Journal of Sacred Work

4 responses to “Days 194-198 – Peace Fishing”

1. 

   Terry Chapman

   July 11, 2016

   Dog’s bark not so soothing! I just finished a mindfulness class at our Episcopal church nearby and learned how to add mindfulness to my already routinized yoga routine of many years, done as soon as I wake up each morning.
   Mindfulness, as you may know, is focusing on the moment at hand and not the past (even near past) or the future (as near as tomorrow). I tried hard most days and was able to sustain 30″ of mindfulness combined with yoga stretching with nary a disparaging thought held for more than a second or so. Give it a try and google for someone near where you live to help you!

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2. 

   Teresa reynolds

   July 11, 2016

   This is hilarious

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3. 

   ~liz Wessel

   July 11, 2016

   Hi Erie,
   I marvel at how many thoughts surfaced from watching your 30 second film. What you have captured is what happens in life. We start out with our agenda and invariably something happens to off-set our plan. What I love is that you did not edit out the disruption but instead swing the camera to the dog barking and his master yelling at him to be quiet…and in essence captured something very real that we can all relate to. I would have been tempted to have edited that part out and start all over again but you had the genius to keep it. Ha!
   It is understated but so telling at the same time. I don’t know if intended but I found this humorous as well, a little chuckle within that knows so well “ life happens when we are making other plans.” John Lennon. This reminded of times when I sit to meditate and my dog Brandi comes over and put her paw on my lap or nudges me because she wants me to give her some attention and pet her.
   This morning I was listening to a Tara Brach’s podcast regarding the stress we experience in everyday life but with a twist. She indicated that stress is often perceived as something bad but the determining factor is our attitude. A reframe is to recognize that stress is not a problem and can help us to evolve and grow. First is to begin to notice our flight-fight-freeze response and to with curiosity about our reaction in the moment and then to offer our presence, maybe take some deep breaths and begin to relax into the moment.
   BTW, fun to catch a glimpse of you looking quite handsome!

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4. 

   erie

   July 14, 2016

   Thank you, Liz, for actually studying this and noticing the point. Not so “handsome” at my age but you are nice to say so. Thanks also for the Tara Brach that stress is often perceived as something bad but the determining factor is our attitude

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