An exploration of some of the many physiological as well as spiritual benefits that introducing a regular meditation/mindfulness routine into your life can offer
You are always so spot on. Thank you. I, like many people, have had a wild life, with little time to go out in the forest to meditate. Plus, I was stuck in the city for much of my life, raising kids from the age of 18. But I was lucky to have had a father who converted from being a scientist, to following a spiritual path, and who helped me in life, and after death, to find my own. I had to go the route of walking meditation, meditating while doing my daily chores and such, for I rarely had (or have) time to sit and be still. But you can find stillness within while in movement. Many of the spiritual states you speak of found me, often in times of distress and trauma in my life, more than me finding them. It has taken me many, many years to be able to consciously embody those states of being at will, and it's still a work in progress. But I love your reminders. You are one of the few people it's worth going on the internet for. Though I may tap out completely soon. Thank you again.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts.
I was blessed to be raised by two park rangers in the mountains of BC (they dragged me along on their adventures from quite a young age, whether I liked it or not :) ) this helped me build a foundation of skills and appreciation of the wild places on Earth. When I lived in the city during the time when I was engaged with my stone masonry apprenticeship school (age 18-22) I felt incomplete unless I made time to get out of that manmade construct of cement, plastic, metal and glass and into a place that felt like home (wilderness). Here in southern Ontario I often feel the same way even though I am not in the city as here where we live currently, humans had decimated the forests for hundreds of miles in all directions long before I was born. This has compelled me to redirect my gaze inward and towards the tiny, fleeting and finite expressions of beauty and symmetry where I live. That path has offered it's own way to expand my consciousness and my ability to perceive truth and the wisdom that is inherent in the fractal geometry that the Creator and Mother Earth weaves into all things. I imagine this same path of knowing and appreciating is also open to anyone willing to cultivate life and seek out pockets of nature in the city as well.
I had a few moments which were like you describe, where, in moments of distress or trauma (one time a near death experience after I did some thing arrogant in my youth and was saved by some invisible force beyond conventional scientific explanation and another when I was at my lowest and feeling like life was not worth living anymore and received a message from what some might call my Higher Self).
It is still a work in progress to consciously embody those states of mindfulness and being present that I describe above (in the way I aspire to) for me as well.
If you do tap out and get off the smart grid (getting off the internet all together) perhaps we can stay in touch via snail mail if you are going to be gardening and are interested in doing some heirloom seed swapping or just conversing. You can get in touch with me via recipesforreciprocity@proton.me
Gavin, I couldn't agree with you more. I've been meditating for about 15 years, give or take. When I let it lapse, I feel unmoored. It's that state of consciousness that most people miss out on. Imagine a world where everyone meditated and connected daily with their Spirit. I feel like it's important now more than ever. 💚
Hello my friend! I know what you mean, during the spring/summer/fall (busy work months) when I only manage to do 30 minutes a day some days I feel like I am only tapping into half my potential. Spending time to truly anchor my awareness into the present, into my body, to open my mind's eye and attune my heart as an organ of perception.. it opens up gateways to perceive beauty and truth on a level not attainable by the intellect and human brain alone. I agree whole heartedly with your sentiment about how important that act is now more than ever.
Gavin, I'll bet all of the plants/trees that you encounter every day in your landscaping job are happy to see you, knowing how judicious and caring you probably are while tending to them. 💚
This is just beautiful, Gavin. Thank you. Meditation IS the medicine for humanity! As peace-filled as it is, I think of it as the most revolutionary action we can take.
And I love your marriage of science and spirit; this phrase alone is one I will carry with me: "walking the mystical path with practical feet." So, so perfect.
thinking about nothing, is not easy.... Tried Yoga years back, had to leave, couldn't stop thinking.. Dr. Thomas Lode in health docu classes mentioned just recently, quote: our live begins with breath and it ends with it, and that's where you can find God.. That was amazing conclusion, to me, which I must share here, because it really helps to meditate, via concentration on ones own breath. Thank you for the wonderful pictures!
Thank you for the comment and for emphasizing the importance of breathwork in a meditation practice. While I did not begin my path to cultivate stillness within and live more mindfully in the present with breath focused practices, in recent years I have found aligning my breath consciously to be very empowering and potentiating on my meditative practice.
My wife Johrey ( https://johrey.substack.com/ ) is more adept at consciously involving breathwork with a meditative practice so I will ask her if she is willing to record or write something to add to the post above so that people can have a starting point in that way for beginning a meditative practice as well.
You are always so spot on. Thank you. I, like many people, have had a wild life, with little time to go out in the forest to meditate. Plus, I was stuck in the city for much of my life, raising kids from the age of 18. But I was lucky to have had a father who converted from being a scientist, to following a spiritual path, and who helped me in life, and after death, to find my own. I had to go the route of walking meditation, meditating while doing my daily chores and such, for I rarely had (or have) time to sit and be still. But you can find stillness within while in movement. Many of the spiritual states you speak of found me, often in times of distress and trauma in my life, more than me finding them. It has taken me many, many years to be able to consciously embody those states of being at will, and it's still a work in progress. But I love your reminders. You are one of the few people it's worth going on the internet for. Though I may tap out completely soon. Thank you again.
Greetings Dear Ann
Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts.
I was blessed to be raised by two park rangers in the mountains of BC (they dragged me along on their adventures from quite a young age, whether I liked it or not :) ) this helped me build a foundation of skills and appreciation of the wild places on Earth. When I lived in the city during the time when I was engaged with my stone masonry apprenticeship school (age 18-22) I felt incomplete unless I made time to get out of that manmade construct of cement, plastic, metal and glass and into a place that felt like home (wilderness). Here in southern Ontario I often feel the same way even though I am not in the city as here where we live currently, humans had decimated the forests for hundreds of miles in all directions long before I was born. This has compelled me to redirect my gaze inward and towards the tiny, fleeting and finite expressions of beauty and symmetry where I live. That path has offered it's own way to expand my consciousness and my ability to perceive truth and the wisdom that is inherent in the fractal geometry that the Creator and Mother Earth weaves into all things. I imagine this same path of knowing and appreciating is also open to anyone willing to cultivate life and seek out pockets of nature in the city as well.
I had a few moments which were like you describe, where, in moments of distress or trauma (one time a near death experience after I did some thing arrogant in my youth and was saved by some invisible force beyond conventional scientific explanation and another when I was at my lowest and feeling like life was not worth living anymore and received a message from what some might call my Higher Self).
It is still a work in progress to consciously embody those states of mindfulness and being present that I describe above (in the way I aspire to) for me as well.
If you do tap out and get off the smart grid (getting off the internet all together) perhaps we can stay in touch via snail mail if you are going to be gardening and are interested in doing some heirloom seed swapping or just conversing. You can get in touch with me via recipesforreciprocity@proton.me
Thank you for your wholehearted and kind comment.
Gavin, I couldn't agree with you more. I've been meditating for about 15 years, give or take. When I let it lapse, I feel unmoored. It's that state of consciousness that most people miss out on. Imagine a world where everyone meditated and connected daily with their Spirit. I feel like it's important now more than ever. 💚
Hello my friend! I know what you mean, during the spring/summer/fall (busy work months) when I only manage to do 30 minutes a day some days I feel like I am only tapping into half my potential. Spending time to truly anchor my awareness into the present, into my body, to open my mind's eye and attune my heart as an organ of perception.. it opens up gateways to perceive beauty and truth on a level not attainable by the intellect and human brain alone. I agree whole heartedly with your sentiment about how important that act is now more than ever.
Gavin, I'll bet all of the plants/trees that you encounter every day in your landscaping job are happy to see you, knowing how judicious and caring you probably are while tending to them. 💚
This is just beautiful, Gavin. Thank you. Meditation IS the medicine for humanity! As peace-filled as it is, I think of it as the most revolutionary action we can take.
And I love your marriage of science and spirit; this phrase alone is one I will carry with me: "walking the mystical path with practical feet." So, so perfect.
Your presence always brings light and joy to these comment sections. Thank you for being you.
"As peace-filled as it is, I think of it as the most revolutionary action we can take."
Well said Mary. Thank you very much for the heartfelt and thoughtful comment.
thinking about nothing, is not easy.... Tried Yoga years back, had to leave, couldn't stop thinking.. Dr. Thomas Lode in health docu classes mentioned just recently, quote: our live begins with breath and it ends with it, and that's where you can find God.. That was amazing conclusion, to me, which I must share here, because it really helps to meditate, via concentration on ones own breath. Thank you for the wonderful pictures!
Thank you for the comment and for emphasizing the importance of breathwork in a meditation practice. While I did not begin my path to cultivate stillness within and live more mindfully in the present with breath focused practices, in recent years I have found aligning my breath consciously to be very empowering and potentiating on my meditative practice.
My wife Johrey ( https://johrey.substack.com/ ) is more adept at consciously involving breathwork with a meditative practice so I will ask her if she is willing to record or write something to add to the post above so that people can have a starting point in that way for beginning a meditative practice as well.
Thank you for the comment and inspiration.