In this class so far, we have been
exposed to several new exercises and practices. This week we were asked to
choose 2 practices that we have determined to be most beneficial. In my opinion
from the experience of my practices, all of the exercises have beneficial components.
All serve a meaningful purpose, but I found loving-kindness to be one of my
favorites. We can stabilize our minds by embracing others and loosening the
grip on self-centeredness. The other exercise I feel to be most beneficial is
the subtle mind. We can tame and train our minds to develop a witnessing
consciousness, progress to calm-abiding, and naturally evolve to unity
consciousness (Dacher, 2006). To foster mental fitness I have been applying these
exercises several times a week. I began these as short intervals a few times a
day and have progressed to longer and more meaningful sessions every day. I
feel that my stress levels have been minimal and I have a completely different
outlook on the world in general. I would recommend these exercises to anyone
following the path toward integral health.
References:
Dacher, E.S. (2006). Integral health: The path to human
flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications, Inc.
Hi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that loving-kindness helps us to embrace others. I know that it is human/animal nature to think about oneself, in order to survive. Since humans have evolved so much, you would think that caring for others, even strangers would be a daily occurrence for everyone by now. I understand this is not possible because for many, they do not have their basic needs met daily (food, shelter, clothing, etc). In order to care for others you must first take care of yourself. Great post! It made me really think about the exercise and human nature.
I was surprised by the how different my outlook has become since starting this class and performing the different exercises each week. I at first I didn’t like to have someone talking and guiding me through the exercises but I have come to like it because if I start to wander during an exercise the voice is able to pull me back and center me again to where I should be. The nightly ciaos in my head is slowly beginning to cease.
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you that after taking on these practices the stress in our lives seems less overwhelming and more managable. I too chose loving kindness as one of my favorites, I find it rather easy to use in my day to day life-even without setting time aside for it. It is incredible what a difference I am feeling and seeing all around me simply because of these easy methods. I agree that everyone should try them, I especially feel these practices would be great for nutritional therapy or eating disorders as they give one new perspectives and a different, more distinct sense of control over their lives.
Anyway, I am glad you are enjoying the practies as much as I am.
Take care,
Stacey Smith
Dear Cindy,
ReplyDeleteI could not agree with you more! I have had such an awesome "mellowing" of my life with these practices as well. The loving kindness exercise is really helping me with a lot of work and legal issues that I am having right now. The subtle mind exercise I use for me. I have noticed too that I am loving not only those around me more but, myself too! In this crazy life most of us have, making just a bit of time for ourselves to practice loving kindness and clearing our mind, even if it is for a brief time, really pays off.
Angela B.