compassion. conversation. clarity.

Tag: meditation

Another Way to Look at Things (When Things Seem So Gloomy)

It’s likely been a rough week for you and those around you. Besides constant streams of news, you’re probably being bombarded with emails from all kinds of companies and organizations letting you know what they are doing to handle this current public health situation. Me, too.

I want to offer another window to see through… It is possible that some “good things” might come from this experience. I’m not dismissing what it feels like/seems like right now. And I also think the best things that might come in the near future from this distressing event depend a whole lot on our intentional, conscious use of the moment. 

This idea struck me yesterday after opening yet another email from some company saying that they care so much for their consumers, and here’s how they’re demonstrating that concern…  While, yes, these businesses are doing so partly to keep their business going, it’s also been kind of nice to hear so many expressions of “We’re all in this thing together.” There’s never been quite enough of that thought in this world.

So I added these thoughts to my own coping toolbox. 

When I start to feel the tension in my neck, shoulders, and back that reflects my mind’s anxiety, I do a few things to restore myself to immune-boosting/restoring relative calm. I invite you to join me:

Imagine each emailed expression of solidarity with humanity as genuine. Take 3 seconds to conjure up images of actual people discussing and then writing those emails. Repeat any words to myself that are calming — things like “We’re going to get through this together. Yes.”

If you wish to add a very brief meditative practice to your immunity-building activities, try this — you can do this virtually anywhere, no need to find any special kind of place or time:

  • Pull your vision away from any screen that may be in front of you. Let your gaze gently turn toward the ground, but keep your head erect. 
  • Straighten your posture by imagining the very top of your head is connected to the sky and being gently lifted upward. Move your shoulders down and slightly back, causing your chest to rise and move forward a little.
  • If possible, flatten your feet (in shoes or not) to the ground. If not possible, at least try to uncross your legs and feet, and wiggle your toes.
  • If possible, raise your arms briefly over your head and reach for the sky. If not, straighten your arms in front of you or down your sides, focusing on opening your hands wide, stretching your fingers. Then release your hands and arms.
  • While you are doing the above slow, light, gentle movements, take a few slow, deep breaths and think to yourself:
    • This is a moment in time. And here is another one. And another one.
  • End your “session” (there’s no magic amount of time — do it as long as you want/can) by thinking to yourself:

We’re all learning to be human, together.

If you feel an immediate sense of dismissive scoffing (“This is BS. This won’t change a thing”), just let the thought be there and then drift away, maybe with a little “mm hm” and a friendly pat to your own head.


And Also…

“Out of an abundance of caution” (there’s a phrase I’ve never heard more in my life than in the past 2 weeks), my Houston office colleagues have instituted some protective policies for our clients. You’ll find it on the wall when you come into the office, or you can download it here. And if you’re seeing me at my office in The Woodlands, feel free to take similar actions (like washing your hands when you arrive), but we haven’t hung the policy on the wall there.

If you have a session scheduled in the next two weeks, please look in your email for a Client Portal link to a document called “In Case of an Emergency During Video or Phone Sessions (Telehealth)” — If you choose to reschedule your in-person session to make it by video or phone, I’m asking that you read over and complete the form before your session. It’s not related to the current public health situation, but is a state requirement of any health care professional (including mental health) to have clients complete such a form.

Linking arms with you from here,
Tracy

Meditation for Regular People

I’m excited to finally be offering meditation classes. But wait, I hear “What do you mean by ‘regular people’??”

I’ve often recommended meditation to clients. And many have let me know that they think meditation might be just great — for someone else. The thought most often expressed: “I can’t make my mind be quiet.”
I hear this so often, it’s like the only people who manage to quiet their mind are Super Special, maybe monks or nuns or priests…

I get it.
I started my meditation journey more than 20 years ago, and I’m clear that it’s not easy. It’s like exercising a muscle you’ve never used before… not easy at first, and might even feel a little sore, but if you stick with it, little by little… you end up with a stronger muscle and greater ease.

That’s kind of the point of meditation: a stronger mind and greater sense of ease.
So — my saying “regular people” is just a nod to this: You don’t have to be Somehow Special in order to benefit from meditating. You just have to stick with it.

This class will cover a lot of ground in a little time:

Each session is only ½ hour long
(but I ask participants to arrive 10 minutes early, so 40 minutes total.)
You will not be meditating during that whole time!

We’ll cover a ton of stuff: From the historical to the biophysical to the practical.
We’ll quite literally practice meditation for anywhere from 2 to 15 minutes.

My goal is to help you become familiar and comfortable with the tool of meditation, so you can practice it on your own, if you want.

After our first 10 learning-filled sessions, not-quite-weekly and taking place over a period of about 3 months, those who wish to move forward will be invited to come later (or stay late after a review class) and focus solely on practicing meditation.

There’s a caveat: This class is only being offered (for now) to my therapy clients. Part of the reason is because I will not be offering conversation during these classes. Rather, these first 10 classes will be me, teaching. Plus a few minutes of all of us, practicing. With only 30 minutes for class, there won’t be much time for Q&A (and sometimes, none at all) and definitely no time for more in-depth discussion. But I will certainly be happy to make myself available during later scheduled sessions for participants.  

So, if you happen to be reading this and
wondering how to get invited to the meditation classes:
Reach out to me directly. Whether that’s by email (tracy@tracymorris.com) or text or voicemail (325-261-3566). Let’s talk and figure out if this class will be right for you. That’s my highest concern, and I’m honored to discuss it with you.

If you have received an invitation from me for this series of classes: Please respond and let me know if you can attend, as soon as possible.
I’m excited to get this going so you might benefit before the end-of-year holidays!

Our first class will start the week before Thanksgiving  (Thursday, Nov 15) at 9:20am.

The rest of the classes will be on weeks after Thanksgiving:

In Houston office only:

Nov 29

Dec 6

Dec 13

Dec 20

Jan 3

Jan 10

Jan 17

Jan 24

Jan 31

Each session is only $10. As always, you’re welcome to pay by cash, check, or card. You’ll find a basket at the class where you can deposit your payment (or an authorization note, if you’re using a card.)

I’m really looking forward to sharing my meditation journey with you!