Focused

I have had the luxury of time this week. Ken worked four days out of town. I took advantage of that to ignore the dust bunnies collecting in the corners and the paperwork piling up on every available surface. Instead of cleaning or cooking I spent hours at a time at the sewing machine. It has been a long time since I have been so focused on one project, and the reward is that I have finished the quilt top I have been working on. I will have photos to share tomorrow.

The time alone in the house gave me the time and space to work, but I have not always been able to focus on a project even when I had the opportunity.

The difference is that this month I have followed Jan's 28-day meditation challenge at Awake is Good. I don't think it's a coincidence that I have felt calmer and more focused.

Meditation has "changed my mind."

After some trial and error, I found that it works best for me to meditate for a few minutes before bed and a few minutes when I first wake up. For the first several days my mind would not settle down and thoughts continued non-stop. I tried a variety of strategies, including visualizing treetops and floating balloons and sending thoughts on their way.

Then I started saying a blessing of loving kindness for myself and others:

May you be happy,
May you be well,
May you be safe,
May you be peaceful and at ease.

My breathing slows and my mind calms. I have been sleeping better and waking without anxiety.

I didn't know that saying a simple blessing could make such a big difference.

Then I realized that I can access the calming effect of meditation during the day, while I am petting Leo or making tea or walking down the driveway to get the mail or sewing. I can slow down and pay attention to what I am doing in the present moment, which calms my mind and helps me focus.

I never thought that letting go of thinking would help me be more focused.

It feels like so much more is possible.