I have been very busy over this last week, although on Saturday I caught a train to Plymouth so that I could attend a meditation day course. It was entitled "Freedom from Attachment", which was extremely beneficial.
The day was beautiful, the food wonderful, and, by the time I got home, I felt a wonderful sense of calm that can only be experienced, not described. And, if that wasn't enough, we went out for a walk to our favourite beach when I got home which was the "cherry on top" (the ideal way to end a day).
I've always been very wary about mentioning religion or spirituality on my blogs. On my old blog, I noticed that I would either invoke negative responses or get no replies at all when I wrote anything that was even close to the subject. This has always fascinated while, at the same time, confused me. Doesn't all spirituality have the same aim? To find some kind of peace and happiness?
I came back from my day out with a little bit better understanding of my current practise; that practising contentment can bring happiness, and that it is important to live for the moment and let the past and future go. I think that in today's world of commercialism, and after today's announced budget changes, a little bit of contentment can go a long way.
The day was beautiful, the food wonderful, and, by the time I got home, I felt a wonderful sense of calm that can only be experienced, not described. And, if that wasn't enough, we went out for a walk to our favourite beach when I got home which was the "cherry on top" (the ideal way to end a day).
I've always been very wary about mentioning religion or spirituality on my blogs. On my old blog, I noticed that I would either invoke negative responses or get no replies at all when I wrote anything that was even close to the subject. This has always fascinated while, at the same time, confused me. Doesn't all spirituality have the same aim? To find some kind of peace and happiness?
I came back from my day out with a little bit better understanding of my current practise; that practising contentment can bring happiness, and that it is important to live for the moment and let the past and future go. I think that in today's world of commercialism, and after today's announced budget changes, a little bit of contentment can go a long way.
I'm terribly sorry if I ever said anything that came across as negative when you mentioned spirituality (although LOML insists that I can be harsh and dismissive, so it might be that I did come across that way!)
ReplyDeleteAlthough not believing in external spiritual influences, I do believe in the benefits of contemplation, meditation, and most of the tenets of most religions, at least in so far as practising internal quietness, kindness to others, etc are concerned. And I too will take a little contentment over an ipad any day. Although I do still covet high tech phones:-)
N.
I am really interested in what you say about spirituality - and it is because of you that I decided to go to meditation classes (although I haven't been for ages now).
ReplyDeleteI think a day on Freedom from Attachment sounds really interesting and challenging (that's probably not a very Buddhist word) and perhaps I should go to something like that myself!
N - I'm very sorry if I made you think that you came across as negative. It was never you. :-) I have always found you to be positive in your comments and always very supportive.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't we all secretly covet those nice new high tech phones...I've got a thing about wanting a Blackberry ;-)
RR - Thank you so much for your comment. It's really kind of you and I'm happy that my thoughts on spirituality encouraged you too.
Anything in Buddhism, because it is looking at our "selves" and perhaps even confronting our behaviour patterns it is a challenge. Perhaps not how some would word it but that doesn't matter. I think it's a great way to look at it. :-)