Words From Our Graduates
Another effect of this body insight is that various times during the day I'll take stock of what I'm experiencing, and mostly I'll think, "Not too bad." And that's a good thing. I can walk and see and hear, and I'm not in pain. I'm more grateful for that, for the senses I have, and that I'm breathing. I do appreciate the moments more, even when they are mundane, which, of course, is the vast majority of moments.
Ben Baskin, 2010
I confess I was of two minds when I joined the program. I was feeling very stressed and knew that I had to make a change in my approach to life. However, adding an 8-week commitment - as well as a retreat and homework - was a big addition to my already packed "to do" list. So the start of the stress reduction program ironically stressed me out because I approached the program as I do most everything in life - aiming for perfection, to give it 110 percent. Things shifted when I took to heart Selma's advice to take from the program and "carve out" my own practice. I benefited from a classmate's comment that it will take a long time to process everything that we are learning. In reflection, I come away with an awareness that I believe will be invaluable to me as I continue to form a daily reflective practice.
Spring 2010 Graduate
I was meditating the other day while walking, when I suddenly smelled a strong scent of apples. My mind raced and my heart jumped: this was the same smell of apples in our cellar, where I would go sometimes with my father when I was little, to help him pick the best apples and remove the rotting ones. Could meditation bring back olfactory hallucinations from the past? But as I turned around for my next stretch of slow walking, I noticed from across the room, which was hardly lit and dark, a huge bowl of apples. I was about to walk towards it to breathe in the smell and the memories when I remembered that I was supposed to be meditating and not dwelling on cellars and fathers and apples.
I went back to my walking. Then it dawned on me that meditating was perhaps similar to the fantastic tales where a hero has to take a long journey to find a treasure, and is warned against the incredible temptations that will arise along the way, some frightening and dangerous, figures from the past, from his/her fears, but also sweet apparitions born of desires, dreams. And most importantly, that he should never, ever, stop and talk to them if he wants to reach destination.
The rest of my meditation on that day was easy. Every time a new thought would arise, I would pass by it without opening the door, since that would just prevent me from staying on my path. Doors can wait and can always be opened later.
Things changed for me that day. I used to think that my kingdom was way over there, an infinitesimal point hardly visible in the midst and the mists of a faraway land, past the hills of hard work and self-improvement, the deep forests of self-criticism and guilt, the strong currents of fate and heredity. But I know now that this kingdom lies right here at my feet, on my feet. It will just take some time getting used to it.
Anne Francey, 2007
I ONLY HAVE MOMENTS TO LIVE
like this one
and this one
counted
by heartbeats
in breaths
to give
myself
my full
attention
to fasten
my breath
to the inside
to listen
to this moment
and this one
thrum of heart
whoosh of breath
waves lapping
in
and out
thoughts
distant chatter
life purring
around
through
me
as I breathe
breathe again
Elaine Handley, 2005
When the layers of stress come off
I am left with words that seem soft.
I love you, you love me.
I am you, you are me.
Through breathing and movement
What begins to take shape is freedom from pain.
I love you, you love me.
I am you, you are me.
Alone I seek the place called peace.
But unless I can share this peace I cannot seek.
I love you, you love me.
I am you, you are me.
In the deafness of quiet
I am beginning to hear the words we've all been seeking to put
aside our fear
I love you, you love me.
I am you, you are me.
Can we wake tomorrow finally seeing the light!
Joy oh joy! It's so much more fun than to fight!
I love you, you love me.
I am you, you are me.
Doug Mills, 2006
