Tag: meditation

Meditation & Prayer

On By mikeykjrIn Discussion3 Comments

Meditation and prayer are an important practice in recovery (Step 11). In the past, when I lived alone, it was easy for to meditate. I had another room, a room set up for my spiritual practices, where I would meditate at some point during the day. However, now my living arrangements don’t allow me to have such comforts, as I live with eight other gentleman in the same house. Therefore, I must find another way that works.

At first I thought about using the basement. Even if I had to find a nice corner where I would be able to plug in my laptop, put on some relaxing music for some quiet time. But living in Upstate New York the weather is starting to get nippy and basements typically don’t keep heat well. Or am I just making an excuse?

Another option was going to a park just up the street, putting down a blanket and allowing Nature to infuse me with its own serene music. I honestly don’t think there would be interruptions. Yet, the weather is going to be an issue in the future.

I do have an abundance of churches that surround me. Perhaps I could find a church which has an open door and find a quiet room. Something just doesn’t feel right using a Christian church to talk to Pagan Gods.

Whatever avenue I choose, I need to develop a discipline (which is another topic I’ll talk about tomorrow). Also I need to work on my laziness and procrastination (defects of character and shortcomings). So the whole process will be good for me.

Any comments, questions or suggestions would greatly be appreciated . . . always!

A Weekend of Relaxation & Positivity

On By mikeykjrIn PersonalLeave a comment

Another frustrating week is now over, thank the Gods! On Thursday and Friday, I felt like I was an inactive volcano ready to explode. I’m just glad I wasn’t scheduled this weekend because I have plans of my own I need to get done around the house. So I’m planning a weekend of relaxation and positivity.

One, I am not going to rush to do anything. I’m going to relax. For the last couple of weeks, my blood pressure is a little high (the top number or diastolic is in the 130’s or 140’s) and my pulse is way down to the 50’s. I’m on medications for blood pressure but I haven’t been eating good, healthy food, nor have I been getting good rest.

The biggest contributing factor is work. We all love to hate work, so I know I’m not the only one feeling this way.  While I love my work and the care I give to my residents, as a CNA, I get so annoyed, frustrated and just plain MAD at the bull**** .

Most of my residents have some form of dementia. But we also have those temporarily staying for rehabilitation. Most of them are also elderly, set in their ways and can be very needy at times. Many times I’m running around “like a chicken with no head”!

There was a management change a few months back. However, the new DON (Director of Nursing) hasn’t really got a handle on things (in my opinion). , thus bring in an ADON (Assistant Director of Nursing) and a few Supervisors. One supervisor, for me, is like a dream come true, clamping down on policies and procedures that should be followed at all times. While she’s doing her best, she asked for my patience for coming changes.

Enough about work since I vowed not even to think about work this weekend. I have a few things on my list I need to get done. For instance, I need to clean this house. Since I’ve been work so much lately (50 – 60 hours per week), things are getting a tad bit untidy around here. I don’t like it, at all! Second, I’m going grocery shopping. I mean really spending money on some good food that will last me a while.  I spend approximately $10 per day on fast food for dinner every night. It’s not healthy and I told myself I was going to start cooking more when I moved to my new place.

I have a few things on my list I need to get done. For instance, I need to clean this house. Since I’ve been work so much lately (50 – 60 hours per week), things are getting a tad bit untidy around here. I don’t like it, at all! Second, I’m going grocery shopping. I mean really spending money on some good food that will last me a while.  I spend approximately $10 per day on fast food for dinner every night. It’s not healthy and I told myself I was going to start cooking more when I moved to my new place. Third, I’m going to make a short trip to the casino, so I can get out and have some fun. They are luring me with coupons of free play and a free buffet for lunch, so why not? It’s a very dreary day anyway.

Right now I have some meditation music on my tablet playing with some sandalwood incense burning in the background. I think I’m going to meditate a while when Heart (my cat) goes back to sleep and stops meowing at me to love her (LOL). Perhaps take a shower, then head to the casino for some lunch and some fun.

 

Daily Meditation Routine

On By mikeykjrIn PersonalLeave a comment

The program of Alcoholics Anonymous reminds me in Step 11:

Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Honestly, I haven’t followed through with this in years.  Excuse:  I don’t have time.  Today, I made a major change in my life.  I made time.

At 12:00 p.m., I have started a routine to start meditating on a regular basis. There is a meditation highly recommended by others to start: Tree of Life Spoken (Guided) Meditation for Grounding

Already I see the benefits.  My blood pressure was 126/82 when I started.  Afterward it dropped to 117/72.  Perhaps this is a missing link in my life I’ve been searching for.  Letting my mind wander, then grounding certainly clears all the crap I’m already thinking about.  I definitely feel different.  Now it’s all gone, I’m more relaxed and ready for the day.