My Meditation Journey- The Jon Kabat-Zinn Era
- KingMikedas
- Aug 31, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 3, 2021
Meditation Journey- The Jon Kabat-Zinn Era
When I was a child, I was very hyper. In fact, I was on a special diet for most of my adolescent years—no candy, soda, or sugary. While kids were drinking Pepsi and munching on fruit by the foot, I was having Juicy Juice and plain chips. I had difficulty paying attention in class.
The first time I heard of meditation was from Master Splinter in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but I was too young then. I didn’t comprehend why sitting still would be valuable. It wasn’t until until 2014 that I wanted to take a deeper look into mindfulness thanks to finding a book from Jon Kabat-Zinn.
In February 2014, my grandmother passed away. Her passing sparked me to expand my comfort zone, so I started a new exercise program and look into meditation. The way Zinn explains meditation helped me understand why mindfulness is important. His raisin meditation struck home, in particular.
I am guilty of not staying in the present moment when eating. I will mindlessly eat and drink my meal- a meal I spent hard earned cash for- a meal I was looking forward to all day-a meal that while eating my mind is already racing to what I am going to have for dessert! Eating this way prevents me from enjoying my food. At times after eating I would not even feel full!
In the raisin meditation, Zinn asks you to take a raisin into your hand. Use your sense of sight to observe its shape. Utilize your sense of touch with feeling the raisin in your hand. Operate your sense of smell by putting the raisin up to your nose become aware of any odors if any. Finally, put your taste sense to work by slowly eating the raisin. Feel the texture in your mouth. It takes 5-10 minutes, and I find it’s very effective. Using this meditation has helped me become more aware of my favorite food smells such as movie popcorn, chicken in a slow cooker, and BBQ. I also am aware of the flavors, and feel full after eating.
Researching Zinn’s work, I found several audio books and textbooks. His book, “Full Catastrophe Living” -called to me most. It taught to be mindful from the time I wake up until I go to sleep. When I’m walking my dog, am I in the present moment or mechanically going through the steps? Do I feel the cool crisp breeze? Do I notice the scenery and how green the grass is? Am I paying attention to the people I pass by? Or is my mind wandering? Am I worried about what’s next after my walk? At work tomorrow? Zinn believes mindfulness is simply being in the present moment at all times.
This was revelatory to me. I always viewed meditation as sitting cross legged, eyes closed, and breathing deeply. I was NOT drawn to that idea. Zinn helped me see what meditation can be. My favorite meditation of his is called the “the body scan meditation.” This meditation requires the person to lie on the floor or bed and become aware of their breathing. Then they start to focus on their entire body in sections. I start with deep breathing focusing my awareness on my left foot. After a few moments, I go to the next part of my body until I reach my take. It takes me about 45 minutes and when I’m done, I feel whole along with a clear mind.
Had it not been for finding Zinn, my appreciation for meditation would not be the same. Zinn’s unique meditations drew me into becoming more mindful. I still use the body scan meditation regularly, especially if I am feeling anxious before a big event, or when I am feeling under the weather. When I felt I mastered the body-scan, it was time for a new teacher with new meditation practices, which I will share at a later time.
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