Some of you might recall my earlier story about the 5-day meditation (the first time I typo’ed this “medication”, I guess it’s a form of that). Well I decided to hold my end of the bargain an actually do the Part 1 course (which I was supposed to do before doing Part 2, doh).
I’m glad I did, because in some ways I got more out of the Part 1 program than I did from the Part 2. The Part 2 was very physically an mentally challenging, and focused very heavily on meditation. Part 1, although mentally challenging, wasn’t as physically challenging. For example, in the Part 1, we didn’t have to sit cross-legged for hours straight – as we had to do in the Part 2 course.
I still felt the same connection with the people around me, even though we spent significantly less time together – about half the time you would spend with the people in a part 2 course.
Another benefit of the Part 1 course, it can be done locally, and on a working man’s schedule. They recommend doing the Part 2 course two times per year, but that would be all my vacation time! The Part 1 can be done in most major cities, and just on the weeknights and weekend.
A less tangible benefit that may differ between participants, but I was able to stick with the breathing techniques much better after the Part 1. Maybe because I did the Part 2 already, so I was pretty indoctrinated into the program. But I think it’s because I understood what I was doing better. I personally have a hard time doing things if I don’t understand why I’m doing them.
Although I’ve been remiss in the program recently, I did find myself feeling better physically and mentally. I also kicked my morning caffeine habit, and feel better eating less red meat.
I still recommend for everyone who is looking to become a better person, give the Art of Living a try.
On a side note, I recently met an individual who has a developed a program that helps one accomplish the same goals, but using needle-less Acupuncture theories.
Daigle
