Parkinson's: What is Your Intention for This Day?
What
is my intention for doing a mindfulness meditation practice? I think it is (as
Sylvia Boorstein likes to say) to manage
gracefully. I want to be kind and loving
to everyone I come across and accepting of whatever circumstances I can't
change. My intention is to be content, grateful
and keep smiling!
That makes me excited. A mindfulness practice promises to deliver all of that to me.
Five science based reasons for having a mindfulness meditation practice, (remember Nancy, 'Practice' means doing it every day- you've got to do the work):
• Meditation Reduces Chronic Stress
• Meditation is an exercise program for my brain and good
for my gut.
• Meditation helps the brain develop new
connections, pathways and neurons,
• Meditation will
boost my cognitive reserves. Even
if I have MCI (Mild Cognitive
Impairment) it can help me not develop dementia.
• Meditation will help me adapt to my changing environment,
by managing my emotions and tamping down fear. It helps me sit with discomfort.
OK,
this is what I am promising myself: (On thinking this over last night, I decide
to start with the bare minimum of time and to not promise the whole bloody
list! The contract between me and myself
is for the part in orange. The rest I am wishing for but not promising.)
NANCY”S
CONTRACT WITH HERSELF
I will meditate for 10 minutes a day in
two 5 minute time slots-
In the morning upon arising “I will set my intention for
the day- “I am glad to be alive. May I be as present as possible, for myself
and others.” and then I'll sit and Practice meditation for 5 minutes.
During
the day, I will engage all of my senses
as much as I can
I will exercise my body.
I
will observe any discomfort with curiosity and without judgment.
I
will pause before eating to be grateful for everything and savor my food.
I
will go outside each day and pay attention to nature.
I
will break a habit and do something
different today.
I
will do something nice for someone else today.
I
will do something that makes me happy today.
At night, before going to bed. I will set my intention to sleep peacefully
and deeply for 7-9 hours. Then I will meditate for 5 minutes.
Wish me steadfastness and perseverance in my promises to myself,
Nancy
& the Snark are wishing the same to you!
P.O.P. Take 3
breaths to be peaceful, open and present. I will breath in peace and breath out
tension
Thank you, Nancy (and Corrine) for these posts. The reminder that “meditation helps you manage your emotions, tamp down your fear, and sit with discomfort” is so helpful, as well as reading your honest reflections about your own adaptations to the effects of this illness and ways you are keeping your spirit and curiosities alive. Go well in your process.
ReplyDelete