Shortly after I began attending my first and only meditation training class, my teacher began a session by claiming meditation could be done anywhere; the ‘meditator’ should not worry about finding the best or the correct place to do ‘sits.’ Sit anywhere; find a support for your back so you can sit upright; but ifContinue reading “Mindfulness On The New York City Subway”
Tag Archives: mindfulness
Haircuts And Mindfulness In The Barbershop
My patient wait over, I rise to take my turn, ready to exchange a few pleasantries and then sink into silence. It is time for my haircut. Very soon, I will close my eyes and let myself be taken over: by the sounds of battery-powered clippers that cut my hair down to the scalp, ofContinue reading “Haircuts And Mindfulness In The Barbershop”
Notes On Meditation Practice – II
Meditation induces two interesting forms of self-consciousness that do not arise during the actual sitting itself. They are, rather, ways of regarding the practice of meditation as it meshes with the rest of the meditator’s life. First, the meditator is self-consciously aware of the fact that he is one. The normal, ongoing processes of identityContinue reading “Notes On Meditation Practice – II”
The Undignified Business Of ‘Exercise’
In The Importance of Being Earnest Algernon reassures himself that he is “not going to be imprisoned in the suburbs for dining in the West End.” Upon hearing that “the gaol itself is fashionable and well-aired; and there are ample opportunities of taking exercise at certain stated hours of the day,” Algernon is dismayed: “Exercise! GoodContinue reading “The Undignified Business Of ‘Exercise’”
Notes On Meditation Practice – I
Last year, after being urged to do so by many–friends, strangers, dissertation adviser–I began a meditation practice. In May 2015 to be precise. I registered for a four-day class, attended four two-hour ‘training sessions,’ and was off and running. Or, rather, I was off and sitting down. Twice a day for twenty minutes at time.Continue reading “Notes On Meditation Practice – I”
Samir Chopra 