January 2021: Snow Globe
Do we lose out because of swirling thoughts and emotions in the mind? How do we still the mind and perceive the good stuff?
Perceiving,
In a snow globe,
Rattled flakes
Jumble.
Settle the blizzard
See clearly
Further, wider.
Credit: video by David J Tillman
head for senses
We know when we fully connect with the world: when we smell coffee, see colours in a sunset, hear songbirds, touch skin, taste berries, when we connect with life (whether four-legged, two or rooted). We observe the deep quality of peace and pleasure they create. But if our mind presents a white-out of emotions and thoughts, between us and reality, the beauties of life are vague, nebulous.
take 5
Picture a silent scene of settled snow. Explore it using all your senses. As you wish, introduce people and wildlife. At the end, how do you feel?
…and an experiment!
Determine a blizzard-free time of day. It might be a section of a daily walk, or designated time. Practice ‘choiceless’ ‘undirected’ ‘open’ meditation… simply be alert to all the senses to notice whatever occurs around you. If thoughts and emotions arise, acknowledge and return to the senses.
quotes…
let us not look back in anger, or forward in fear, but around in awareness ~ James Thurber
the world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper ~ W B Yeats
travel like Ghandi, with simple clothes, open eyes and an uncluttered mind ~ Rick Steves
Roddy xo
Roddy Bray is an anthropologist, speaker & facilitator. His workshop series ‘Being for Beginners’ promotes wellbeing, including at the University of Oxford. To learn more about the course contact Roddy: thrive@antidotecafe.com
Thanks for making it this far! if you found antidote notes valuable, you might like to forward to a friend! they can sign up here.