I've been to a zendo!

[Vallerina 2]

I've read a few different things on zen meditation, and it does somewhat intrigue me. Concentrating so much on the present, putting all of your focus on your current activity...these are things that I just don't do. I worry about my future, I constantly make plans for it, I try to do so many things at once...my mind is usually racing. Zen sounded like something that I could use to focus my mind and for spiritual growth.

I found a place near Chicago with an introductory session last night. Betsy, my old college roommate, came up to Chicago on business, so I took her with me...although, I think she was secretly wanting to hit a trendy bar.

We got in, took our coats and shoes off, and took a seat by the sensei. He went over a few things, and he is a really neat guy! We headed upstairs to the zendo, and we started learning sitting positions. My legs are freakish...I could get into a half lotus easily, but not the Burmese position. Even in Zen, I'm a weirdo. She went over a few things....what happens in their zendo, etc. Then, the fun began!

We sat and meditated for 20 minutes. First, we counted our inhales and exhales 1-10. Then, we went to no count at all. It's surprisingly difficult to push out all the wandering thoughts that are trying to distract me away from my counting! Then, I got hit with a stick!

After that, they gave us some decaffeinated green tea. Mmmm!

Overall, it was a really neat experience. I do plan on meditating, since it feels wonderful to go from having my mind race around to focusing in on one activity. However, like the "monitor" had said, if you don't take what you experience through meditation on with you, then it is pretty much a waste.

Betsy absolutely loved it! She talks a lot, has so much running through her mind, tries to do a million things at once....I knew she needed to meditate!

I highly recommend checking out a Zen center near you, if you have one!

There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning

[LouDiamond 1]

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First, we counted our inhales and exhales 1-10.......Then, I got hit with a stick!

Sounds like reality sesame street. So was it the counting/breathing part or the getting whacked with the stick that you liked?

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[CrazyIvan 0]

Have you tried Falun Dafa?, I find that very relaxing and invigorating.

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Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.

[marcandalysse 0]

I have tried sitting zen meditation many different times in my life, and I just can't sit for hours like that! There are other zen meditation styles besides sitting, however. Flower arrangement and tea ceremony are two more well known styles. I like Walking Meditation, especially in the mountains!!

I have been to a couple of zen centers in Chi-town, which did you visit?
Also, as I mentioned yesterday in another post, the most zen experiences I have are in freefall!!

[Vallerina 2]

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I just can't sit for hours like that!

Oh! I totally understand! The woman really wanted me to sit in the half lotus position, but I could tell that just sitting in that position for a few minutes, my ankles would kill me by the end. There was some pain...especially in my lower back...I'm not used to sitting with a good posture! All the pain made it even more difficult to concentrate soley on my breathing!

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I like Walking Meditation

I guess when I go to an actual sitting, that is done at the end! It sounds neat!

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I have been to a couple of zen centers in Chi-town, which did you visit?

I went to the Chicago Zen Center in Evanston. I think it was the Purple Line that goes right there...so that'll be nice! Which ones have you gone to?

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Have you tried Falun Dafa?, I find that very relaxing and invigorating.

No! I haven't! I'll have to look more up on that, though!

There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning