Upon
completion of reading chapter 6, review the section ‘Getting Started’ (p.66).
Begin practice 1: Listen to the Introduction mp3 and Loving Kindness mp3 (both
located in Doc Sharing). Practice the Loving Kindness exercise this week. In
your journal (blog), record your reaction to the exercise.
Answer each of the following in your blog:
1.
Describe your
experience. Did you find it beneficial? Difficult? Why or why not? Would you
recommend this to others? Why or why not?
Very relaxing! I am an
emotional person and so talking about love and what to do with that love was
easier for me than the other guided relaxation things that we have done in this
class so far. Some of the pauses between
the things we needed to think of were a little too long so my mind would
wander. Turning the love inward at first
was hard for me and as my back was sore I could not completely be at ease with
my body’s sensations but was definitely more at ease with them then
before. When she asked us to let our
negative and positive emotions flow I became less relaxed. I think that there is some negative feeling
that was trying to surface but my mind wouldn’t let it. Overall I think it was a great experience and
I would recommend it to others. It is
very relaxing, and has you dig through some emotional stuff as well.
2.
What is the concept of
"mental workout"? What does the research indicate are the proven
benefits of a mental workout? How can you implement mental workouts to foster
your psychological health?
We use contemplative practice when having a “mental workout”. There are two types of contemplative practice
explained in the book. The first one is
loving-kindness. “The great sages have
continuously reminded us that an enduring well-being requires a diminished focus
on ourselves and our own needs and an enhanced concern and compassion for the
welfare of others” (Dacher, 2006).
Practicing loving-kindness on a daily basis can be a lot of work for
those who are new to it. However the
longer that you practice it for, the easier it becomes. Going out into the world and looking for
people that you can help is a great way to start you on the path to skillful
loving-kindness.
The second contemplative practice is the subtle mind. “We cultivate wisdom by taming and training
our mind, accessing its deeper levels, and exploring the essential nature of
mind and experience” (Dacher, 2006).
Once we learn how to slow down our thoughts and emotions we can develop
a witnessing mind.
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI loved the honesty in your post! I too found a point in which the pause was a little too long, a family member walked into the room, I answered their question, and forgot what I was listening to. But I was able to follow her voice and get right back on track. I loved the exercise of thinking about others and even our enemies. This was a very thought provoking and emotional exercise, but I did find it very beneficial and relaxing as well. Thanks for your thoughts!
I can say with personal experience my mind can be too restless and this exercise I should practice when I am getting ready for bed. At night is when I tend to be most restless, sometimes not able to sleep at all and I turn into a grumpy zombie for the next day. If I give my self a chance to walk through this exercise when I do wake up at 2 in the morning, it woudl probalbly be as effective as when I tried in a couple of times upon rising up to grreet the day. Another idea....
ReplyDeleteI use YouTube and look up Louise Hay positive affirmations or anything by her. They always get me to fall asleep. :)
DeleteNicole,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post! I too am an emotional person and I found this exercise to be helpful because immediately the first two people that came to my heart and mind are my husband and my son!:) I don't know where I would be without them; they are my world! I found this exercise to be a lot easier than all the other ones, but like you said, the pauses were a little bit too long. I feel that in order to provide love and kindness to others we need to love ourselves first. I also think that many times the best medicine is love!! :)
Sara DeSanto
Hi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteThe mind is a really strange thing. I understand about repressing certain feelings that you may not even realize that exists. By giving your brain timne to shut down and do its "thing", you never know what will pop up. I'm not overly emotional, but by spending time in quietness, it's easier to put your thoughts together.
Nice post this week!
Cheers!
Rebecca Ott