Spiritual Learning by Mike White

 The Project: 

1. Spiritual Learning is challenging until it isn't. My pathway in the Veterans Administration as a Disabled Veteran Patient has put me in touch with several paths to spiritual learning. Yoga, meditation, acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy, wholistic health and the such. When using this whole mind and body approach, just sitting in a deep meditation helps clear out some of the intrusive thoughts that could invade a great day and cause havoc. I like seeing the spirituality and interconnected nature in all things. I love roaming the woods of a state park or national park. I love sitting still and seeing and hearing all there is in the world around me. I used to take for granted the ability to hide in plain sight with my old Marine Gear on, and observe people, but I didn't really dwell on the nature of it all. I spent 2/3 of my 6 year enlistment outside in the elements. I find my way back to me in nature and blending any learning experience in nature helps me find more gratitude, more depth and more perspective which is what spirituality means to me. 

2. Out door Yoga in the shade of a huge tree, to assist in the absorbing of the learning transfer. 

Finding the place in nature to connect to stillness and calm is always a challenge since so much of nature is busy around us. Spiritual development is an easy win for most and finding that spot in nature to connect to digest the learning transfer may help settle the mind. A better work life can come from instilling yourself into nature to let your meditative process devour the information you just gleaned. I enjoy face to face learning when I am required to participate as a student, and go remove myself from the class event when I'm on breaks to enjoy the sunshine and feel the breeze. 

Meditation for improved focus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACHHe0yFlw4Links to an external site.

 

Types of Meditation:

1. Mindfulness

This technique specifically focuses on your breath and observes thoughts as they drift through your mind. The purpose is to simply be aware of how you are feeling, not to become absorbed.

2. Concentrative

Concentrative fixates on a particular point, whether it is a word, breath, or object. The goal is to release your thoughts and maintain or refocus your attention on that point, preventing your mind from wandering.

3. Moving

Meditation does not always involve quietly sitting still. Slow, repetitive movements, such as through yoga and tai chi, that focus on your breath can be equally effective in relaxing your mind and body.

Meditating doesn’t require reserving a large chunk of your time. Simply saving a few minutes per day has been proven to reduce distractions and increase focus.

Using meditation for learning:

What to do

Step 1: Find a quiet place. You should choose somewhere that you won’t be disturbed by people or outside noises. The time of day you choose is important. Start out any spare 5 minutes will do. Set a timer for yourself.
Wear comfortable clothing. Bare feet are best to help with energy flow.

Step 2: Sit in an upright position with your legs crossed. You head and neck should be in line with your spine.
Place your hands one on top of the other and rest on your legs or knees. Place a pillow underneath yourself if you need the support.

Step 3: Close your eyes and focus your attention on your breathing. If your mind wanders to different thoughts remember to bring yourself back to concentrating on your breaths. It will take practice to stop your mind wandering. So it’s fine if you don’t focus 100% on the first few tries.
The thoughts you have are okay, and if it is a problem you find yourself facing,meditation can unlock fresh ideas that might have been hidden by stress.

Step 4: As you prepare to finish your  meditation session, don’t suddenly jump up and on to the next part of your day – slowly take in your surroundings and let yourself reboot. Stretch and smile – you’ve done well.

References below to find your way. 

https://host-students.com/meditation-for-studying/#:~:text=You%20brain%20works%20best%20under,and%20after%20your%20study%20session.

https://sps.columbia.edu/news/how-meditation-can-help-you-focus