Nicole's Summary

In reflection on my journal entries of this week, I noticed that the thread that weaved its way through each entry were expressed in the words "peaceful" "light" and "smooth".

I focused my practice this week around 2 ideas that came up in last week's summaries. Jake's questions about relaxation and Piet's comments on linking the breath to the practice. First, relaxation: I discovered that for me the authoritarian "Relax!" command inspires my rebellious nature and although I will reflexively relax for a moment, in the long run it creates more tension. I discovered that a smoother/softer ...relaxxxx.... suggestion causes a tingling in my legs. The word dissolution comes to mind - but a dissolving of what?

Piet's comments on linking the breath to the practice made me smile as I had written something similar on one of the first days of the year. Exhaling has always been more pleasing and releasing than inhaling so I attempted this week, to link both of the above elements with the Working Hypothesis. When I remember to be present, I inhale deeply and as I exhale, allow the relaxation to move through me while inwardly uttering "Everything_is_perfect". the effects of this are very releasing, less pressure to Do and more acceptance and openness to what is. When people are around, they suddenly appear lighter and more beautiful.

My concluding thoughts are on the idea of WHY is it so hard to remember to remember? Of all the nonsense that passes through my mind in a day, why does this thought "Everything-is-perfect" take so long (6-7 hours after my morning meditation) to appear? I'm considering drawing a happy face on my hand to remind myself...