Thursday 31 July 2014

Remember my blog 30 days ago?

A whole thirty days ago I posted a blog about the 30 day challenge.  For those of you who missed it you can find it here.

Well I've completed my challenge - I have meditated for 20 minutes every day.  I experimented with a couple of accompaniments but finally settled with an App called Insight Timer.  This allowed me to set an interval bell every 5 minutes and a final triumphant clanger at the 20 minute point.

What have I learned?
  • 30 days goes by very quickly.
  • I soon got into a routine and (almost) looked forward to each meditation.
  • Focussing on the act of breathing can be calming and peaceful.
  • Some days I was less distracted than others - some days it seemed like I had to bring my focus back to my breathing every two minutes.
  • I've been more conscious about my unconscious behaviour patterns and on some occasions I've stopped and made a change.
  • Meditation doesn't have to be a spiritual act.
  • You can meditate in most places.  In Madrid I meditated a couple of times on the roof terrace.
  • It does provide some welcome stillness.
  • You don't have to sit cross legged.

What next?

I'm going to continue with my daily meditation.  Coincidentally, I've also been researching a type of therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its application in the workplace.  ACT contains a strong element of mindfulness so I'm keen to see where it takes me.

Did anyone else out there have a crack at a 30 days challenge?  I'd love to hear from you.  Alternatively, you could always start tomorrow - you'd be done by 30 August if you did.

Cheers

Ross

PS For the sake of clarity I'd like to point out that the Hotel Praktik Metropol in Madrid is splendid and does have a lovely roof terrace.  However, it does not have palm trees and a hammock - that is known as artistic licence.
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