Heart Centered Gratitude Update

Update From Cindy Mattingly
I am not sure how many of you saw the video that Karen Kallie and I did about a month ago.  In the video Karen taught me a simple exercise from her upcoming workshop and I committed to do it for 30 days.
It was very interesting to add something new to my practice.  I meditate three times a day.   In the morning and before bedtime I spend about 45 minutes.  The mid-day practice is around 15 minutes.  I tried initially to add Karen’s practice to my morning time.  I was going to start with this Heart Centered practice and then do my regular meditation.  I kept forgetting even though my notebook to document my experience was on my meditation cushion.  I missed it 3 days in a row.  I figured that this was a sign. 
I went to my mid-day practice and again the same thing happened.  I forgot.  Strange thing for me since this 30-day experiment was my idea. 
Okay, my bedtime meditation.  This Heart Centered practice slipped right with my bedtime meditation like they were made for each other.  I did not forget once!
I tell you this story because I remember starting to meditate a long time ago and how difficult it was to make it a habit.  There are so many things that can easily distract ourselves with.  Stay with meditating…..it pays off.
Now back to Heart Centered practice……I noticed a variety of experiences: sometimes heat from my hands, sometimes flutter at my cheeks, and sometimes an occasional big breath like a sigh.  I think the biggest thing I experienced was how quickly I settled into my meditation.  I found myself more relaxed and starting my meditation with a quieter mind than usual.  The accidental wisdom of adding this to my bedtime meditation was unbelievable because the day is busy so quieting down before bedtime is challenging to say the least.  This simple addition made meditation easier.
I can’t wait to learn more at her Workshop on Saturday May 18 from 9-12 !