Cultivating a Peaceful Perspective
Apr 07, 2023 12:01 am
Last week I talked about how the mind can get caught up in disturbing thought loops following a significant loss or "traumatic" (individually calibrate) event. Its the nature of the mind to notice and adjust to life threats by keeping them top of mind so you are better prepared next time. Of course so many human threats are not of a kind for which we can prepare, e.g. loss of a loved one or divorce.
Meditation, as I have explained, can mitigate the mind bashings by bringing you into the present moment. In the moment there is no past or future, therefore, no threat -- only relaxation and release. Negative thoughts are sent packing.
It is important to note that meditation can be used as an escape, just like TV or computer games, bypassing the natural process of emotional healing with its exalted state of bliss. However, once you come down from the high the negative gremlins are waiting in ambush.
One way to avoid this result is by releasing the emotions triggered by the original trauma. So many of us tend to tamp down our grief in order not to disturb others. Repressed feelings can become a habit which can keep you stuck in the gray zone of neither happy nor sad.
The moving meditation of the Sufi practice can provide an emotional release valve through dance. Fast dancing and drumming can work on anger while slow, heart-opening dancing may evoke sadness and grief release. The emotions that come up can guide the dance movement most needed.
This week marks the confluence of 3 major religious celebrations. Starting March 22nd, Muslims celebrate the month of Ramadan, one of the 5 pillars of Islam and a time of introspection, prayer, and fasting. Passover began this week on April 5 and will continue through April 13 in remembrance of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. This is Holy Week for Catholic, beginning last Sunday and culminating with Easter Sunday. Good Friday, tomorrow, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus, and is a day of fasting and penance.
Tomorrow is also my Sufi meditation class. Clearly it is special Friday with the sacred energy from three major religions. Please join me, April 7 at 8 AM (in the morning) PDT for a special 90 minutes of breath, movement and sound to invite the sacred in community with millions
8 am PDT is early morning for the west coast! A great way to start any day.
Here's a time converter link if you need to check the time in your own location.
Come 5 minutes early if this is the first time you are coming. Let me give you a quick orientation and answer your questions.
Please give yourself some extra time between this class and other meetings as you will likely feel very different at the end.
The link to the zoom meeting is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89999494833?pwd=V2pOS28yYUdXM3hkaW1rVWIvSjBUdz09
Meeting ID: 899 9949 4833
Passcode: SUFI
Be brilliant,
Dr. Michelle Peticolas
Life Transformation Coach
Empowering Women to Reinvent Their Life after Loss
Secrets of Life and Death
https://www.facebook.com/secretsoflifeanddeath.com