- This topic is empty.
-
Posts
-
Im going to be camping on the beach here on the BC coast in a week and thought it would be a good opportunity to get some extra practice time in. I also think Ill fast for a day or so.
1. Since Ill likely be meditating for a few hours each day, Im wondering whether I should stick to a particular part for each day as usual; or move on once Ive done an hour or so on each part.
2. Has anyone had any experience with fasting. Ive never done it but I understand it can increase energy levels, mental clarity and tangible awareness to all things sacred.
Thoughts are always appreciated,
Kevin
Good for you, Kevin! That sounds like fun! I always find these practices to be a bit more powerful when done in nature. I don’t have any specific advice for you on how to structure your practice, but here’s what I would do. If it were me, I would probably start with some basic outline of what I wanted to do, then just follow my instincts when I actually start my session. You may have some idea of what feels right when you are doing it – does working on one part for a long time seem tedious and lead to dullness? Or does it feel like you are getting into deeper levels by staying on one spot? Questions like that sometimes only answer themselves when you are in your practice. So that’s how I would do it.
As far as fasting, I can’t help you there. That’s not my department. Have a great time, and let us know how it went when you return!
…..hi Kevin, great opportunity – a few suggestions spring to mind – perhaps think about not being too ambitious (have you read about the 70% rule, or the law of the golden mean? – basically this is all about the inherent wisdom of moderation and avoiding extremes). Your system might take a while to adjust to being more immersed in nature than in your home environment, so rather than suddenly increasing the time spent on/in meditation practice, perhaps spend your usual time meditating and be additionally mindful of how different the experience feels/ is in the more natural environment.- some people find it easier to ‘connect’ when immersed in nature (in which case gently and attentively increasing the duration of practice is probably fine) whilst others become very sensitive to the environment as their system goes conciously or unconciously into ‘orange alert” mode due to the unfamiliar stimuli streaming into their senses (in which case it might be better to shorten practice time as things ‘bed in/settle down’). I’d also not recommend adding fasting as an additional challenge. Better to have some experience of fasting in a familar home environment with expert guidance than throw yourself into it in unfamiliar territory. Whilst some folk find fasting illuminating, others find it compromises wellbeing rapidly and in some cases dangerously (the metabolic and mental impact of fasting can be harmful – especially for some medical conditions) . I’m no expert, just shaing what seems like ‘common sense’.
Have a great time.
Im back from Quadra Island. I chose not to fast. I did however get a few good meditation/chigung sessions in ( also some reading, napping, hiking, and puttering around) I didnt really practice more than usual. The sights and sounds were rediculously beautiful and found being immersed in nature was a bit getting used to. Although I practice in nature regularly, two days out there was an adjustment since its been awhile. I feel like my distractions are having less of a hold on me now than before. Ready to continue my regular meditation rhythm here at home.
Your own retreat! Kudos to you.
As for fasting, as with the practice, I’d recommend a little bit more continuously than a lot suddenly. Like skip dinner for a few days, as long as it feels comfortable. Or fast on a certain food type, rather than fasting altogether, for instance, fast on animal products for a week. Having said that, diet is a big subject and you should seek someone qualified if you intend to make changes for real. Exploring for yourself within reason should be fine too.
This is an archived forum (read only). Go to our active forum where you can post and discuss in real time.