Q&A

 

Q: I'm in a high profile job, which is quite demanding. I realise that I am stressed, my Doctor has suggested I take some time off, but it is just not possible at the moment. Most of my life revolves around work, I have very little time for myself, and when I do I'm so wound up I actually just feel I need to keep busy. It is vital for me to be alert and efficient, meditation interests me but I am actually worried that it will slow me down too much, when I'm under pressure I work well, I feel I am more efficient.

A: Meditation is defined as a state of non-distraction, or focused attention, it helps you to become more aware, more efficient.
 I understand that feeling of bieng under pressure and 'getting things done'. A certain amount of strees can be a good thing, it motivates us. The problem is, when the stress is allowed to build up without release, which is what seems to be happening in your situation, then it becomes negative stress, it builds and builds all day every day. What happens is the 'flight or fight' response is constantly being activated in the body, the opposite to this response needs to be activated even just for a short period daily to allow the mind and body to come back into balance. The easiest way to counterbalance the busyness in mind and body is through meditation and guided relaxation. If you really cannot take some time off, at least take some time-out daily for now, it is important to prioritize this time-out.

Q: I suffer from psoriasis, I use creams recommended by the Doctor when it flares up, it is certainly stress related. I've been told this by my Doctor and I can clearly see it myself too. Do you think it would be worth trying meditation or relaxation techniques to help combat the stress that brings it on?

A: There is no doubt that relaxation and meditation techniques practised on a regular basis help combat stress. If you can see such a definate link between the flare up and the stress it would certainly be worth making a comittment to practise daily, even if you only start off with 5 mins a day.These practises will help bring balance to your life, they help build up your resources for dealing with stress. In conjunction with your other treatment I'm sure it would be beneficial.

Q:I am overweight, I am constantly starting new diets but am getting nowhere. I just get fed up and break out again. I'm wondering if meditation could help me?

A: Mindfulness meditation is simply awareness of the present moment non-judgementally. It is not just about sitting in 'formal' meditation, it's about bringing mindfulness into our daily lives. This includes walking, eating, talking, listening etc. We generally operate in a very distracted manner, meditation helps to change this, we become more focused and less stressed. I'm sure meditation would be a great support to you.

Q: I am interested in Meditation but I am a Catholic, I pray everyday and go to Mass twice a week. Is this CD a type of Buddhist Meditation?

A: The type of meditation on Sui is called 'Mindfulness meditation', it is defined simply as 'awareness of the present moment'. It has no association with any form of Religion. There is evidence of meditation in all spiritual traditions as far as I am aware. While I am a Catholic, the essence of the Buddhist teachings interests me greatly, they place a lot of emphasis on mindfulness. The meditations and relaxations I have put together for Sui are simple practical methods of helping ordinary people, regardless of religous beliefs, to expereince some peace of mind. When you look at it, even the silent meditations with Tibetan bowls are similar to our own Angelus. They say 'prayer is asking, meditation is listening for the answer'. I think the two make a good combination!

 

 

Any advice given is simply based on Derval's own experience. Always contact your Health Care practitioner for advice if you are concerned about your health.



“The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.”
Albert Einstein


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