Mind Movement

[Xmac]

Some time ago I was riding my bicycle through an area I had driven through many times. I noticed a number of things that I hadn't noticed while driving through before. Whether it was interesting landscaping, architecture or features of nature.

At some point following that, I had the occasion to walk through and saw even more details and features. But more significantly, there was a depth to what I was seeing that made being there more enjoyable, even when it came to relatively mundane sights.

Then I thought of the progression from the fast car, to the slower bike, to just walking and how with each slowing the view was enhanced. So, I stopped walking and just looked around and it was an the average neighborhood. Nothing of which I even felt compelled to take a picture (I don't have much of an eye for that anyway, it would have to be something like a flying pig or a unicorn for me to bother) but still interesting and subtly engaging. It was a bit like the difference between grainy black and white to High Def TV of the same images. Simple, yet infinitely complex.

This, I thought, is a metaphor of mind. So many thoughts quickly moving by and only the most salient catch any attention. When there is less distraction or speed, more detail is noticed and there is a brightening or illumination of consciousness with each new noticing. And when it stops completely, you can see everything: the beauty hidden right out/in the open....mind.

[nswef]

Thanks Xmac, You've helped with meditation.

[Zoe Girl]

Very nice description of a meditative mind. I think one way for me to explain what long term mediation and mindfulness does is to say you can train the mind for more of that so it becomes less random and more accessible to us. My favorite way to practice this when I don't even have time to meditate is by eating and putting down my utensil after every bite. The flavors, textures, smells, are more obvious. You tend to eat healthier and less, however having a goal around weight or health is not the focus. You do definitely feel more satisfied overall with your meals (or very aware that the meal sucks and you need more cooking shows - I thought Packy might like this comment)

[catherine]

That is a great metaphor.. putting the brakes on our mind so we can REALLY see. Perfect.

[Xmac]

That is a great metaphor.. putting the brakes on our mind so we can REALLY see. Perfect.

Or, maybe taking our foot off the accelerator.

[Float On]

My favorite way to slow my mind down is go find a little rock bed stream and really watch the water and rocks, the sunlight off the water and rocks, listen deeply and breathe deeply. I even start to hear the water slower.

[catherine]

Or, maybe taking our foot off the accelerator.

haha, yeah, I guess that's a better way to put it. My metaphor probably speaks to my experience in meditating, unfortunately. If I'm going full throttle during the day, sometimes I feel I have to "apply the brakes" rather than coast--but I do coast sometimes, in situations like the ones Float On speaks about. When I walk the dog I do great at just coasting in my mind, which is why I always sign up for the dog-walking chore in the house. DH feels like he's doing me a favor by offering to walk the dog--he doesn't understand that I probably get more out of the walk than the dog does.