Taming the Monkey Mind: Day 5

Posted on by stilllearning2b

I am a planner.  I have always known this about myself, but regular meditation has really highlighted for me.  Almost 100% of my thoughts during my practice go to planning, or even worse, planning to plan. I know that I do this to alleviate anxiety and to try to exert some control over my experiences, but it is also a sly thief of the present moment.

As a teacher, a large part of my job is lesson planning; this serves as sort of a lab, a microcosm, where I can limit some variables and examine others.  I have been more mindful lately about my lesson planning methodology and the outcomes.  I have come to an interesting realization; my most effective plans are also the most spontaneous, the ones that have undergone the least amount of rumination.  The chances of something going awry, not according to plan, seem to be equal regardless of the mental energies expended prior.  Good to know.

Planning for the future is my biggest obstacle to mindfulness.  When I was in the art museum yesterday, I planned several potential solutions if I had trouble getting out of the parking garage, as there was no attendant on duty (Did I have enough cash?  Was it in the right form?  What businesses were open within walking distance where I could get change?).  Each time my mind wandered, I was able to become aware and pull it back to the present, but it was certainly a tenacious companion through the first part of the museum.  Once I was able to come up with a few possible solutions, I was able to let it go and relax.

Planning is a double-edged sword for me: I need a certain amount to let go of the future and enjoy the present, yet too much steals the present away from me.  I suppose the trick is awareness of the planning and learning when its presence has overstayed its welcome beyond its effectiveness.

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Tales From a Zumba Virgin

Posted on by stilllearning2b
English: Andrea Knight, Zumba instructor, lead...
Image via Wikipedia

Did you know they make butt tassels?  As in tassels sewn to the back of a pair of pants?  The instructor’s rear had flying strings; I’m not sure if they were supposed to mesmerize or instruct.  Regardless, I bet they are uncomfortable on the ride home.  Just one of the ways I ways enlightened in my first Zumba class…

I immediately met a wonderful trio of women who instantly made me feel comfortable.  They all had wonderful attitudes and were ready to laugh.  And laugh we did.  The class was so full, that it was impossible to see the instructor, so it was like a game of telephone, the moves becoming more mutilated by the time they made it to  the back of the room (where I, as a Zumba virgin, was of course hanging out).  Regardless of the missed instructions, I was glad to see that my feet still remembered something from the dance classes I took 25 years ago.

I also learned just how limited my hip movement is; much of my booty shaking looked more like booty shifting.  Luckily, one of my new acquaintances was able to give me some pointers on how to loosen the hips a bit.  We negotiated a tradeoff; she’ll help me with my booty shaking, and I’ll help her get some definition in her back.  A great tradeoff, if you ask me.

Overall, it was a fun experience.  It felt like being in a big sleepover, dancing around in our pajamas.  Except, of course, for the viewers from the adjacent weight room (there IS a lot of booty shaking).  I plan on trying it again, especially when I need a mood booster at the end of the day.  I don’t feel exhausted, and I feel better from the camaraderie and laughter.  I am a Zumba virgin no more…

Ten Lessons I am Still Learning

Posted on by stilllearning2b
Boston - Boston Common: Parkman Plaza - Learning
Boston - Boston Common: Parkman Plaza - Learning (Photo credit: wallyg)

One of the things I love most about my partner is that he sees himself as a perpetual student; he is always willing and eager to learn something new, even in an area where he is considered an expert.

Last year, we were out at dinner with a group of friends.  One of our friend’s 8 year son opened the conversation with my boyfriend.

“Do you have a black belt?” the boy asked eagerly.

“I do,” came the reply.

“Actually, he has several,” interjected the boy’s dad.

“Wow!  Does that mean you know everything?”

“Actually, a black belt means that you are ready to begin learning.”

I loved that response.  It serves as a reminder to me to always be open to learning more, especially in those areas where I already have knowledge.

In that spirit, here are ten lessons that I am still learning:

1) Life doesn’t just have two speeds – on and off.  It is not only possible to go slowly, but sometimes it is preferable.

2) It is okay not to be the first one at work; stuff still manages to get done even if I arrive after the custodians.

3) I’m working on learning to sleep past 6:00 am and considering the possibility of mastering the power nap.

4)  A messy kitchen does not mean a chaotic life.  It just means that people actually live in our house.

5) Sometimes it is okay for the play to come before the work.  (I got this one from my dog)

6) I am still working on going downhill on wheels (bikes, skates, etc.).  I just don’t  trust those things!

7) Stretching is worthwhile exercise even if is doesn’t work up a sweat.

8) It is okay to relax.

9) Money will be there; I don’t need to get too stressed about it.

10) Always take time to appreciate what you have and remember to express your gratitude.  Especially when the kitchen is messy.

The Mathematics of To-Do Lists

Posted on by stilllearning2b

Try as I might, I just can’t seem to figure out the mathematics behind to-do lists.  Sometimes the lists are brief, deceptively hiding the magnitude of the tasks that lie ahead.  At other times, the list can span for pages, yet contain not much more than a moment’s worth of work.  Sometimes  I look at a list that is all crossed off and I feel relief, a sense of accomplishment.  Yet that same page can leave me feeling drained.

This has been one of those weeks where I have felt overwhelmed.  It is a busy month at work, with many pressures from all sides.  My sleep has been fitful, most likely because my mind is spinning and my yoga practice has been somewhat neglected.  My instinct when I feel like this is to slow down, spend quiet time in solitude, and rest.

This is where the strange mathematics comes into play.  I have found when I feel like my lists are taking over, the best way for me to recover my balance is by adding something to my list.  Not just any task will do; the best combination is time with a friend in the outdoors.  Simply going for a walk, hike, or run with a companion helps to reset my brain, calm the anxiety impulse, and remind me that I am not the sum of my tasks.

By adding just one more thing, I effectively whittle my to-do list down to nothing.  The mathematics may not work out, but the effect on my well-being sure does.  The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend; I think I’ll make time for a hike.