7. Self Connection & Self Reflection

I know I write a lot about meditation here. It’s something that I’ve practiced for decades and I find it a very valuable tool for living, especially in the face of death. For the past 6 years my practice has been a combination of three things: impermanence, mindfulness, and cause and effect.

Impermanence is a simple concept but it can be scary at the same time. Everything that arises will change and eventually disappear. Our thoughts, our feelings, our lives – at some point all things must pass. Mindfulness is paying an attention to the present moment and trying not to judge it. Cause and effect is a universal law in which every action has a corresponding consequence.

I use impermanence to understand my time here is limited. At some point my life will come to an end. With my cancer layered on top of this I feel a sense of urgency to think about death and come to terms with it. There is no other option other than ignoring it and if I’m ignoring it then I’m being ignorant to the fact that impermanence is a universal law. I use mindfulness to stay attentive to my thought patterns, my feelings, my emotions, my reactions, my breath, and my body. It strengthens my mind. I use the law of cause and effect to skillfully manage my actions. Why are these 3 things so important to me?

It is because our current situation in life is the result of all of our past behavior and the source of that behavior is our mind.

That’s why meditation is so important to me. I must watch my mind all the time and learn. I can learn to watch the mind during meditation practice but the side-effects for me are a bonus. I can bring my mindfulness practice into everyday life. I can then take my understanding of impermanence to let go of the attachment of my mind to the thoughts of death, my death or someone else’s. I know and understand that death is inevitable. Then I can use the law of cause and effect to make wise decisions every day in every aspect of my life.

So, where does that leave us now? And what’s this blog title “Self Connection & Self Reflection” all about? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Self Connection. With a regular meditation practice you can cultivate the quality of self-connection. Meditating daily can create a state of mind where we regularly tune in to our emotional, spiritual and physical needs. I understand that you may have found it impossible to meditate, even after many attempts. You can’t just shut off your brain or your mind and think of nothing. Not even for five minutes. I get it. Everybody is at a different point in life having different experiences a lot of folks find it impossible just to sit quietly for a few minutes. That’s why I’m here to help. Today I’m launching a new project where I’ll create a short guided meditation especially for you. Just reach out and give me an idea about what would be helpful. It’s different for everybody, so this meditation will address your wants and needs. In return, all I ask is that you make a small donation to the nursing school in Thailand that I support. Contact me for the link. Donations are tax deductible. I’ll create your meditation and you can listen to it on the Insight Timer APP. Let’s work on meditation and self-connection together for a better you a better world.

Self Reflection. I’ve been to Bali a few times and have really enjoyed my time there. The family I rented from on my first visit are now friends. I stay at their bungalow whenever I go to Bali. It’s a magical little place where the people are just precious. Friendly, happy, reverent. Last year when was there we were invited to check out a ceremony (there are lot’s of ceremonies in Bali). We walked about 15 minutes down a main road and came to a large group of Balinese people all dressed up in traditional garb. It was the middle of the day, in the middle of the week, in the middle of the road. Traffic would have to find another route for an hour or so. It was quiet, almost silent. We walked to the back of the crowd. We were invited to sit with them. It was a ceremony to offer gratitude for the powers that bring rain and sun for the crops. We were given flowers, and rice and tilaka (tiki). The silence shook me. I was totally present with these folks and what they were doing. For a moment it seemed unreal but so real at the same time. It was very moving. Soon there were bells ringing and musicians playing traditional Balinese instruments as the ceremony continued. This was one of those travel experiences that you can’t find in travel books or blogs. It was really memorable.

So what’s this self-reflection thing all about anyway? Well, I’m glad you asked. Over the years in Bali my friends keep asking me to come at certain times of the year. There are parades, ceremonies, music, all kinds of special events. Unfortunately things never lined up with their requests. One of the events they talk about is called Nyepi. Nyepi is held once a year and this is how it works. The entire island shuts down. All businesses except hotels are closed. They close the airport for 24 hours. I’m not kidding. Everyone stays home. There is no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and, for some, no talking or eating at all. Beaches and streets are closed. An entire day for self-reflection. It’s the ultimate one-day silent mediation retreat!

Nyepi has always intrigued me. It seems right up my alley doesn’t it? Well, I’m going. It’s next March. And I’m inviting you. Now, I’m not going to pay your airfare or accommodations, but I will be there for you. I can help you get from the airport to your accommodations which are right across the path from mine. It’s a super quiet little area up on a little hill but close enough to the main busy area. Great yoga and phenomenal food options are within walking distance. I can show you around, arrange day trips, hang out, meet new friends, and maybe meditate a little. Coffee, cafes, tea ceremonies and a supermarket all within walking distance.

Nyepi seems like the experience of a lifetime for me, so I’m going for it. So give it some thought. I can answer questions about cost, logistics and anything else you can think of. And who knows, if we have enough interest I will rent a studio for Yoga and meditation session for our group.

So, if you’re ready to get started with meditation get in touch and let me create something to get you started. If a day of self-reflection in Bali sounds interesting and you think you can pull it off, get in touch. In the meantime live life to the fullest. Meditate. Be grateful for all you have. Be generous and kind. Everything else will fall into place.

Peace.