"Focus On The Breath"

     My anticipation and curiosity for this MBSR class was tremendous.  Being able to rearrange my life to get to this class was not without road blocks.  One would believe it would be reasonable to say that I need to get to this class and the world would be in agreement, having known what was going on in my life.  However, I did have difficulties with being free on class night, but, being the determined person that I am, and feeling this was a matter of self-preservation, I was able to attend all classes.  The details of my struggle are not important, what is important is that I was present.  I have come to learn that we face struggles all the time, but with faith and perseverance, we can get past them to press forward.
       Again, we all introduced ourselves and why we were there, again, I was amazed at the magnitude of suffering that we quietly carry around with us.  Class began with some yoga poses, the first being the tree as pictured to the left.  As we gazed softly out the window, we slowing moved our bodies until we were in this position, then we just held it.  The room was quiet, and we held it.  The leader would talk gently about focusing on our breathing, quieting our mind, and we held it.  I wasn't sure how long I could balance myself, but I did better than I thought!
     Next, we positioned ourselves in a chair, or on the floor, whatever position that was comfortable, and we learned mindful meditation, just keeping our focus on our breathing, clearing our mind, or if there were thoughts, just observing these thoughts coming and going without judgment or reaction, much like you could observe clouds floating by in the sky.  The purpose of this was to stay present in this moment, to pay attention to this moment, to experience this moment.  I could feel my body and my soul saying, "thank you for this", I was feeling better right from the beginning.
     Since blogging, I am paying attention more to the things that I am writing about, especially since it is the new year and I am trying to stay focused on my visions and goals, knowing all that I juggle as I mentioned before.  Since I want my art to have a stronger presence in my life, I was sketching last night, using my Bamboo tablet in Photoshop.  By doing this, I was accomplishing 3 things, sketching, practicing using the Bamboo, and also practicing Photoshop.  Since I am writing about meditation, I decided to start my day listening to a meditation CD by Jon Kabat-Zinn, and spent about half an hour in complete relaxation, breathing very gently, my mind at rest.  I should be able to handle my day.  Then, lastly, I blogged.  I am satisfied.