This has been one busy week so I looked forward to the exercise practices for the unit. I was hoping to find it useful in helping me to calm down. I really was not able to get into the exercise the way I had hoped to. I was able to follow the voice and the instructions but the breaks in-between were kind of long and my mind drifted on to the business going on from either the day or something from the week. What I did find interesting from the Loving Kindness exercise was the part in which you breathed in the suffering of a loved one and blew out the joy, love and health. This was suppose to remove self-centeredness and create a quiet mind. There is some family conflict going on right now so I imagined several people while doing this exercise. I noticed the tension in my neck pounding more as I thought upon those that I felt are suffering. When I thought of my nephew who is in need of assistance, I just couldn't get my mind to cooperate so it was a failed experience.
I would recommend the exercises just because it could very well help someone else.
The concept of 'Mental Workout' means to exercise the psychospiritual life and its capacities on a regular basis. Like physical fitness or an exercise regime once you stop committing to it you will fall back into old habits and conditions. Perseverance is important in maintaining psychospiritual health. It is not just a point of relaxing but to expand the mind and thoughts with holistic approaches of healing. Meditating, praying, studying the Bible, practicing CAM modalities are a few examples of expanding the mind. I have shared a few pictures of what I do regarding 'loving kindness'. I make jewelry, my son plays youth football and I love watching those boys compete in the name of Jesus, my nieces are between parents and what my sister doesn't share with them I try to. Loving kindness is not self-centered, it is about putting others before yourself =)
Nada,
ReplyDeleteYou sound like a very selfless person. I too felt moved by the portion where we breathed in the suffering of another. If only it were that easy in real life... To be able to take away the pain of someone we love, and fill them with our health, happy, strong energy... That would be the most amazing thing any of us could do for another.
Your last comment just recaptures what seems to be your wonderful energy "Loving kindness is not self-centered, it is about putting others before yourself." For me, helping others with their fitness, taking care of my family, and finding peace at church do this.
Great blog...
Ami
Nada,
ReplyDeleteI had a hard time with these exercises this week. It was very deep. You sound like you did great!! You are a very giving selfless individual. I like how you said about "Loving Kindness not being self-centered, it is putting others before yourself". I can see you do that.
I also had a hard time doing this exercise. I think it was mainly because I was tired and just wanted to go to sleep. I also felt moved by the part of breathing out the suffering of a loved one. I pictured my mom because she is the one person that I can think of that has went through suffering in her life especially going through 2 fights with breast cancer. She is fine now but I saw the pain and struggle she went through. I like you think more about others than I do myself and I am starting to learn that I should be more focused on my family but sometimes it is just too hard. I hope things work out for your family.
ReplyDeleteHi Nada, this type of exercise can take practice. I also love the idea of breathing in the pain and suffering and releaseing love and kindness as well as forgiveness. Lifes stresses can be very difficult to deal with but if you continue to practice with these exercises, you will eventually be able to fully become engosed with the exercises and afterward feel completely calm and rested. Great job with your blog.
ReplyDeleteHey Nada! Your survivor qualities are evident in your reflections. When one is surrounded by others struggles, especially family; it is hard to remind yourself of what you already have been blessed with. This is not to say that it cannot be done. I have faith that you can clear some of that mental stress and provide clarity for yourself. That clarity can flow into how you can and will help others to be well.
ReplyDelete:-) Enjoy your day!
Kendra