This week’s assignment was to listen to an audio entitled:
Loving-Kindness. This exercise was to assist us to open our hearts to others
and help us gradually diminish our own self-centeredness, preparing our minds
for further development. As we diminish focus on ourselves and our own needs,
an enhanced concern and compassion for the welfare of others will begin to
develop.
I enjoy guided mediations because with this technique it
allows my mind to really focus on the exercise and limits my mind from
wondering.
I enjoyed this exercise. For fifteen minutes I was out of my
element/comfort zone/room. I was completely calm and relaxed. I could visualize
myself at the ocean and I experienced the loving-kindness feelings and also the
release of the unpleasant, disturbing feelings and emotions I was feeling. It
was, at a certain point, a little emotionally overwhelming. However, I believe
the exercise helped me to release some feelings and emotions that perhaps I am
still holding back. I would recommend this exercise and I am committed to try
it again for the next week to see how I will react each time.
“Research studies
have demonstrated that mental training can transform the mind by reducing
disturbing emotions that cause anger, hatred, fear, worry, confusion and doubt
while enhancing positive emotions such as patience, loving-kindness, openness,
acceptance and happiness” (Dacher, 2006).
Implementing mental workouts to foster psychological health
can help identify, understand and manage thoughts and emotions. It can
alleviate stress and bring a sense of calmness to an individual mentally,
physically and spiritually. However, I believe this takes time, dedication and
open-mindness to master.
Loving-kindness is a step that I will need to work on everyday
due to the trials and tribulations I endure on a daily basis. However,
implementing mental workouts can help guide me through.
Thanks for reading!
Hi Lori,
ReplyDeleteI haven’t listened to the exercise yet and just reading your blog makes me want to do it asap. I have to agree that a guided exercise for relaxation is better than trying to do it on your own. When I have tried to do it on my own it didn’t work very well because I keep letting my mind wonder to the things I have to do. But when I listen to our guided exercises I am more relaxed and I can focus on his voice instead of the TV or my son bitching at his girlfriend. I definitely need to try to train my mind so I can release all the anger I have built up. You are right, it does take time, dedication and open-mindness to master these things and I think this is most of my problem. I have to make time to do these things instead of making excuses.
Good blog, Nicki
Hello Lori.
ReplyDeleteI did the loving kindness exercise right after reading chapter 6. I went into my bedroom and laid down on the bed and thought of someone I love very much and I concentrated on that feeling I get when I am with that person and I was able to direct that feeling to different parts of my body. The problem was it is difficult for me to concentrate for an extended period of time. My mind wanders then when I bring it back I feel like I have to start from the beginning. I can say this I was able to come away from the exercise with a feeling of happiness and calmness. I think everyone should give these types of exercises a try once in their life.
Lori, I completely agree that it takes time and practice to master this mental exercise. That has always been my challenge in meditation. I can take the time to do it a few times, but have yet to make a habit of it. I look forward to finally finding that balance. I tend to have an excuse of why I am far too busy to take the time, but I am hoping the next couple of months will afford me that time, as I am close to the third trimester of my pregnancy and will have no choice but to slow down a little. Of course the feeling of relaxation is good motivation to make time, too. Thank you for your post.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post and I do agree with you mental workouts promotes psychological health can help manage thoughts and emotions. It does required discipline and practicing a daily routine to achieve maximum benefits. Thank you for your great insight. Ivonne