How did the 'process over product' concept affect the way you tackled the site redesign and rebuild?
It helped me focus on what the overall goal was, or is, at this stage. I found myself spending a lot of time with the little aesthetic things like font/background colour and padding size, but I had to remind myself that the main purpose at the moment is to create a website that functions well. The code, test, redo approach can be useful in terms of just understanding what exactly an element does, and how it can be manipulated.
What did you think about meditation before reading chapter 2?
I think meditation is a very important, although misunderstood and undervalued, part of life. Personally, I don't do it often enough. But I do also believe in finding something to do, that works for you, that can relax your mind - be it gardening or having a walk in a park or, in my case, running and playing guitar.
What new things have you learnt about meditation?
Following your breath and focusing on it is a very important concept. Breathing as if your life depends on it is a very good mantra to have at the forefront of your mind. I do find myself getting distracted by other things and thoughts when meditating, but focussing on the breath really brings everything back to centre.
Did any of the suggested meditation techniques stand out to you?
The grandmother mind - adopting the mind of a loving grandmother - is a great concept. We need to be gentle with ourselves, and the more we adopt this technique ( and meditation in general ) the more of a habit it becomes.