A hole in the fabric of our lives is empty hours. These hours multiply as we age. On the way to work today, I drove past an old tree. The bark is gnarled, the branches are thick, twisted things, the roots rise heavy from the grass. I love it. This old tree is intrinsically beautiful to me, and it still blooms. My inspiration.
Back to empty hours! Time on our hands. As I listened to friends, I noticed we all have big juicy hours to spare. For a fact, I don’t want to clean anything. YUK. I want to have fun. I want to feel alive. I ask you, “How many games of solitaire can you play in a day?”
But age limits our options. Our days of running the marathon are over. But maybe we could sponsor a Senior Walk-a-thon; wheelchairs, walkers, canes and all. I am serious. Start training today. Why not? It could be a great day, and our kids and grandkids could sponsor us. And it would be in-your-face crazy, flaunting fun, too.
The most satisfying part of writing a column is investigating new/old ideas. I really decided to explore meditation and mindfulness as a legitimate way to meet our needs. There is a spiritual quality to finding yourself, and meditation is my tool of choice. I can only explore the tip of the iceberg. What does this have to do with empty hours? Well, I could hand you a list of places to join, volunteer, etc., but I believe the problem goes deeper. The big “why.” Everyone has the wherewithal to solve his or her own problems. Being busy is not the solution, and your solution only works for you.
Our library has over 150 items about meditation for a reason. Interest in a life of mindful meaning still remains a priority in a personal way. Lately, I have been practicing guided meditations, and they release a sense of mindful, nonjudgmental energy. Answers come. At the end of this column, I am going to suggest a few places to start, and I hope you give meditation a chance. There are so many roads, I am sure there is one for you.
Being fully aware in a loving aura is a place to start. Meditation releases tensions you did not know you had. I gave copies of the book to members of my family. Truthfully, I don’t know if they read them yet. I’m hoping they do.
I culled these recommendations for you. If you have other favorites, I would like to know about them.
Meditation by Ian Gawler & Paul Bedson.
Coming to Our Senses: Healing Ourselves and the World through Mindfulness by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment–and Your Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Eight Meditations for Optimum Health (sound recording) by Andrew Weil.
There are no easy answers for every problem. Sometimes you just have to suck it up, but with patience and positivity.
Lu
For a quick lift, Barbara from our Check Out Services suggested Advanced Style by Ari Cohen. Check it out, you might want to change your wardrobe.
Lu, thanks for all your spot-on thoughts. Your writing style is amazing. You remind me of Anna Quindlen and her “observation of life” pieces in the New York Times. Great work!!!
SLM
Dear SLM,
I really enjoy writing and am happy others enjoy my thoughts. I particularly enjoy your comments and ideas. Feel free to toss me a few “What’s happening to me” experiences.
lu
loved your column on meditation. there is a transformational meditation that i wrote and collaborated on original music (with Sharon West, dustydreamsmusic.com. it’s a lovely CD and i may get a copy to the library.
your suggestions, Lu, are really great. I’ve tried Jon Kabat-Zinn and he’s so good.
Meditation is a part of my daily life. thank you.
Dorothy
12/7/12
Dorthy,
At last, a friend to talk meditation. I am such a novice in the pursuit, I would appreciate any ideas.
talk to you soon, lu