Keeping my mind on track…

Having just taken time to reply to Perimenopausal Ponderings‘ latest post, it got me think about what goes through my head when I do finally find the time and uninterrupted space to meditate. Her question was about the types of crutches we use to get us through the day. Mine is meditating or gin!

I’ve given up expecting the dog and my family to work it out for themselves that me, sitting quietly with my eyes shut, headphones on, deep breathing, is me meditating. The preparation for those ten short minutes is almost a ritual in itself.

It starts with me giving the dog some cuddles, declaring my intention to have ten minutes, grabbing the headphones and getting comfortable. With my Mums Radar switched to quiet mode, I fire up my meditation app and chose a session from a pack I’ve loaded earlier or go with the daily offering.

Making sure I’m sitting correctly (my chiropractor would be impressed) I take a few moments to try to get my head in the zone. As the opening sentences pass through my brain, instructing me to breathe deeply, I feel a sense of calm descend…. and then the end of my nose itches.

Do I scratch it or try to ignore it? Oh heck, I’m thinking about my nose instead of listening to the meditation.

Deep breath and start again.

I get to the bit where I’m encouraged to close my eyes… not a problem for me, but seems to be a signal to the dog to sneak up, unheard, and drop a toy on my lap.

“Eeeek! Urgh! Get that smelly thing off me! (Throws toy and biscuit into dog’s bed to encourage her to bugger off and leave me alone).

Deep breath, restart the meditation and try to recover from the fright.

Breathing deeply, eyes closed, I feel my heart return to normal pace. Ah! Mmmm!

….

….

“…and now gently scan your body from head to toe, simply noticing how it feels…”

Ok so far… head feels fine, nose has stopped itching. Stop thinking about the nose. Keep scanning down. All is well.

5 minutes later, just concentrating on the breath, my little bubble of calm is interrupted by Mr D.

“Are you done yet? Do you want a cup of tea?”

Breathing deeply, counting to ten, I reply that I’m still meditating (or at least trying to) and that a cuppa would be nice later thank you. He doesn’t notice that I’m speaking to him through gritted teeth!

I don’t bother to restart the session from the beginning and attempt to regain a tiny smidge of calmness from where I left off when I was interrupted – again!

….

….

“... and now release the focus on your breath, allowing your mind to wander freely…”

“…. gammon steak and pineapple…”

“… oh God, I’m in the office tomorrow…”

“… fluffy clouds…”

“… did I water my greenhouse plants?”

“… and in your own time, gently open your eyes.”

And there you have it, ten minutes of mindfulness, Cath Dean style!