I started with Matthew Brown Jackson, and I’ll end with Matthew Brown Jackson. On my 40th day of meditating, Matthew, my beautiful furry friend, climbed onto my lap just as I was counting my blessings and thinking of who loves me. 🙂 An easy smile played on my face as I saw, heard and felt this animal buddy. I saw all of my animal friends in my mind’s eye. ( I am Snow White, after all. Tee-hee) I feel very blessed with my experiences communing with these non-human creatures… They are teachers for us and joy bringers.
So this is my final day, and this meditation experiment has broken open many parts of me. I have had challenges with this practice. Sometimes, the distractions and the noise in my mind have won me over. Other times, I’ve felt refreshed and more in tune than ever. Once, I made myself laugh out loud for a few minutes when I thought of what makes me happy… See, I even have running inside jokes with myself about this meditation. For example, this meditation is supposed to be structured for people who wish to lose weight. It gets you in touch with yourself so much that you make better choices. Well… that wasn’t my aim, but the funny thing is, every time (almost) I asked the question, “What makes me happy?” The first thought was, “Ice cream!” Ha, ha. So, this one time, instead of ice cream, my mind shouted, “Cookies!” and I cracked up laughing. The word happy makes me think rainbows, happy meals, puppy dogs chasing after bright orange balls… I don’t know. Words. Words can be a challenge on their own, as they bring different images to everyone. Sometimes words, spelled out clearly as if typed, would come to me. Sometimes, just images.
I have grown from this exercise, and I encourage everyone to try something they’ve been yearning to try… or even just thought of trying. What can it hurt? Nothing! It’s hurts NOTHING and NO ONE to try. 🙂 This simple meditation practice for me has led me to sign up for Vipassana meditation in May. That is a bit more intense, but the foundation has been laid inside of me. I’ve been practicing, and that’s got to count for something. I’ve been slowly cracking open the backstage door to my soul.
My deepest gratitude goes to Blue for creating this AWESOME website. I’ve been telling all of my friends about it. Blue is making a difference whether she knows it or not… Thank God for leaders… That’s you, Blue!
Peace out.
HAHA! That makes me laugh and smile when I imagine you yelling out “ICE CREAM!” or “COOKIES!” inside.
I hope you keep writing on this blog, Jam. You warm up the place!! Your writing is beautiful: “I’ve been slowly cracking open the backstage door to my soul.” When I read your last line “Peace out.” I thought, “NOOO!” No peace out! Stay here! It’s much more fun with friends!
Congratulations, Jamie, on doing it dammit!!! I am excited to hear what happens as you continue digging deep into your soul and finding your matthew jackson brown enlightened and unenlightened moments.
(And P.S. Thank you.)
Yes! You did it! And you now inspired me to start meditating again. I want to talk to you. I did short meditations for the last few days but want some structure.
Yes, you go Blue! You are changing our lives!