Last week, a friend and I devised a day of silent meditation, each in our own homes. From 9 to 5, we spent the day with only ourselves – no technology, no reading or writing, no other people. And, nothing “productive” in the traditional sense, nothing that could be crossed off a to do list, like cooking or cleaning or running errands. Honestly, the anticipation freaked us both out a bit. Separated from our phones, our reading, our writing, what would we do?
We spent some time beforehand talking through the guidelines. Our purpose was to experience the day and ourselves, the ramblings of our minds and the realities of our place. It was difficult to pick a day that both of us could devote to this, where we could leave our work behind, where we didn’t have appointments scheduled, and where we could tell our families not to contact us. And, we both realized that we were lucky to be able to do this experiment at all. Most people would not have that luxury.
Her theme was to move more slowly. Mine was to notice my thinking.
Doing it together was valuable. It helped us stick to the guidelines and we were able to share the experience with each other later. For me, distractions to my own work and creativity come from ingesting more and more information. So, my main goal was to stop that flow for a time. The only information that came into my awareness that day was through the senses, and from my own mind.
It was a beautiful weather day and I was able to spend approximately three hours of the time walking. The rest of the time included stretching, sitting meditation, creating a mandala (intuitive), showering, and eating.
What I noticed was that I think a lot! Even after years of contemplative practice. When I found myself thinking about something from the past or about the future, I would say “thinking” and bring myself back to where I was. I noticed that, without my camera, I actually think more. The camera does serve as a reminder to pay attention, so that I’m ready for a moment that calls to me to photograph. Walking also provides the space for intuitive insights to emerge around things I’m working on or a situation I’m dealing with and this is truly valuable. These insights come up unintentionally.
Overall, I felt relaxed and comfortable, I moved more, and felt like I really inhabited the day. It’s one I’ll remember for a long time.
What did I learn? I already have a habit of daily walking as a meditative practice that is essential and good for my health. But, for someone like me that inhales information, it would be good practice to go technology free at least one day a week. I’ll let you know how that goes.
What habit do you need to cultivate?
What an interesting experiment, Kim. It sound like a very valuable experience. My husband and I unplug once a week for our Sabbath, which gives us more time to connect with each other and family. I love how time slows down when we stop doing so much. We often garden together or take hikes. I don’t think I could give up reading on the Sabbath, but you make a good point about getting away from the mind and more into the senses. I think I’ll try that.
What a lovely and interesting thing to do. Kim. I’m sure it’s a way of getting to know oneself better and also to notice where our mind goes. I would like to try this too on a day when there are no obligations. I would also not answer the telephone. Going for walks must be the best part and quiet meditative moments at home. Mandalas are good to do as well.
I think that I would like to have a technology free day a week – no computer, no television. Giving up reading would be harder, but one day is manageable. It might be good not to cook as well, maybe just fruit and salads which can be prepared the day before.
I’m willing to give it a try!
Good morning Kim (and Gina and Sandra). This exercise really appeals to me, it’s something I feel I’d value as.a Spiritual practice. I think the accountability factor of a friend to ‘report back to’ is a good idea; at least when you’re starting out. Once the practice has been fully committed to and established – I’ll bet it becomes the ‘reward you look forward to’ each day, week or month. I think I’d like to begin with 15 or 30 minutes each day and see where that takes me. Thank you for sharing your life and ideas as you do.