Activities for the Mind and Spirit or "Yield for the Present"

We went to Book Passages in the afternoon to hear Thomas Friedman speak. It was, mobbed, but we managed to find a spot. He was really good--his presentation was merely his upcoming Sunday column, but he spent most of his time answering questions, good questions, I might add. He is more enjoyable in person than I thought he'd be, as he had a sense of humor, was clever, and of course, very intelligent and thoughtful. He mentioned that he does like Obama's economic and energy policies, thinks he's doing the right and necessary things. I thought that was great, and significant. He doesn't like his Afghanistan policies, however. One thing he said a was that we went to Afghanistan to get rid of the TERRORISTS, while we went to Iraq to get rid of TERRORISM. I found that to be a very important statement. He is afraid that Obama is confusing that. Interesting.

By the way,  he is describing the huge deficit in the above picture, he is NOT describing other things!   (perhaps some of you received the recent humorous email that's been going around contrasting Bush's and Obama's!)

Of course he talked about the economy, and again, likes what Obama is doing, couldn't make any other suggestions, other than to say the answers are "the banks, the banks, the banks", even though it isn't fair. Fairness isn't going to solve the problem, so we better get over it.

Later that night, we went back to Spirit Rock. This was a 2 hour workshop for therapists about the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy in conjunction with Mindfulness and Humility Training to work with anxiety and anger in our clients. It was led by a Ph.D from Stanford, named Shani Robins.   He is also the founder of the Wisdom Therapy Institute.  He explained some of CBT's approach, as a successful means of lessening the degree of anxiety or anger, and then using the other training as a way towards resolution. I liked his theory a lot. CBT provides tools to deal with the degree of anxiety and anger, then, mindfulness helps us to stay in the present, which also lowers the level of anxiety. The Humility training helps us to transcend the ego, to see ourselves in connection with others and the whole universe. It focuses on gratitude and loving kindness.

I did really enjoy what he said, although I sort of put it together myself, as I didn't feel he presented it that well, or that he was all that challenging. He never really engaged the participants, though he tried. I want to learn more about Mindfulness, and Humility, and I think this may be a goal of mine this coming year. I was disappointed that he didn't mention more about that, he was too academic. We did start out with a guided meditation, but to be honest, I think that Dan and I do a better one. Still, I really enjoy going to this center, might want to return one more time. The sign on the way in, by the way, says, "YIELD TO THE PRESENT."

I think this may elicit some comments from our followers, and I hope it does, but I am struggling with the concepts I have learned here so far. It's a different approach than the therapy I have done, but I have done some of these same things without naming it. In same cases, it is very similar. Both Dan and I have done hypnosis, with guided imagery, and this creates an alpha state similar to meditation. My bias is quite entrenched in me, so in many ways, it actually interferes with this approach. I feel like I need to be challenged a little more in this area. On the other hand, I love the idea of expanding the spiritual, of transcending the ego, and certainly, of staying in the moment. Years ago, I had done a "gratitude journal" suggested in a book I had read called "Simple Abundance" and it truly helped me see things differently. Also, having survived a life threatening illness and procedure certainly helped me understand Mindfulness, staying in the present, and gratitude, but it's easy to forget those important lessens.

One more thing about this. I don't know if this will help you readers, but all of us are reacting to the economic disaster we are facing. Friedman talked about it today, and I mentioned it at the workshop. Though neither speaker had a "solution", both gave a helpful focus--Friedman said we need the banks, banks, banks, and the psychologist said we truly need to deal with the anxiety it produces by using Mindfulness, and yes, Humility Training. I feel quite anxious about the situation, as you all do, I am sure. I am truly trying to stay in the moment, to look outside at the flowering trees (you may have to look at the glistening snow!) to take a deep breathe and say that at this moment, I am HERE. I have love, warmth, safety and beauty.

Pat

Later, when I was taking Gus for a walk (yes, he can take a walk again) I noticed some wild iris, about to bloom, and also some Calla Lilies.  it reminded me of my favorite poem/haiku:

Dead my old fine hopes,

and dry my dreaming.

But!  

Still!

Iris, Blue Each Spring.