When I get lost in thoughts it is interesting to notice how engaging, seductive, intriguing my thoughts are. Just sinking into a juicy conversation can be engrossing and often entertaining. Like thoughts are my best friend having a nice nattering conversation about myself or others. But most of it is just a waste of time replaying the same movies over and over again.
Like the ultimate distraction is thought itself. Just thinking, all the time, round and round, and going nowhere. What a trap!
Love the descriptive label - such good advice for starting out. But also at certain periods we might find that waterfall again, when we’re doing it tough or possibly as deeper more ingrained habits of mind are surfaced. It can be disconcerting but it’s how it is. I love the suggestion of making peace with and befriending this and seeing the waterfall as an opportunity. Someone once said something to me which struck me as good advice in this regard: ‘1000 thoughts are 1000 opportunities to return to the practice’. Great topic and discussion thank-you.
I was thinking about the waterfall experience today, what a coincidence.
I notice how my mind feels like it is out of control lately. I try to come back to my breath, yet my emotions and anxiety are sometimes just overwhelming. My mind gets completely hooked when something triggers me a little bit. For example, I was meeting with my meditation group yesterday and we were talking about our plans with the group. For me it felt like my opinion was ignored. This triggered some strong anger in me. Hours after our meeting my mind and emotions still came back with full force when I was thinking about our meeting.
This morning I noticed that this is the waterfall experience and especially since I struggle with mental health issues, it can feel like my mind is completely crazy. But, finally after more than 4 years of meditation, I start to see it differently. I start to see it as a success to have those experiences, or at least accept it is part of my journey. Previously I was almost ashamed about having such powerful emotions. Now I start to understand that the waterfall is a good thing and doesn't need to be stopped.
This is such a user-friendly description for those just starting out. As I’m a relatively new meditation teacher, I continue to lean into your easily digested insights as material for folks in my psychotherapy practice. Thank you.
Your delivery of information is excellent and to the point. Many of my clients are moving so quickly through life that it can be a struggle for me to find the best way to describe the science behind how meditation can be of benefit. I hope that makes sense. Thanks for checking in.
The waterfall....wowwwww...what an analogy to describe quite a frustrating phase of meditation! And to learn it never completely goes away? Intriguing! This realization helps reassure me to keep pushing. Thank you, doc!!
When I get lost in thoughts it is interesting to notice how engaging, seductive, intriguing my thoughts are. Just sinking into a juicy conversation can be engrossing and often entertaining. Like thoughts are my best friend having a nice nattering conversation about myself or others. But most of it is just a waste of time replaying the same movies over and over again.
Like the ultimate distraction is thought itself. Just thinking, all the time, round and round, and going nowhere. What a trap!
Having engaging, seductive, intriguing thoughts sounds delightful! Happy you are observing - thank you for sharing a glimmer of what you see.
Love the descriptive label - such good advice for starting out. But also at certain periods we might find that waterfall again, when we’re doing it tough or possibly as deeper more ingrained habits of mind are surfaced. It can be disconcerting but it’s how it is. I love the suggestion of making peace with and befriending this and seeing the waterfall as an opportunity. Someone once said something to me which struck me as good advice in this regard: ‘1000 thoughts are 1000 opportunities to return to the practice’. Great topic and discussion thank-you.
I was thinking about the waterfall experience today, what a coincidence.
I notice how my mind feels like it is out of control lately. I try to come back to my breath, yet my emotions and anxiety are sometimes just overwhelming. My mind gets completely hooked when something triggers me a little bit. For example, I was meeting with my meditation group yesterday and we were talking about our plans with the group. For me it felt like my opinion was ignored. This triggered some strong anger in me. Hours after our meeting my mind and emotions still came back with full force when I was thinking about our meeting.
This morning I noticed that this is the waterfall experience and especially since I struggle with mental health issues, it can feel like my mind is completely crazy. But, finally after more than 4 years of meditation, I start to see it differently. I start to see it as a success to have those experiences, or at least accept it is part of my journey. Previously I was almost ashamed about having such powerful emotions. Now I start to understand that the waterfall is a good thing and doesn't need to be stopped.
Thank you for sharing your honest perspective, Timo. Congrats on 4 years and also seeing things differently step by step.
This is such a user-friendly description for those just starting out. As I’m a relatively new meditation teacher, I continue to lean into your easily digested insights as material for folks in my psychotherapy practice. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Jennifer. Is there a particular aspect that is helping you more in your practice?
Your delivery of information is excellent and to the point. Many of my clients are moving so quickly through life that it can be a struggle for me to find the best way to describe the science behind how meditation can be of benefit. I hope that makes sense. Thanks for checking in.
The waterfall....wowwwww...what an analogy to describe quite a frustrating phase of meditation! And to learn it never completely goes away? Intriguing! This realization helps reassure me to keep pushing. Thank you, doc!!