Gratitude is a core mindfulness practice, and I am so aware of how blessed I am to be making a living by doing work that is of service to others, work that makes a real, tangible difference in people’s lives. I ran a few introductory sessions with a local group last month and was struck by a few things that resonated with participants between our first and second sessions. One was realising that mindfulness meditation offers much more than relaxation but is rather a skill for life. The second resonance was the revelation that this moment is all we have and it’s new, we’ve never had it before, nor will this same moment come again.
These two concepts are key to being awake in our lives, representing ‘the penny dropping’ for us, and both are worthy of further reflection. Firstly, the misconception that mindfulness is merely about relaxation. I can understand where this idea comes from, because when we meditate regularly, we can learn how to get to a place of peace and calm in our minds. At first, it’s almost like a space clearing or a decluttering of the mind which allows the mind and body to settle. This leads us to an increased awareness or clearer seeing of life as it is, which in turn can lead us into taking more responsibility for our lives and how we choose to live them. Then it is more about waking up, being aware that we have choices in whether to respond or react to life situations, so compassion-based mindfulness builds skills are not simply once off, for relaxation, but rather sustained skills, developing over time.
The second concept that struck home for participants is that this moment, now, is the only moment we have. This can bring a sense of excitement, not a clinging to any moment or experience but being there for it, living it. For example, I often recall a moment in time when my dad started singing to me one day. Out of the blue he said, “did you ever hear this one?” and launched into it. Of course, my first thought was to search for my phone to record him, but lucky enough my inner wisdom spoke louder and I paused, turned, and listened to my dad sing a song I had never heard before. Because I listened so well, I remember the tenderness of the moment still, as well as the words, and looked them up later to find the Scottish ‘Tiree love song’. Which do you think was the wiser choice, to grab my phone, and miss half the song or to pause and listen fully, soaking in the moment?
So, we are selling ourselves short if we view mindfulness as merely a form of relaxation and because this very moment is the only moment we are assured of, surely the lesson then is to not waste it. Instead of running from ourselves, distracting ourselves, busying ourselves – can we pause and really see, feel and experience life fully, letting the comfort exist alongside the discomfort? On a total aside, or maybe it is related, I have always wanted to be able to sing in company, but shyness and anxiety got in my way. Still, I made it my ambition to sing some songs for my dad and Dermot, who were great singers and I am so proud to say that, literally on a high note, I have sung a few out in public, including the Tiree love song. I felt shy, self-conscious and faltering but very encouraged by a warm and friendly Adrigole audience. Seizing the moment, as a now or never one, the only one I had, and in my own way, honouring those who have gone before us, letting their love and light shine through us.
Please don’t forget my ‘Live your Legacy’ mindfulness workshop on Sunday, November 30, 2 – 4pm at CECAS, Myross Wood, Leap. This will be a very gentle workshop where we will sit together and practice some guided meditations to help cultivate a felt-sense of kindness in us and gratitude for the gifts that have been bestowed upon us in our lives. We will also have space to reflect on our own legacy. This November event is free but is a fundraiser for Eden Valley Hospice and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. Please support these two wonderful charities by booking your space on my workshop and/or making a donation if you feel inclined at paypal.me/susanoreganmindhaven. I’ll leave you this month with the very beautiful Tiree Love Song.
‘He-ree he-ro my bonnie wee girl / He-ree he-ro my fair one / Will you come away my love / To be my own my rare one?
Smiling the land! Smiling the sea! / Sweet is the scent of the heather / Would we were yonder, just you and me / The two of us together!
All the day long, out on the peat / Then by the shore in the gloaming / Stepping it lightly with dancing feet / And we together roaming.’
Mindfulness in November
Drop-in mindfulness hour at CECAS, Myross Wood, Leap on Tuesday mornings 10-11am, November 4, 18 and 25. €12. Beginners, returners and newcomers are always welcome.
‘Live your legacy’ workshop Sunday, November 30, 2-4pm at CECAS, Myross Wood. A fundraiser for Eden Valley Hospice and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
For more information: phone: 087 2700572 or email: susanoreganmindfulness@gmail.com. www.mindhaven.ie.
