2013-Fall Bloom:
10/16/2013
8:01 PM
Page 34
PHILIP J. PANDOLFI, D.M.D., PLLC Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery • Extractions • Wisdom Teeth • Dental Implants “Participating with MOST insurance companies & Smiles for children” 2105 Evelyn Byrd Avenue Harrisonburg, VA 22801 Office - 540-433-1751 Toll Free - 888-433-1751 www.pandolfidmd.com
It’s often best to use a timer. There are applications for smart phones, or simply setting a stopwatch will do. Close the eyes, as it allows for fewer visual distractions. Choose an anchor. As mentioned, the breath is a common option, as it’s a constant. If using the breath, notice the inhale and exhale at the point of the nostrils, the rising and falling of the chest or the expanding of the stomach as each breath is drawn. When you’ve noticed your mind has strayed, gently recognize where you’ve run off to — plans for today, replaying a conversation, imagining what you’ll have for dinner — and return to the present moment, to the gentle act of breathing. When the timer goes off, sit in that awareness and then proceed with your day. Notice how that presence tends to stay with you, even
Flowers And Cakes By Debbie
Park View Plaza • 625-K Mt. Clinton Pike
Flowers, Balloons and Gift Baskets For Every Occasion
540.438.0059
www.flowersandcakesbydebbie.com
when you’re not intentionally meditating.
Patience is a virtue
Meditation is often described as training a puppy. When the puppy is learning to sit and stay, it will get up and run away — over and over. But yelling at the puppy or using physical force is no way to develop a dog that obeys. With kindness, you return the puppy to where he’s supposed to be. When he wanders off again, gently guide him back. The same is true with the mind. The mind, conditioned and reactive, will run off with thoughts and emotions. But being angry with yourself or trying to force a quiet stillness to happen is not the process of meditation. Mindfulness meditation is “a deliberate process that helps slow down the mind, and get the puppy to listen better,” Robedeau said. “When that happens, we have [fewer] thoughts interfering ... and if we can get to that place, even for a couple minutes, there’s great bounty there.” Sarah’s learning to quiet her mind, taking it one moment (and breath) at a time. Creative Coordinated Displays Christmas Decorating Starts Here Great Gift Ideas! Don’t forget your Christmas Sweater!
Non-Profit Thrift Shop 600-B University Blvd. M-F 9:30 AM- 5 PM Sat 9:30 AM - 2 PM Phone (540) 442-7250 TriedandTrueThrift.org