“

In the Dzogchen teachings there’s an analogy to ringing a bell (to instantly see the illusory nature of the self).  You briefly ring it and then the continuity of the sound evolves for as long as it will.  And then you ring it again.

” - Sam Harris

There are so many interesting issues that can be covered in this chapter, for example "Four aspects of inner focus" model.  Mindfulness.  Acceptance.  Presence.  Flow.  Positive psychology findings.  Importance of gratitude/savouring.

 

Note there are already a number of resources available on this website that are relevant for "Meditation, Gratitude & Savouring".  These include the cluster of downloadable questionnaires & handouts available in the "Good Knowledge" section's "Wellbeing, calming & mindfulness skills" folder and the training materials in the "Autogenic relaxation training", "Life skills for stress, health & wellbeing" & "Using Williams & Penman's book 'Mindfulness: a practical guide' as a self-help resource - overview of 10 supporting blog posts" folders.  There are also a series of blog posts I have written over the years that still contain interesting information about meditation, gratitude & savouring.  These include the sequence "Upgrading the 'breathing space' meditation, some research-based suggestions (1st post): mindfulness & naming", "Upgrading the breathing space meditation ... (2nd post): touch & affectionate releasing", "Upgrading the breathing space meditation ... (3rd post): embodied values" & "Upgrading the breathing space meditation ... (4th post): compassion & implementation intentions".  There's a fairly long series from a personal retreat, running from "Personal 'retreat': first reflection - setting the scene", via "Third reflection – quietening down ... and do we need time to change?", "Fourth reflection - our sense of self", "Sixth reflection - let's lose our heads & come to our senses", "Seventh reflection - life tide returning" & "Personal 'retreat': eighth reflection - making life intentions & the last day here".  There's "Balanced meditation practice: an overview", a linked couple starting with "Paired meditation deepens interpersonal connection: Tania Singer's wonderful ReSource project", "Practising 'being': remembering to wake up, appreciate & be open to surprise",  

... and lots more to follow!

 

If you visit any of these links, it's worth noting the date when the post was first published.  It's still likely the information in the post is of interest, but ... especially with those published a few years ago ... there will probably have been subsequent research studies throwing further light on the areas being discussed.

 

More to follow ...