Meditation Log – August 2019
Later in July we took a long family vacation to Hawaii. I was able to comfortably meditate about half the days we were there. We had a long day when we returned – August 5, 2019. The day started on the Kona coast of the big island of Hawaii and we drove to the airport in Hilo, which is about a 90 minute drive. We flew back to Honolulu and had a lengthy wait for our red-eye departure at 4 in the afternoon. I figured this was a perfect time to try to find a quiet place at the airport where I could casually sit with my over-the-ear headphones on and be undisturbed for 20 minutes. I went to the airport information desk which was un-staffed (budget cuts?) but provided a phone to call someone. So I did, and asked where the airport Chapel might be. I could sit in silent prayer for 20 minutes, quietly meditating the entire time – genius! Or so I thought, until the voice at the other end of the phone informed my Honolulu International Airport does not have a Chapel. What it does have is a centrally located Japanese Rock Garden. This outdoor space is nice enough thought it was hot. It was also really noisy – outdoors at an airport who woulda thunk it? The space wasn’t really crowded, but there was regular foot traffic of travelers and airport employees. I sat and meditated for 20 minutes. I was sitting on a bench in the shade. No one bothered me. The conditions of that session were not ideal but I am glad I did it and I felt it was a good use of my time, especially as I had a 10 hour flight to look forward to on the continued journey home from Hawaii.
I find vacations and trips of any sort instrumental in self reflection. Though I was able to meditate while on vacation, I realized I missed regular meditation leading up to the vacation. I have become convinced that for me daily meditation is an important part of my healthy well being, much like exercise. As I acclimated back to continental life I decided a more serious effort into daily meditation is warranted. I began this effort in earnest on August 14.
I do recall one noteworthy meditation session before my regular log keeping resumed. Morning of August 7, 2019 – Wednesday. I was scheduled to visit my Dad for lunch. My Dad lives 90 miles away in Waynesboro. I have discovered that meditation is especially useful before these trips. I did not realize on this particular morning that I was still jet lagged. I had gotten up early and drank my mugs of coffee (I love love love coffee) and thought I felt pretty good before hitting the cushion around 8:30 am. I wanted to get a 20 minute session in before resuming my daily chores and heading out the door. I began listening to one of the Relationship Success sessions, I didn’t note which one, and began to feel dizzy about 8 minutes into the session. The feeling was similar to motion sickness and not at all pleasant. I stopped the session and went back to bed and slept for several hours. I felt fine when I woke up.
August 31, 2019
- Focus Sessions -Relationship Success – Enjoy Great Relatedness
- R3: 20 Minutes
August 30, 2019 – Did not meditate
August 29, 2019
- Focus Sessions Emotional Intelligence Focus Group 1
- Forgive: 25 Minutes
August 28, 2019
- Focus Sessions Emotional Intelligence Focus Group 1
- Feel: 25 Minutes
August 27, 2019
- Focus Sessions Emotional Intelligence Focus Group 1
- Love: 25 Minutes
August 26, 2019
- Focus Sessions Emotional Intelligence Focus Group 1
- Live: 25 Minutes +5
August 25, 2019
- Focus Sessions -Relationship Success – Enjoy Great Relatedness
- R3: 20 Minutes
August 24, 2019
- Deeper Sessions – Intermediate Meditation
- 30 Minutes +3
August 23, 2019
- Focus Sessions -Relationship Success – Enjoy Great Relatedness
- R1: 20 Minutes +5
August 22, 2019
- Focus Sessions Emotional Intelligence Focus Group 2
- Earn: 25 Minutes +5
August 21, 2019
- Focus Sessions Emotional Intelligence Focus Group 2
- Think: 25 Minutes
August 20, 2019
- Focus Sessions Emotional Intelligence Focus Group 2
- Learn: 25 Minutes +5
August 19, 2019
- Focus Sessions Emotional Intelligence Focus Group 2
- Adapt: 25 Minutes
August 18, 2019
- Deeper Sessions – Absorb – Perspective Shift
- 35 Minutes
August 17, 2019
- Focus Sessions – Relationship Success – Enjoy Great Relatedness
- R2: 20 Minutes
August 16, 2019
- Focus Sessions – Stress Free – Upgrade to a Low Stress Outlook
- S1: 20 Minutes
August 15, 2019
- Focus Sessions – Stress Free – Upgrade to a Low Stress Outlook
- S1: 20 Minutes
August 14, 2019
- Focus Sessions – Stress Free – Upgrade to a Low Stress Outlook
- S3: 20 Minutes