Returning Home/Monday Morning
Part 1
Experiencing my own state of mind this morning--exhausted, delighted, emotionally raw, appreciating what a powerful week this was for me and thinking of all the things I would like to differently--I'd like to offer to anyone who has not done many intensive programs like this some of what we have learned about the experience of returning home, "the Monday morning syndrome." Please comment and add your own insights.
We are stepping out of a powerful situation which we may have experienced small or large shifts in how we think and feel about certain things.
Whether you are feeling inspired, irritated, or both (and one can quickly shift into the nother), the contrast in leaving a container like we have had for the last five days tends to highlight our intensified states of mind. You might feel for a few days that things which would normally bother you rolls off your back. On the other hand you might feel that your skin is peeled off and you are highly touchy. In the mindfulness-awareness traditions, both are considered signs of connecting further with your own intelligence.
Experiencing my own state of mind this morning--exhausted, delighted, emotionally raw, appreciating what a powerful week this was for me and thinking of all the things I would like to differently--I'd like to offer to anyone who has not done many intensive programs like this some of what we have learned about the experience of returning home, "the Monday morning syndrome." Please comment and add your own insights.
We are stepping out of a powerful situation which we may have experienced small or large shifts in how we think and feel about certain things.
Whether you are feeling inspired, irritated, or both (and one can quickly shift into the nother), the contrast in leaving a container like we have had for the last five days tends to highlight our intensified states of mind. You might feel for a few days that things which would normally bother you rolls off your back. On the other hand you might feel that your skin is peeled off and you are highly touchy. In the mindfulness-awareness traditions, both are considered signs of connecting further with your own intelligence.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michael Chender on
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Part 2:
I'm remembering that what I've experienced and learned may well continue to shift for some time. Right now is not a good time for making long-term decisions---or operating heavy machinery.
However you are feeling at the moment, one natural reaction is to want to "flop" for a while after an intense experience. Another is to run at high energy off our insights and inspirations. Many of us have found it helpful to start or rekindle a personal practice for a while--whether meditation or something else--to help digest your feelings and insights.
You may be very keen to share what you have understood with your family, friends, or coworkers. Of course, this inspiration is at the root of creating anything good. However, there is only so much you can usefully share of your internal experience, and it is an art to express it in a language the other can understand. If you see the person you are talking to looking at you with alarm and beginning to slowly back away, you'll know you have crossed that boundary!
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Permalink Reply by Susan Szpakowski on -
For returning Shambhala warriors now ready to shift systems and clear obstacles, here is a little must-watch as recommended by our fearless module leader (guess who!)....
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Permalink Reply by Aftab Erfan on -
This is one of my favourite videos but in the context of returning from the Institute it is that much more hilarious. Reminds me not to take myself so seriously : )
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Permalink Reply by Adam Yukelson on
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I really appreciate this thread. In the spirit of mindfulness, I've been labeling many of my thoughts today "long-term decision making", and (have tried to) let them go. I agree with Aftab; the video is just right for this moment. Thank you for posting it, Susan.
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Permalink Reply by Susan Szpakowski on
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Just realized that maybe I should have included "viewers discretion" warning re violence and swearing.
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Permalink Reply by Jan Gunnarsson on -
So much that needs to sink in. So many new friends and perspectives. My head is full of them. Knowing a bit about the "art of welcoming" it strikes me to be a novice in "the art of departing". There is a Swedish folklore song that captures it:
Who can sail without wind
Who can row without an oar
Who can part from a friend
Without shreeding tears
I can sail without wind
I can row without an oar
But I cannot part from a friend
Without shreeding tears
Leaving Halifax my eyes shines with joy.
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