Meditation
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Jeannie | Todd |
Todd: Ah, Jeanie, you say you are really into meditation.
Jeanie: Yes.
Todd: So can you explain what meditation is and how you meditate and what are good way to meditate for other listeners.
Jeanie: So as far as meditation is concerned, I feel that it's really finding your center, which is quite. Think of like a cyclone. Now there's all types of activity except for in the dead center where it's really still and quiet. I feel that meditation is a way to get back to that quiet inner self and it's something you need just to keep you settled in everyday life. For me, I'm very used to either bursts of activity or just being still so when I meditate I just like to absolutley sit still. I don't worry about sitting in a lotus position or anything like that. I sit more in a comfortable position and one that's not going to distract me from what I'm trying to do. If I can, I just don't think about anything but if I've got too much on my mind then I'll concetrate on my breathing. I'll pay attention to the rise and fall of my stomach and just count each breath one to five just over and over again and usually it can get me to my center pretty well.
Todd: Um, wow, sounds good. When do you meditate and how often do you meditate?
Jeanie: I usually meditate in the mornings if I have time. On weekends I usually meditate in the morning. Weekdays I don't usually have time so I meditate at night on those days. I try to find a time that everything around me is very quiet. If there's too much activity going on with other people then well I get easily distracted, and so I try to find a really quiet time and a quiet place to do it.
inner self
I feel that meditation is a way to get back to that quiet inner self.
Your soul is your 'inner self,' like the you inside of you that has all your feelings and emotions.Notice the following:
- I always listen to my inner self.
- She is very focused on her inner self and what she needs to be happy.
bursts of activity
For me, I'm very used to either bursts of activity or just being still so when I meditate I just like to absolutely sit still.
'Bursts of activity' are explosions of movement, like if you are very still and then you jump. Notice the following:
- The store had been empty all day, but right before closing there was a burst of activity.
- The little girl was quietly watching television. and then. with a burst of activity, she was coloring on the wall.
don't worry
I don't worry about sitting in a lotus position or anything like that.
If you 'don't worry' about something, you don't allow your mind to think about it. Notice the following:
- Don't worry too much about your exam. You will do fine.
- Don't worry about arriving on time.
on my mind
If I've got too much on my mind, then I'll concentrate on my breathing.
If you are thinking of something it is 'on your mind.' Notice the following:
- Are you stressed? It looks like you've got a lot on your mind.
- She had a lot on her mind before she had her baby.
rise and fall
I'll pay attention to the rise and fall of my stomach.
When something goes up it 'rises,' and when it goes down it 'falls.' Your stomach rises and falls when you breathe in and out. Notice the following:
- The boat rose and fell on the waves.
- I read a long historical book about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.
Vocabulary Quiz
my mind • rise and
