Hello to all, Hello to myself,

Here is a little thought exercise that I acquired at some point.  I cannot remember if it was from some book or the yoga instructor at my recreation center.  Either way, I liked the idea/exercise and I have kept it around for the occasional revisiting when I need to get away from the chaos of my life and mind…

The exercise consists of saying in your mind that you are about to go on a vacation and you are only going to take 5 thoughts with you. (you can pick any thoughts of your choosing).  Then you visualize the vacation.

I say to myself, “I am going on a vacation and I am only bringing these five thoughts:  Love, peace, patience, joy, and presence…”  and then I sit and relax focused on the calmness and lightness that surrounds me.  I can see myself on the plane starting off my vacation.  I don’t ask or worry about where the plane is going.  Then, I can see myself at an unnamed beach or in a wild outdoor setting.  I can see my family and we are just together.  No goals, no agenda or to-do-lists, no complaining about what was or wasn’t, no worrying about what might happen next… We are just there, we are calm, and we are in love.

It is a nice relaxing exercise that I enjoy…  However, it is a short vacation.  Just like the vacations that I experience in the physical world, it is too short.  And, as soon as I am back to my regular time realities… I am ready for another vacation.

I think that exercises like this ‘no-mind’ vacation are pleasant but they don’t bring me any closer to true happiness and enduring peace.  It is merely a glimmer.  I want something more sustainable.  I want to live on the beach not sporadically visit it….  I don’t want a breath of peace, I want to be peace.

Thank your being, Michael.