Dos and Don'ts. 1.What practice/s if low on time? 2.What practice/s day-to-day? 3.What activities/habits to avoid? 4.What activities/habits to do?

[Satya]

Hey,

Just to post a reminder, the post has been changed to not only ask what best practices to do if low on time, but-

1. What practice/s would you advise to do as a priority if you're low on time? Practices that last 5 minutes, or 30 minutes, or 20 minutes, or 45 minutes. Somewhere around the 25 minutes mark as an average.

2. What practice/s would you advise to do day-to-day? (for example, conscious breathing, holding good posture, horse stance, soham/hamsa/hamso/hongsau [Yogic mantra to do all the time that correlate with in and out breath], self inquiry, mindfulness, etc).

3. What activities/elements/habits in life would you advise that a person avoids, for spiritual/psychological health? (for example, too much TV, sitting in front of the computer, eating in front of the TV, bad diet, unconscious communication [opposed to non-violent communication], dependent relationships. etc).

4. What activities/elements/habits in life would you advise that a person pursues/does, for spiritual/psychological health? (for example, some cardio exercise, organic/vegetarian/sattvic diet, gardening, walking in nature, dancing, etc).

5. What simple tips in general for spiritual/psychological health, in you opinion (for anything that doesn't fall under the above)?

-also.

A sort of spiritual/psychological dos and don'ts list, from people's personal experience.

I thought that a general tips/hints in general thread would be more streamlined and beneficial than starting 4 threads around this stuff. For the habits, I know there are precepts out there, and yama and niyama, etc, BUT, the world is a lot different now, there are different distractions, so, I was looking to research into what was/were thought to be good precepts/habits to live by or avoid for spiritual/psychological health.

For number 1: (It's obvious that, generally, the more time spent in practice (or doing some conscious/healthy activity at least, like walking, gardening, cooking, etc [opposed to spending too much time on social networking sites]) the better. Just like anything else. But, sometimes starting low and building up helps.

 

I'm asking for people who're low on motivation and need something to help get started with/on; for those who are genuinely strapped for time (career, kids); for those who think they're strapped for time, but actually waste time in other areas; for those who are seriously ill and only able to do so much of anything a day, and so on and so fourth.

Also, I know, and, it's worth noting that, there are many principles of all kinds of practice that you can employ throughout your entire waking life, and even sleeping life too (self inquiry, mindfulness (similar), posture, breathing, muscle contractions/relaxations, etc).
What I'm asking is, what active/involving practice, or practices is/are best to do everyday, in your opinion, if you've got a short time.)

Possibly/preferably in a succinct format like (and I'll start with, off the top of my head):

1. I think possibly something like 5mins of conscious deep breathing and 20mins of some decent kind of meditation (mindfulness of breath, mantra, mindfulness, etc).

2. Conscious deep breathing, mindfulness of your breath when/where you can, good posture.

3. Too much time in front of any screen, especially if it's viewing non spiritual/beneficial content, or doing something that is not constructive/positive.

4. 15 minutes cardio a day can be very beneficial, and 5 mins can wake you up much better than coffee. Conscious eating is good, and I find starts the day off well. Dancing to music that you love brings together exercise, music (possibly devotional), vibration, and all sorts of good things.

5. Journaling and keeping note of things in general that you have found correlate with spiritual/psychological improvement or deterioration.

Anyway, I would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Edited August 3, 2014 by Satya

[thelerner]

Beyond regular sitting there are places that I do particularly short practices. In the shower the acoustics are great for chanting practice. I think it increases the power of any vibrational practice and you gotta stay clean anyway. (I like Rawn Clarks YHVH system) In the morning I'll get up early, stay in bed and listen to a guided meditation (These days the Monroe System).

 

In the washroom, a refuge of peace in a family with 3 kids, I'll do a slightly shortened version of the Glenn Morris's secret smile. Sometimes, depending on my liquid intake I can get through it in a single pee! Late night if I can't sleep I'll do Kunlun practice on the 'throne'.

 

Pressed for time I'll play around with breath counting. Sometimes counting each inhale and exhale up to 4, then repeat. Othertimes breathing in for a 8 or 12 count, then breathing out to the same. Or 10 count in, 10 count hold, 10 count out.

[CloudHands]

Honestly I think if there is no motivation it'll go nowhere. My suggestion was the horse stance (embrassing the tree) because doing it you must face it, I mean face yourself ^^.

Doing it 10 mn makes you a lot more relax, gives you a better will. Perfect to start something else but that's an hard one.

 

If I had only 10 mn a day I'll do 5 minutes HS and first part tai chi 108.

 

Many people just do a solo tai chi form a day (18-25 mn).

 

20 mn meditation is already something.

 

Everything is good, available, but if there is no motivation a person will not stand even 1 mn horse stance.

[Spotless]

Breathing is so helpful in the doldrums of any kind - in a lapse of unconscious energy while meditating or in low energy, in a foggy state and in a general dead spot.

 

Diet change off of politics, headline news and TV shows.

 

Diet change from "future and past"

 

Our family changed away from a review of the day followed by a review of the future at dinner time. (Epic change)

 

Imagine the concept,

Edited August 2, 2014 by Spotless

[Spotless]

Regarding the idea of changing the look of dinner time.

 

It used to be that our son would come home and we would all gather for dinner and the conversation ran something like "so how was you day (not present time and asking for a judgment or assesment if you like). We would talk about that. My son might say something about a particular thing and we might say "what was you favorite part" and I could see that he had not been thinking in terms of what he liked and did not like or what was better and how we were molding this thinking.

 

We then turned to either -hurry up you need a bath - or - what is tomorrow's schedule - how did things go and how will things go.

Rarely did we sit and eat and rarely did we comment on the present (and I don't mean the politics of the day or the buzz of the day)

 

Unfortunately it is hard for many of us from some backgrounds to even think of starting a dinner with prayer - and being in the present is completely alien to us "outside of practice" yet life is our practice and becoming part of unbounded consciousness requires the willingness to participate in "now" from a space of "now". Everything else is buzz - buzz is OK but we are buzz, we are isolated because of buzz and we live buzz.

 

We fly along in clouds, always creating clouds and only rarely flitting past sunlight on our way to the clouds.

We can't stop for the sunlight because we've got to maintain the clouds.

Edited August 2, 2014 by Spotless

[Brian]

Gift of Tao I only takes about 20 minutes (or can take MUCH longer, if you've got the time...)

[Satya]

Beyond regular sitting there are places that I do particularly short practices. In the shower the acoustics are great for chanting practice. I think it increases the power of any vibrational practice and you gotta stay clean anyway. (I like Rawn Clarks YHVH system) In the morning I'll get up early, stay in bed and listen to a guided meditation (These days the Monroe System).

 

In the washroom, a refuge of peace in a family with 3 kids, I'll do a slightly shortened version of the Glenn Morris's secret smile. Sometimes, depending on my liquid intake I can get through it in a single pee! Late night if I can't sleep I'll do Kunlun practice on the 'throne'.

 

Pressed for time I'll play around with breath counting. Sometimes counting each inhale and exhale up to 4, then repeat. Othertimes breathing in for a 8 or 12 count, then breathing out to the same. Or 10 count in, 10 count hold, 10 count out.

 

Honestly I think if there is no motivation it'll go nowhere. My suggestion was the horse stance (embrassing the tree) because doing it you must face it, I mean face yourself ^^.

Doing it 10 mn makes you a lot more relax, gives you a better will. Perfect to start something else but that's an hard one.

 

If I had only 10 mn a day I'll do 5 minutes HS and first part tai chi 108.

 

Many people just do a solo tai chi form a day (18-25 mn).

 

20 mn meditation is already something.

 

Everything is good, available, but if there is no motivation a person will not stand even 1 mn horse stance.

 

Breathing is so helpful in the doldrums of any kind - in a lapse of unconscious energy while meditating or in low energy, in a foggy state and in a general dead spot.

 

Diet change off of politics, headline news and TV shows.

 

Diet change from "future and past"

 

Our family changed away from a review of the day followed by a review of the future at dinner time. (Epic change)

 

Imagine the concept,

 

Gift of Tao I only takes about 20 minutes (or can take MUCH longer, if you've got the time...)

Thank you. . I have edited the post to be more inclusive of general: "What's helpful and what's not?", in addition to, "What practices would you recommend as a priority if low on time?"

 

I'd appreciate your thoughts on both.

[Satya]

In the washroom, a refuge of peace in a family with 3 kids, I'll do a slightly shortened version of the Glenn Morris's secret smile. Sometimes, depending on my liquid intake I can get through it in a single pee! Late night if I can't sleep I'll do Kunlun practice on the 'throne'.

thelerner, your post in-particular made me chuckle "Late night if I can't sleep I'll do Kunlun practice on the 'throne'."

 

Useful and amusing.

[Chang]

It is not so much the time spent in practice but the quality of that practice.

 

A short period spent in mindful, conscious performance of a given form, qigong exercise or whatever will be of far greater benefit than a long period spent simply going through the motions.

[CloudHands]

I agree with Spotless that if you don't have time to do what's essential then you should start asking yourself true questions.

 

I'm very curious about gift(s) of tao and stillness movement, but that's definitely not for now. Something is holding me back more than the prices, the distance, mistrust ? I'm pretty ambivalent towards Ya Mu I can't explain why... but yes definitely curious bout what he does.

[GrandmasterP]

Hey, EDIT: I thought that a general tips/hints in general thread would be more streamlined and beneficial than starting 4 threads around this stuff. For the habits, I know there are precepts out there, and yama and niyama, etc, BUT, the world is a lot different now, there are different distractions, so, I was looking to research into what was/were thought to be good precepts/habits to live by or avoid for spiritual/psychological health. 1. What practice/s would you advise to do as a priority if you're low on time? Practices that last 5 minutes, or 30 minutes, or 20 minutes, or 45 minutes. Somewhere around the 25 minutes mark as an average. (It's obvious that, generally, the more time spent in practice (or doing some conscious/healthy activity at least, like walking, gardening, cooking, etc [opposed to spending too much time on social networking sites]) the better. Just like anything else. But, sometimes starting low and building up helps. I'm asking for people who're low on motivation and need something to help get started with/on; for those who are genuinely strapped for time (career, kids); for those who think they're strapped for time, but actually waste time in other areas; for those who are seriously ill and only able to do so much of anything a day, and so on and so fourth. Also, I know, and, it's worth noting that, there are many principles of all kinds of practice that you can employ throughout your entire waking life, and even sleeping life too (self inquiry, mindfulness (similar), posture, breathing, muscle contractions/relaxations, etc). What I'm asking is, what active/involving practice, or practices is/are best to do everyday, in your opinion, if you've got a short time.) 2. What practice/s would you advise to do day-to-day? (for example, conscious breathing, holding good posture, horse stance, soham/hamsa/hamso/hongsau [Yogic mantra to do all the time that correlate with in and out breath], self inquiry, mindfulness, etc). 3. What activities/elements/habits in life would you advise that a person avoids, for spiritual/psychological health? (for example, too much TV, sitting in front of the computer, eating in front of the TV, bad diet, unconscious communication [opposed to non-violent communication], dependent relationships. etc). 4. What activities/elements/habits in life would you advise that a person pursues/does, for spiritual/psychological health? (for example, some cardio exercise, organic/vegetarian/sattvic diet, gardening, walking in nature, dancing, etc). 5. What simple tips in general for spiritual/psychological health, in you opinion (for anything that doesn't fall under the above)?Possibly/preferably in a succinct format like (and I'll start with, off the top of my head): 1. I think possibly something like 5mins of conscious deep breathing and 20mins of some decent kind of meditation (mindfulness of breath, mantra, mindfulness, etc). 2. Conscious deep breathing, mindfulness of your breath when/where you can, good posture.3. Too much time in front of any screen, especially if it's viewing non spiritual/beneficial content, or doing something that is not constructive/positive. 4. 15 minutes cardio a day can be very beneficial, and 5 mins can wake you up much better than coffee. Conscious eating is good, and I find starts the day off well. Dancing to music that you love brings together exercise, music (possibly devotional), vibration, and all sorts of good things. 5. Journaling and keeping note of things in general that you have found correlate with spiritual/psychological improvement or deterioration. Anyway, I would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Baduanjin - 8 Piece Brocade can be done in ten minutes.

Don't eat meat.

Don't drink alcohol.

Don't indulge in 'recreational pharmaceuticals'.

Avoid caffeine ( except in good tea) and shun 'carbonated' fizzy soda-pop.

Lions drink water!

Cultivate every single day as close as possible to the same time every day until the cultivation is so much a part of your existence that it 'cultivates itself'.

Be kind to yourself and those ripples will spread to others.

Ignore fractious persons.

Job jobbed.

Hope that helps.

Edited August 2, 2014 by GrandmasterP

[soaring crane]

For five minutes: vigorous self massage, for example:

 

• rub palms together
• rub: shu points on lumbar spine; tailbone, mingmen (there are easy techniques for each of them)
• step forward, pound leg with fists top to bottom and back up to top, 3x. Step back, step out with other leg, repeat
• Pound out the arms with fists (inner arm from L1 to wrist, outer arm from hand to shoulder) 3x
• massage neck with open palms
• back of head/base of skull with fingertips
• 'drum' the whole head and face with finger tips
• vigorous ear massage
• finish with three gentle gathering arms movements/breaths
• close Dantien

 

I find this kind of routine is absolutely crucial for those of us who spend a lot of time in a meditative state. And time and again I see people here with weakneses and health issues that I know would improve drastically if they simply got into the habit of a daily self-massage (twice daily, and with a variety of techniques).

 

And besides, it fun!

[Satya]

Honestly I think if there is no motivation it'll go nowhere.

 

I agree with Spotless that if you don't have time to do what's essential then you should start asking yourself true questions.

For both (for the latter, I can't see what bit of spotless' post you're referring to), then, consider this:

 

Someone has been in some kind of accident and can't move very much, at the same time they have a history of cripplingly strong clinical depression, their brain doesn't produce enough serotonin. Together with that, the accident limiting their mobility means that they can't get/can't easily get: sunlight, exercise, good diet or socialise. All things that have been clinically proven to improve mood (verified with short web search).

 

So, they don't feel motivated to do much at all, in fact, they're wondering what's the point of living at all.

 

BUT, a friend, family member, partner, therapist, nurse, social worker, teacher, anyone comes along and they have a talk. The ill person wants to feel better but feels trapped in a downward spiral. The other person recommends that they just do 15 minutes a day of ____ (mindfulness breathing, horse stance, qigong, minor exercise, whatever). They do this for a week, and, they start to feel a little better (they're building a new good habit). Then the friend recommends 20 minutes, and then 30 minutes, and so on, and eventually, the person is back to a functional, happy life.

 

 

Honestly I think if there is no motivation it'll go nowhere.

Goes against the principles of a great majority of mental-health care work. Yes, there is a lot of relapse, but, many people recover and return to (relatively at least) functional, and happy lives with advice, care and support; they go from NO MOTIVATION, to MOTIVATED and happy.

 

Not arguing or being contrary, just attempting to highlight/remind how there are rarely/never any absolutes, and, to back up the reasoning behind one of the components of my post:

 

 

I'm asking for people who're low on motivation and need something to help get started with/on; for those who are genuinely strapped for time (career, kids); for those who think they're strapped for time, but actually waste time in other areas; for those who are seriously ill and only able to do so much of anything a day, and so on and so fourth.

[Satya]

Good stuff so far from everyone in general also, including the horse stance recommendations CloudHands.

Thank you.

Looking forward to hearing more of what others recommend.

Maybe we can get a new '10 Precepts for the modern age', Yama/Niyama thing going

[C T]

Baduanjin - 8 Piece Brocade can be done in ten minutes.

Don't eat meat.

Don't drink alcohol.

Don't indulge in 'recreational pharmaceuticals'.

Avoid caffeine ( except in good tea) and shun 'carbonated' fizzy soda-pop.

Lions drink water!

Cultivate every single day as close as possible to the same time every day until the cultivation is so much a part of your existence that it 'cultivates itself'.

Be kind to yourself and those ripples will spread to others.

Ignore fractious persons.

Job jobbed.

Hope that helps.

Grooming, GMP?

[C T]

No matter how busy, try to do even one small act of kindness a day, even if its simply to spend a few minutes to generate the noble wish that others be free from stress, anxiety, depression etc. The only thing that totally prevents carrying this out is if a mind has been completely shut down. Other than this, its a doable thing.

 

For example, even if a person is incapacitated in hospital, he or she can still practice wishing that others do not have to experience the same circumstances which caused the incapacitation. On an advanced level, some Buddhists actually use disadvantages and setbacks as the practice itself -- so, if one has a broken leg, then one can practice taking on the pains and inconveniences of every other being who are also experiencing dysfunctional limbs, and sending them good wishes to get well, that their families be free from worry, etc.

 

Practicing in this manner has a number of benefits:

 

It increases merit and cleans the mindstream of negativity and blockages.

 

It works mysteriously to heal the sufferer, as in, the act disempowers fixation on self pity and ego needs, leading to increased positive mental health.

 

It completely dissolves selfish contractions.

 

It promotes a healthy sense of self-worth in the the practitioner.

 

It builds compassion and wisdom, which is always a good thing.

 

It disarms aversion to morbid thoughts which makes the whole scenario more bleak than what it actually is.

 

It works to generate sincerity at the same time developing a big heart, which increases inner resolve and strength of spirit.

 

It helps to redesign one's spiritual blueprint on very subtle levels.

 

It removes barriers that prevent acceptance and genuine love for self and others.

 

It builds bridges across to others instead of a wall around oneself.

 

It softens the character.

 

 

If all of this takes too much time, then simply chant Om Mani Peme Hung. Even 5 minutes or 10 minutes is good. This mantra contains the seed essence of all of the above, and done enough times (111, 111 accumulative repetitions will do for a start ) will bring about profound changes in a person.

 

Sorry for all the 'Its'...

[CloudHands]

I agree with you Satya, and I was a bit off. Actually you helped me to see more clearly for a relative.
Thanks bro

 

To starts from the scratch : HIKING

For 2 reasons : you make your blood circulate and your breath more vigorous (-> enhance chi), without the deep introspection there's in meditation that can drown or flood anyone.

[CloudHands]

Unfortunately it is hard for many of us from some backgrounds to even think of starting a dinner with prayer - and being in the present is completely alien to us "outside of practice" yet life is our practice and becoming part of unbounded consciousness requires the willingness to participate in "now" from a space of "now". Everything else is buzz - buzz is OK but we are buzz, we are isolated because of buzz and we live buzz.

 

We fly along in clouds, always creating clouds and only rarely flitting past sunlight on our way to the clouds.

We can't stop for the sunlight because we've got to maintain the clouds.

 

 

Was talking about that part, taking time to go back to ourselves even in a daywork. I'm definitely off today

Edited August 2, 2014 by CloudHands

[C T]

Oh, to add 2 more:

 

It helps develop courage and confidence, 2 foundational qualities for self-healing to be effected properly.

 

It is the best shield in the event of sudden misfortune happening. Why? Because by then, hopefully one has turned the mind around to see all misfortunes as stepping stones for great blessings waiting around the corner!

 

 

[forestofclarity]

I have found the Buddha's Five Lay Precepts to be valuable, and they take no time at all:

 

1. Refrain from killing

2. Refrain from taking what is not given

3. Refrain from harmful sex

4. Refrain from harmful speech

5. Refrain from intoxication

 

One may also add positive components, which I've found helpful:

 

1. Practice kindness

2. Practice generosity

3. Practice responsibility

4. Practice helpful speech

5. Practice sobriety

[Satya]

Oh, to add 2 more:

 

It helps develop courage and confidence, 2 foundational qualities for self-healing to be effected properly.

 

It is the best shield in the event of sudden misfortune happening. Why? Because by then, hopefully one has turned the mind around to see all misfortunes as stepping stones for great blessings waiting around the corner!

 

 

 

I agree courage and confidence are generally good (especially for the spiritually minded types, who can be more introverted), but, how do you propose one develops these qualities?

 

You know? I could say: "develop bliss", but, without guidance of how to, it's not clear how.

 

So, just be courageous and confident day to day? Or, specific methods etc?

[Satya]

I have found the Buddha's Five Lay Precepts to be valuable, and they take no time at all:

 

1. Refrain from killing

2. Refrain from taking what is not given

3. Refrain from harmful sex

4. Refrain from harmful speech

5. Refrain from intoxication

 

One may also add positive components, which I've found helpful:

 

1. Practice kindness

2. Practice generosity

3. Practice responsibility

4. Practice helpful speech

5. Practice sobriety

I hadn't seen 3 written like that before.

 

Also, an amendment for the S&M-ers out there might be worth listing:

 

"3. Refrain from non-consensual harmful sex."

[C T]

 

I agree courage and confidence are generally good (especially for the spiritually minded types, who can be more introverted), but, how do you propose one develops these qualities?

 

You know? I could say: "develop bliss", but, without guidance of how to, it's not clear how.

 

So, just be courageous and confident day to day? Or, specific methods etc?

We want to practice because we have identified areas in our lives that seem unsatisfactory and would perhaps have a more or less passing interest to try and better our situation or make certain changes which we think will go some way to plug the leaks.

 

I think a fundamental prerequisite to effecting lasting, significant change is to be brutally honest with self-evaluation.

 

For complete transparency is the way forward, and this demands bucket-loads of courage. To really look hard in the mirror in order to find the necessary resolve -- otherwise, as is often the case, people lean back on their habit of procrastination and simply 'get on with life', hoping that things will improve by each day passing. Seldom works.

 

Methods of developing courage and confidence are many, mostly depends on one's path. Once a path towards self betterment is seen to be the way forward, then the next logical step would be to set some sort of realistic, bite-sized goals which are not that difficult to achieve. Then, as one begins to taste success, gradually confidence will increase, and bigger challenges will slowly not seem so unsurmountable.

 

Naturally, if a person does not recognise any need for self-improvement, then courage, determination and forbearance, the 3 virtues that are usually linked together, means nothing to him or her.

[MooNiNite]

if your low on time. they you have to take the "short path"

 

this is generally more dangerous, but progress happens a lot faster. People with not a lot of time are usually working a lot, so the danger goes away.

 

there's kundalini or my favorite which is the ancient Egyptian practices

[Satya]

Just to post a reminder, the post has been changed to not only ask what best practices to do if low on time, but-

1. What practice/s would you advise to do as a priority if you're low on time?

2. What practice/s would you advise to do day-to-day?

3. What activities/elements/habits in life would you advise that a person avoids, for spiritual/psychological health?

4. What activities/elements/habits in life would you advise that a person pursues/does, for spiritual/psychological health?

5. What simple tips in general for spiritual/psychological health, in you opinion (for anything that doesn't fall under the above)?

-also.

A sort of spiritual/psychological dos and don'ts list, from people's personal experience.

Full details including examples now on the first post: http://thetaobums.com/topic/35791-dos-and-donts-1what-practices-if-low-on-time-2what-practices-day-to-day-3what-activitieshabits-to-avoid-4what-activitieshabits-to-do/

Edited August 3, 2014 by Satya