In the second part it was noted that practicing body mindfulness is a good way to cope with stress.

An exercise was practiced, noticing sensations in each part of the body; from the top of the head, to the face, the chin, the neck, the shoulders, the arms, the hands, back to the neck again, the chest, the abdomen, the groin, the thighs, the lower leg, the feet, then back up to the buttocks, the lower back, the upper back, the back of the head.

Next, this exercise was performed faster three or four times with larger body parts in turn. The head, arms, the abdomen, the legs, the back.

And finally the sensation of the whole body in its sitting posture was noticed.

I found the exercise relaxing and grounding. The mind is shut down while this exercise is being performed.

There was a 6 senses meditation. Touch, taste, smell, hearing, vision and thought. In turn each sense was focused on.

It’s interesting that there was an attachment to individual senses. Hearing is difficult for me to focus on without trying to process where noise was coming from and causes a sense of anxiety due to trauma. Vision was a pleasant sense. Smell was an overwhelming sense that I try to ignore. I noticed that focusing on certain senses shut down my mind. Focusing on thought, showed me that pain comes from the mind.

There was a chant. It is repeated four times with each quality individually.

The Four Boundless Qualities (loving kindness, compassion, gladness and equanimity)

Now let us make the four boundless qualities shine forth.

I will abide pervading one quarter with a mind imbued with (quality).

Likewise the second, likewise the third, likewise the fourth.

So above and so below, around and everywhere, and to all as to myself.

I will abide the all encompassing world with a mind embued with (quality): abundant, exhaulted, immeasurable, without hostility and ill will.

There was a talk about equanimity. Regarding attachment to objects and attachment to principles. A metaphor was used, eating jellybeans. Jellybeans are eaten because a belief is that they bring happiness or avoid grief.

Difficulties are to be approached with compassion and to be accepted. Understanding that difficulties will pass and can be coped with is beneficial.

A vast state of mind should be cultivated.

I should add that you need to sign up for the retreat, if anyone is interested in attending the meetings as information is e-mailed.

Hi John

They are having a blast for sure. It’s lovely to watch. 😊

That makes sense.

It might just be being tired that is making me a little slow to pick up on things. I was feeling a little frustrated, then the feelings of tiredness took over and I realised that the frustration was because of the tiredness and if I wasn’t tired I wouldn’t be frustrated.

The older dog was ill last night and kept us awake. I hope he feels better soon and we can get some sleep. Still exhausted. One of these days I’ll sleep. 😂

Take care!
Love, peace and blessings! ❤️🙏

Hi John

It sure does! I have some time to myself again. 😊

Two separate events, on different years I believe. Apologies for not being clearer.

Haha that is definitely true! I find poetry difficult. I wouldn’t want to write a million words of poetry. 😂

Well done on coming up with that too. What a wonderfully apt tribute. I think you did a terrific job. I just looked up sapphic verse, it looks very complicated to write.

You take care as well!

Love, peace and blessings! ❤️🙏