the next month's challenge: Stop thinking, stop breathing

[notnotabouthim]

... well, as much as possible, at least.

Gala's running a thing called the iCiNG Transformation Challenge (iTC). Basically, a chance to spend a month, focussing in a couple of areas of your life to bring about real, valuable change

Comments

[amphigori]

Luke and I just returned from five breathtaking (oh dear ... no pun intended) days on the West Coast of the south island. I can't even blog about it because it was so life changing.

One of the things I asked Luke, as we were getting glum upon our return, was how to make 'real life' more like vacation.

Devoting an hour a day to do absolutely nothing, sitting there, positively visualising, sounds like a good step to retaining that "vacation" mindset. I.e.; what I consider my REAL and healthy mindset.

Best of luck to you. Interested in your observations.

Have also joined the challenge and have posted on Gala's site.

[notnotabouthim]

Cool stuff.

While I'm sitting there, I'll also a) write down anything distracting which pops in my head (eg, things to do today), and b) tap out anything negative which pops up (eg, things I'm obsessing about).

So, that should help clear me out in a more active manner too.

Today was a MUCH better start to the day than usual, and I only did 20 minutes. So, a good beginning.

[maholic]

an hour a day extra sleep sweet

how about writing a story over an entire city, so the city is the story

and leave clues to get the order of the story read

thatd be a neat thing

probably already done of course

[notnotabouthim]

no no no, sleeping in for an hour doesn't help very much.

It's just BEING, without DOING.

If I find myself drifting off to sleep, then I kinda need to start again. It's about getting my head clear, that's what important.

Good idea for a story, although that might have to be next month..

[fringekitty]

Not thinking can be tough sometimes. Even visualization involves thought processes, just focused in a more productive manner. Sounds like you've got a good plan to handle it. There are a few different visualizations we use to deal with distracting thoughts, depending on mood. One is "mind reeds" continually swaying and sweeping distracting thoughts out of consciousness.

[notnotabouthim]

hmm, that's an interesting one.

I've always liked the "training a monkey" approach. You just realise that we all (essentially) have the mind of a monkey, chattering away, and it's just like trying to train a pet monkey to sit still. Of COURSE it's going to run off in another direction, keep getting up, getting distracted. Each time you just patiently, lovingly, bring it back, sit it back on its spot.

Makes for a funny image, and also makes it hard to get frustrated with yourself, after all, it's just your monkey mind.

I'll try to mind reeds though.. (reeds, or willows?)

[lynnivere]

How exciting!

This is one of my favorite things to do.. meditate, relax my whole mind & body, watch the poofy clouds of concern float over.

I was just doing this last night when I had some very surprising revelations. When the curtains (filters) of ambition & desired outcome get pulled back.. then you can see things as they truly are with no need of *doing* anything.

It's phenomenal.

I'm so proud of that Gala! She Rocks & Rolls! I didn't comment on her iCiNG bloggy though because I wasn't sure she'd thrill over the idea of me going back on meat protein for the next 30 days. But I'll bet she'd love the Couch-to-5K thingee! =)

[notnotabouthim]

haha. Gala would be VERY happy to hear from you. It really doesn't matter WHAT you choose to do (eg, what I'm doing has NOTHING to do with food OR exercise), as long as it stretches you and it's what you want to do. People are doing all sorts of things.

Besides, you're a big girl, if you think meat protein will help, I'm sure after a week or two you'll be able to feel the difference, see if your system is working better or worse.

I'm still waiting for revelations (of the OMG!! type), but lots of little things popping up, so it's definitely helping in terms of the continuing clearing process.

[malach]

Interesting...

That's the same thing I decided to do every day this month.. but only for ~30 minutes every morning, as a start to my day (which means my day starts at about 5am, at the moment).

Doing it today definitely started the day right - felt pleasantly centred..

[notnotabouthim]

1. There's a 5am now?

2. I completely agree re the value of doing so