A Day of Healing

                                            
                                            

Well here it is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, and I spent it doing some very healing things for myself. It's actually been difficult for me to spend a lot of time on myself, I'm most comfortable when I'm doing things for other people or getting things done that simply need to be done, checking things off the endless "to do list". But I've found that I've neglected myself in the process lately, and in the long run, I've found that it's healthier and improves your ability to be present for others when you take better care of yourself. And - today I discovered that it's just plain fun! 

I started the day by taking a nice long warm shower this morning, put on some comfortable clothes for the warm weather, and styled my hair in a casual way. Although the day was warm, I stepped out into the yard to water the plants, and noticed how clear the view was in the distance and not a cloud in the sky. The plants had grown and become greener since a couple of days ago, and I'm sure it's the same ruby-throated hummingbird that comes to flit around the large old oak tree. I keep thinking I need to put a feeder there for it, that maybe a previous tenant might have been feeding it and isn't there now to do it. 

So, instead of staying home and making lunch I decided to brave the world alone and go to a nearby coffee cafe where I had a really good sandwich, and just sat and listened to people interacting. Spending time doing things like this alone can really open up your senses to what's going on around you, and for me today I felt a deeper sense of awareness to the folks around me. I listened as two young girls sitting next to me chatted fluidly in French, and since I had studied French a couple of years ago I challenged myself to try to recognize phrases as they spoke, without appearing to completely invade their privacy! They smiled and seemed to be having a friendly conversation. I love this particular coffee shop for it's tasty food and alternative and artistic atmosphere. People seem engaged and comfortable there, with many regulars of all ages, races, and backgrounds who stay, hang out, chat, eat, knit, meet friends, read, play games, and have coffee. It's nice. I felt glad to be living where I do.

I then walked down the street, with it's beautiful views of the surrounding trees, plants, and mountains nearby, to the Wellness Center, which is run by a small group of enterprising, interesting, and intelligent young women. It's a very innovative place where they offer different types of healing arts, such as reiki, intuitive sessions, massage, aromatherapy, etc.; along with facials and other spa related services. Today they held a Faire with discounted prices where you could receive any of these services for 20 minutes for a charge of 20.00. So I had a wonderful massage that gently loosened up all the tension in my neck, shoulders, and back; and I left feeling happy and centered.

My husband Brandt surprised me as I left the center to meet me after he finished work and suggested going across the street for dinner. We walked to the new French Crepe restaurant, which is a newer addition to the downtown shops and cafes. I moved here after meeting my husband just a couple of years ago, and we have enjoyed the natural setting of this small town which is nestled in the foothills. One can easily be lured for a walk into the local mountains for an impromptu nature walk. We've stepped out our front door to see a family of deer trotting down the street, stopping to nibble on plants. Brandt was surprised one afternoon as a baby black bear ambled past him on the long driveway to get a drink from the fountain. There are a variety of birds and other critters, along with interesting insects to entertain and keep you aware of your surroundings. Dinner was delicious, I had a savory veggie crepe with asparagus, spinach, mushrooms and a pesto sauce which melted in my mouth; and Brandt's was an Indian crepe with chicken and a light curry sauce. I loved that the owner was actually French! We sat and enjoyed talking and spending a relaxing dinner together. 

We then decided to return to the Wellness Center where they were wrapping up the Faire with a "Sound Bath". I've never experienced anything like this and it was quite extraordinary. A husband and wife team performed the healing sound music by using a variety of meditation bowls, drums, and percussion type instruments to surround the participants, who lay comfortably on blankets in a small candle lit room, in a bath of sound and vibration. By closing your eyes and totally relaxing, you were surrounded by unusual sounds that often replicated those found in nature, such as the ocean waves, lightning, wind; and drum beats and melodic meditation bowls that rang as if they were vibrating right through your body. After more than an hour of beautiful "sound bathing", each participant described having a different personal experience which seemed to connect each person present with each other in a very pleasant and natural way. We seemed linked somehow by having had this experience together. It was a friendly and fun atmosphere, and people seemed lighter and happier from the day as they left the center. I know I did.

So, for me, the longest day of the year has been the most enjoyable, as I spent it doing things to heal myself. I feel lighter, happier, more positive and  connected to nature, and generally grateful for my life with it's many blessings.

A Weekend Retreat at Deer Park Monastery

Thich Nhat Hanh

Last weekend I had the pleasure of taking my daughter, Camryn, for a retreat at Deer Park Monastery in Escondido, CA. Deer Park was established in 2000 as part of the Buddhist centers established by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk and Zen Master who has written numerous books covering a variety of Buddhist teachings. Thay, as his followers call him, lives in the Plum Village center he created in France; and travels the world teaching others about Buddhism and mindfulness.

I was so happy for my daughter, who is now 21 years old and a Junior in college, to have this opportunity to take a break from a demanding school schedule to relax in a natural setting in the mountains where mindfulness, breathing, smiling, and gratitude are the primary focus.

I dropped her off there on Friday early evening, and returned to pick her up on Sunday afternoon. As required by the monastics, she was disconnected from the internet, cell phone, television, and all other electronic devices for two days.

She went on this weekend without knowing another person in attendance, and shared a dorm style, simply furnished room with three other college students. This particular weekend was set up as an educational retreat for college students and professors to look at their lives and education in the framework of mindfulness. Upon arriving and as I drove through the site and saw how naturally beautiful the setting was, I felt a real peacefulness and groundedness in the short time I was there. I noticed signs written in the familiar handwriting of Thich Nhat Hanh hanging in various locations on the grounds encouraging you to breathe, smile, and know that you have arrived, that you are home. And I felt just that.

I was excited to hear what her experiences were when I returned to pick her up on Sunday. She talked excitedly, but with a new calmness and centeredness about the mindfulness walks she took, the long hikes with other students, the discussions with the monks on a variety of topics, the delicious vegetarian meals prepared, and how she attended every session and activity planned, and meditated frequently. Whenever the students heard a bell ring, they were reminded to pause and be mindful, present in that moment of their life to notice their surroundings and be grateful. 






She had  made new friends that continue to stay in touch even though they live far from each other. She really connected to the place and the people, and found a community, a "sangha" where she could learn and contribute.         
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

It seemed to me that the time spent at Deer Park was so valuable for her at this stage of her life, a young woman becoming more independent and finding her way in this world. And for that I am grateful.    

"Ahimsa or non-injury, of course, implies non-killing. But, non-injury is not merely non-killing. In its comprehensive meaning, Ahimsa or non-injury means entire abstinence from causing any pain or harm whatsoever to any living creature, either by thought, word, or deed. Non-injury requires a harmless mind, mouth, and hand. Ahimsa is not mere negative non-injury. It is positive, cosmic love. It is the development of a mental attitude in which hatred is replaced by love. Ahimsa is true sacrifice. Ahimsa is forgiveness. Ahimsa is Sakti (power). Ahimsa is true strength."

 ~ Swami Sivananda


Thoughts for today:

Ahimsa has become a central theme in my life.  I find that it is very important to understand and maintain an attitude of Ahimsa each day, in thoughts, words, and deeds. In raising a daughter as a single parent for many years, I have especially noticed how important it is to try to impart to our children the need for compassion and empathy in our world where it seems there is ever decreasing evidence of it.   Our culture has become so fast-paced and driven by technological advances and personal gains. It is vital that we look at ourselves and the power of our individual roles in creating such a society. We must find a way each day in even the most simple ways to foster compassion and love towards our fellow living beings. I believe that what we put into the world comes back to us, and I, for one, would prefer to have love and compassion coming my way! This is mainly why I am writing this blog and I hope that my posts will provide my readers with ideas and information that can help create a life that is more centered and grounded, and more loving, compassionate, fulfilling, and joyful. Maybe we can each vow to find ways daily to truly absorb and foster the idea of Ahimsa in the world, to love others more truthfully, to forgive others more deeply, to foster peace in ourselves and the world, and to help those in need. Feel free to share anything you did today that was inspired by Ahimsa.

Peace to each of you,

Patricia

Follow link to learn more about Ahimsa:
http://www.dlshq.org/teachings/ahimsa.htm

What is an Empath?

I found this article from the Mind Unleashed very interesting, and was surprised by how much this describes me.

                                     http://themindunleashed.org/2013/10/30-traits-of-empath.html

"Being an empath is when you are affected by other people’s energies, and have an innate ability to intuitively feel and perceive others.  Your life is unconsciously influenced by others’ desires, wishes, thoughts, and moods.  Being an empath is  much more than being highly sensitive and it’s not just limited to emotions.  Empaths can perceive physical sensitivities and spiritual urges, as well as just knowing the motivations and intentions of other people.  You either are an empath or you aren’t.  It’s not a trait that is learned."  

I found this article to be so accurate in describing a variety of complex traits that I have (I discovered that I pretty much have all 30 of the traits described!), and found some consolation in knowing that this is often the cause of unexplained fatigue or physical symptoms.  I plan to learn more about what being an empathic person is about so that I can better take care of myself and ultimately use this gift to help others when possible.

My Study of Buddhism

I have begun my study of Buddhism recently.  I'm reading several books and attending a meditation class weekly that is lead by a local Buddhist center that discusses various issues that we all face living in this world. The classes begin with a guided meditation, followed by readings and a talk centered on a particular subject, followed by a second guided meditation. The group recently finished a series of eight classes centered on the discussion of anger, understanding the causes of it and how to reduce it's damaging effects in your life, whether you are someone who unleashes anger towards others or someone who is on the receiving end of anger, or both. I found this series of classes to be very thought provoking and helpful.  

The new series of classes that just started last week is focused on living more mindfully in a fast-paced world. I find that I feel more centered and grounded by starting my week attending these classes, with meditation and mindful breathing followed by discussion of topics that help you to identify potential problem areas with ideas for approaching them in a mindful way.  I really enjoy the people I've met in this group, which is ever expanding to include new attendees, and I feel fortunate to have this resource available to me as it gives me a sense of community in my spiritual search.