Posted on December 24, 2009 - by Jennifer

30 Day Meditation Challenge: Day 17

Tuesday December 22, 2009: ¬† I”m from a southern italian family and we celebrate the birth of Jesus with a big fish dinner on ¬†the eve of his birth. ¬†My husband grew up in India and his family is Hindu so no Jesus and no fish! ¬†This year is the first year my husband and I are hosting Christmas Eve dinner at our house with his family and mine plus friends. ¬†We have designed a menu that honors both vegetarians and non while adhering to the italian tradition (superstition?) that there must be an odd number of fishes. ¬†His family (sister, brother-in-law, niece, mother, father) are staying with us. ¬†So, in the days leading up to this event, things have been a little chaotic. ¬†And chaotic is how I would describe my mental state during this meditation. ¬†I really couldn’t focus ¬†my mind at all. ¬†It was leaping from laundering sheets to sea scallops recipes. ¬†It ¬†was calculating how many forks, knives, and spoons we own. ¬†It was, in short, doing everything but focusing on chakras! ¬†I tried to use the so ham mantra to settle things down but it just wasn’t happening. ¬†I did experience a certain comfort from the ritual. ¬†After 16 days,¬†I think my body and mind have come to appreciate the 20 minutes of “quiet time”, the opportunity to be still.