April 29, 2014
I have discovered that the recordings I make during a retreat have the most impact on my practice from the perspective of gradual transformation and the sinking in of the teachings. Retreats are always full of insights, awarenesses, and practice gems. When I come home from a retreat, my journal and recorder are full of these. But if I leave them there, the gems can get hidden among other jottings and conversations.
After one retreat a couple of years ago, I took the time to go through the notes and recordings and write down the lessons and one-liners that really spoke to me. I ended up with five pages of “peace quote quality” practice guides and reminders. I recorded all of these on a single track that is easily located at the beginning of a folder.
I can’t even tell you how many times I have returned to that track, especially when I am out walking in the morning or late afternoon. It never fails to bring me back here, to my heart, to what is most important, to what I want to practice. Of course, my recorders are full of such gems, but these recordings are like the “Top Forty.” They are a practice intensive in one track!
- You don’t have to wait for a retreat to make this kind of recording for yourself! All of us have access to gems of practice — on our recorders, in Cheri’s books, in email class responses, and radio show archives. Create a list of your favorite quotes, one-liners, awarenesses, and guidance highlights and place these all together on one recording track that is 10 to 20 minutes in length. Then, use this recording for walking, waking up in the morning, falling asleep at night, or any time you find yourself identified and want to come back to Center.
Do you have a favorite R/L insight, idea, or practice tool? We’d love to hear it! Send us your favorite quick tip (75 words or less) or submit your idea for a blog post.