Everyone feels alone, disconnected, out of control or empty at some point in life.
In today’s rushed time and activities, where we get bombarded with external as well as internal stimuli, it is sometimes difficult to control our thinking, yet our thinking is what determines the course of our lives. Whatever we allow in our thoughts get established each time those thoughts are repeated, and in a certain sense that is a form of meditation in itself.
But at her Mindfulness and Meditation Workshop, psychologist Leigh Cox offers the guidance one needs to learn how to practice positive self-directed, purposeful, selective meditation. Having practiced meditation herself for over 20 years, she shares her research and personal experience with regard to the method and different aspects of meditation.
Her eye contact, peaceful speech and countenance make one feel welcome, as if you’re the only one attending, in a non-judgmental, peaceful atmosphere, re-connecting with yourself as well as with life itself.
It brings your life to a momentary standstill, where you can really notice what’s going on around you again, maybe notice a butterfly fluttering by, or a ladybug on a blade of grass, or underneath it, the spider anticipating his lunch; maybe feeling for the first time again what the earth feels like under your feet, or feeling the warmth of the sun’s rays as they break through the cold shadows of the trees.
Leigh teaches participants how to practice these methods in their daily activities, and in doing so, remain in that mode of bliss and peacefulness (or sanity!), gaining control over “absent-mindedness” (living on auto-pilot).
During the Workshop forgiveness, blessing (to self and others), and freedom are encouraged, even without addressing it by name. It is a holistic approach, involving the whole body and mind, a great starting point to conquering the battles in the mind, leaving participants feeling refreshed and full of energy.
Each participant is given his own space and focuses only on himself (or herself), in a non-threatening atmosphere to participate within his/her own comfort-zone. Nothing is demanded, but guidance is given.
I had the privilege to attend such a retreat this weekend, and I found it very enlightening.
During the last session, participants shared their feelings/thoughts/experiences, which made everyone realize once again that no-one is alone in this world – we all struggle with emotions and feelings and the normal issues of life (unlike what our minds usually tell us, i.e. that nobody understands).
Some questions that popped up during the session touched on
- the purpose of each life on Earth
- the emptiness/fullness of one’s existence
- living, not just existing
- loosing control over time
- focusing on the moment and making/experiencing it to the full through all senses
- how to put reigns on our busy minds that are bombarded with constant conversation
- life just passing one by while not noticing, resulting in important things or relationships becoming watered down, loosing their worth in one’s eyes
- the fine line between desire and obsession
~ all valid points that meditation brings to the surface!
Unlike what some might believe, meditation is not necessarily religion bound or based.
I highly recommend attending such a retreat to reload and learn how to live in the moment, rather than in the stress life might bring (Still the mind and open the heart).
Please contact Leigh for details about the next retreat in September 2018 (held in Mokopane)!
