Good Morning! 

Life is interesting, little moments of insight and joy can pop-up for us each day in unexpected and unusual places. 

When I started watching this video I really had a strong negative response to the woman being interviewed. I had no clue why but for some reason she rubbed me the wrong way. Fortunately, I decided to stick with it because learning more about meditation is something I value; I decided to focus on the message and not the messenger. I am so glad I did. 

I truly enjoyed Susan Piver’s insights and knowledge, and owe her an apology! Susan shares great information about how our minds behave while meditating – they will wander – lots, and that is okay. She also notes, that the key is to become aware that we are thinking and then gently and kindly return to focusing on our breath. (The realization that we are thinking means we are aware and in the moment, which is the goal of meditation, so while our thinking might distract us, our awareness of it is truly a good thing.) 

She suggested the simple but memorable imagery of watching your breath during meditation as you would a slowing swinging hammock – your breath enters and leaves just as a hammock rocks back and forth. 

If your day gets chaotic or rocky – and whose doesn’t on occasion – treat yourself to the cozy effect of watching a hammock gently rocking back and forth while cradling you and your sweet little overworked brain and then take a deep breath, or two or three and continue on your way. 

Your brain, your heart and your soul will thank you. 

Here’s a video to get you started. If this beach scene isn’t your thing, conjure up the image that makes you feel happy and relaxed. (I am deep in the woods,  listening to the sounds of birds, leaves rustling and for a split second the beauty of silence.) 

To listen to Susan’s interview, which was part of the Shambhala Mountain Center “Reality Summit” and is only available today and tomorrow, click here. 

I truly enjoyed it after I got over myself and let go of my personal biases and stereotypical thinking! To key into her comments about the hammock, listen from minutes 9:21 to 12:02. 

Let me know what you think.