity to quiet their minds and arrive in their bodies. There is formal and informal practice, which covers a variety of styles, i tell people it took me 10 years of yoga practice to be able to sit. Laying down (as well as standing, walking), slow movement w awareness is included in yogic and mindfulness styles, yogic practices include humming, gazing, breath work, etc -all useful methods. Group practice is suggested to help the individual find support in the practice.
When i was struggling with extreme fatigue, a yin practice helped me turn the corner. I encourage people look at my substack that offers free guided (short) meditations and brief discussions on this topic.
Sonya, I don't think we're in disagreement; the way yoga is taught and practiced in the Western world is often far from its roots as a vehicle for meditation. In my own studies, I've come across more of the original intent as a yoke between the body and mind, which I think is a lovely concept.
Also, feel free to link to your meditations here in the comments or else in the chat, and we'll be sure to check them out.
Oh, my apologies, i misread... in terms of (yoga) teachers, i find (broadly speaking) the more extensive the training, the deeper the teacher's teachings (it helps if they live it too). Personally, i tend to gravitate to iyengar trained teachers, whether its a fast paced 'flow class' or level I or II, i find these teachers more consistently offering a meditative component (will include pranayama, etc). Possibly it just matches my needs... the teachers name is bks iyengar, more to say on this but i shouldget to my class...
Thanks, Sonya. I’ve practiced yoga for 35 years and am familiar with Iyengar. It’s great to hear you’ve found something that meets your needs, as I’m sure your journey with Hashimoto’s has been challenging. Not sure how long you’ve been practicing, but I know from my own experience that what meets our needs at one stage doesn’t always continue to as we move to the next stage. I’m sure readers will appreciate the link to your Substack. And I’m grateful as well for your membership here at Brunette Gardens.
LOL, I'll settle for the cat meditation! I knew there was a darn good reason I love them so much! Our Meep (Spicy) along with her brother and mom is our medicine.
My husband says the most he's been able to do in one sitting is 15 minutes, and his most consistent bout was to stick to it for just one month. Because he's not seeing results in terms of a state change, he can't justify the commitment. However, he's naturally pretty calm and optimistic (we should all be so lucky!).
I've always struggled with meditation as I find it so difficult to quiet my mind. A walking meditation was always my "go to," but it spurs on creativity which must come out! (Not always so restful!) I love the tips you've shared Lisa, (the cat stretching sounds lush!) and I definitely resonate with the eyes open thing. Thanks for the resource recommendations, I'll definitely check them out.
Excellent! Glad to hear this resonates and might prove useful. Let me know what you try and how it works for you. Meditation is definitely NOT one-size-fits-all.
Very interesting! Some of the things you write about -- yawning, sighing, humming -- I´m familiar with as part of Zapchen Somatics. Good stuff.
Huh, never even heard of that. I'll look it up, unless you've got a good source link?
Sure...the main page for Zapchen from the creater is here: https://www.zapchen.com/wp/resources/
Here´s a youtube of a practitioner talking about yawning, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68J682-V3iA
and about sighing, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3PzwML-gWE
and finally a link to The Hum Book, https://www.zapchen.com/wp/resources/hum-book/
Excellent! Thank you so much for these.
Lisa thanks for this guide! I’ll so glad you found something that worked/works for you and grateful for your generosity in sharing it with others. 🙏
You're welcome, Liz. If you try anything new, let me know how that works out for you.
Im sorry its been so difficult but am glad to hear you found something that works for you. I disagree- yoga is meditation and meditative (the classic encompassing definition, but also asana practice), unfortunately over the years asana can be distilled to exercise- which robs ppl the opportunity to quiet their minds and arrive in their bodies. There is formal and informal practice, which covers a variety of styles, i tell people it took me 10 years of yoga practice to be able to sit. Laying down (as well as standing, walking), slow movement w awareness is included in yogic and mindfulness styles, yogic practices include humming, gazing, breath work, etc -all useful methods. Group practice is suggested to help the individual find support in the practice.
When i was struggling with extreme fatigue, a yin practice helped me turn the corner. I encourage people look at my substack that offers free guided (short) meditations and brief discussions on this topic.
Sonya, I don't think we're in disagreement; the way yoga is taught and practiced in the Western world is often far from its roots as a vehicle for meditation. In my own studies, I've come across more of the original intent as a yoke between the body and mind, which I think is a lovely concept.
Also, feel free to link to your meditations here in the comments or else in the chat, and we'll be sure to check them out.
Oh, my apologies, i misread... in terms of (yoga) teachers, i find (broadly speaking) the more extensive the training, the deeper the teacher's teachings (it helps if they live it too). Personally, i tend to gravitate to iyengar trained teachers, whether its a fast paced 'flow class' or level I or II, i find these teachers more consistently offering a meditative component (will include pranayama, etc). Possibly it just matches my needs... the teachers name is bks iyengar, more to say on this but i shouldget to my class...
My sub is https://open.substack.com/pub/evolutionmedicine keep up the good work by sharing your journey of healing and talents.
And btw, i totally cleaned up my garden, cant wait to plant veggies
Thanks, Sonya. I’ve practiced yoga for 35 years and am familiar with Iyengar. It’s great to hear you’ve found something that meets your needs, as I’m sure your journey with Hashimoto’s has been challenging. Not sure how long you’ve been practicing, but I know from my own experience that what meets our needs at one stage doesn’t always continue to as we move to the next stage. I’m sure readers will appreciate the link to your Substack. And I’m grateful as well for your membership here at Brunette Gardens.
Enjoy your spring garden! Best of luck.
LOL, I'll settle for the cat meditation! I knew there was a darn good reason I love them so much! Our Meep (Spicy) along with her brother and mom is our medicine.
Ha, ha, they can be a bit distracting, but mostly in a good way.
It's rare time they don't make me laugh, and we all know laughter is medicine!
Absolutely.
This is such a useful article, so many good ideas!
Thank you, Kate. That's a great compliment to read.
Thanks for the restack, as well as your great post comments!