In this class we learned about the benefits of meditation to our general physical as well as our mental health. Developing the skill to quiet the busy chatter in our minds and to focus our attention at will makes it possible to more easily sort out negative habits of mind and develop more positive states of mind. The home work for this class is to sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground and your hands resting comfortably on your thighs or lap. You may close your eyes or just relax them without focusing on anythng in particular. Spend 5 minutes (or more if you like) twice a day sitting quietly without interruption and focus on your breathing. Notice the rise and fall of your breath, feel the air as it passes through your nostrils, allow your breath to find its own pace without trying to change it in any way. If thoughts come to mind just let them pass and bring your attention back to your breathing. At the end of the week, notice the effect, if any, this has had on your state of mind.
Please remember to practice writing down three things for which you are grateful or appreciative each day. Thank you for your effort.
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Hello Dr. Lewis-
ReplyDeleteI have read a few popular books on the brain & Buddhism. One ("My Stroke of Insight")was written a couple of year ago by Jill Taylor, a brain anatomist at Harvard. She describes her massive stoke that disabled much of her left brain as an enlightment experience, and I believe that when I questioned after the last class, Marsha agreed with this description.
I have also read Eckhart Tolle's "Power of Now" where he describes waking up after a mental crisis with a significant shift of conciousness that could probably also be described as an enlightment experience.
My question for Dr. Lewis is:
Is it possible to hypothisize what, if anything, might have happened physically in Mr. Tolles' brain that night? How about the sudden enlightment experiences of others?
My wife and I have enjoyed your class.
Best Regards
Anyone interested in a cup of hot chocolate and warm talk about the two recommended books in this superb class—
ReplyDeletePLAY by Stuart Brown, MD & Dancing in the Streets by Barbara Ehrenreich
is warmly invited to 613 Wisconsin on Potrero hill on Friday morning November 20th from 10 AM until noon.
RSVP to 415 641-4488 or mfk@margaretkeyes.net