Meditation is funny. Not in the “ha-ha” kind of way, but in the sense that it allows us to reflect on our existence, articulate how we feel about it, and then breathe a sigh of relief when you realize you’re not alone. Sort of like when you hear a joke you like or connect with a story that makes you smile.
Like letting out a big, healthy laugh.
Here’s how that worked out:
Monday - Day 22
Not many practices are able to leave you feeling both mentally and physically exhausted, but that’s exactly what happened today. It felt like I completed a crossfit circuit and an intense chess game in the span of 20 minutes. A combination of ups and downs and in the end, a sense of accomplishment for getting through it. That’s it, honestly. I have no sarcastic remarks to add to this one; I’m too tired.
Tuesday - Day 23
“Oh! So I don’t have to stop being fundamentally dissatisfied. I just have to not dwell on it”. This is one of my favorite interpretations of meditation; some of my favourite meditation gurus are comedians. Some comedians just have a way of articulating things about the human experience, so when you hear their jokes, you can’t help but feel relaxed because you realize you’re not alone – someone else feels what you feel.
Wednesday - Day 24
It’s a good thing our guide recognized we would need a little help practicing patience as we head into these longer meditations. A little help for
my fidgety hands and restless feet – not mention the ole wandering mind – never hurts. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still fidgety and restless and wandering, just slightly less so. That’s something, right?
Thursday - Day 25
Soooo… Hum? Sometimes I wonder if meditation is filling a void that might otherwise be replaced by sunshine and fresh air. You know those moments when you’re on the beach; the sounds of the waves crashing into the smooth sand, the heat on your skin, the smell of the ocean. Do you need to meditate when you’re that content? Or does it somehow just add to the experience? I guess I’ll need to book a vacation and find out. It’s settled then – a week on the beach for research purposes.
Friday - Day 26
Today’s practice felt like when you’re learning to ride a bike, and the training wheels come off. They say they’re holding on to the back seat, and you feel like they are, but then you turn around and realize you’re doing it all on your own. After minute three of “riding on my own” I felt a bit lost and didn’t know where I was – did I leave the safety of my street? Then, the familiar sound of a bell, and I realize that
I’m right back where I started.
Saturday - Day 27
I recently read
this article, which describes a mother’s use of poetry to console her sad daughter. By reading the words of others, who have also been sad, but have reconciled their sadness by articulating it and writing about it, she helps her daughter relax. Meditation does this too, I think. It manages to let us recognize our anxiety/hyper-ness/stress/whatever and tell us that it’s okay to feel that way – because others feel it too. I’m noticing a theme…
Sunday - Day 28
Starting to feel like a bit of a pro. I’m becoming familiar with the flow of a typical practice: Find a comfortable position. Breathe. Listen to your breath. Think about lunch. Let the thought of lunch come through your mind, without judgment, and then get back to the breathing. Stay awake. Don’t judge when you can’t stay awake. Breathe.
Let’s stay calm, and finish strong.
Sarah Canzer from Montreal, Quebec
With a background in the comedy business, a bachelor's degree in political science and a passion for skiing, Sarah Canzer is as eclectic as they come. An avid athlete, her interest in health and wellness peaked a few years ago after she learned how to regain her strength following major surgery. She was born, raised, educated and is working in Montreal, and lives with her lovely fiancé and incredibly energetic puppy.
More about the author
