Hope everyone had a great week #5...hard to believe we are half way through this term already.
Comparing the two practices, loving kindness and subtle mind, I have to say I much preferred the subtle mind exercise. Does that sound awful? It isn't that I would rather just concentrate on me, me, me....it's just that I find it more difficult to visualize the things in the loving kindness exercise. I really enjoy the crashing waves and the soft music in the subtle mind exercise. I know they were there in the loving kindness exercise too, but i just prefer the subtle mind of the two.
I believe that when it comes to spiritual, mental and physical wellness, the connection is very important. We have to have wellness in all three areas to be balances and truly well. I have several family members who struggle (I sometimes feel like struggle is not a strong enough word) with depression, and it certainly causes physical manifestations. On the other hand, many people with physical illness or disabilities struggle with spiritual and mental wellness too. Many have the "poor pitiful me" syndrome....and sometimes that is deserved. It is tough not to say why me, and I have days when I struggle with it too, but they are few and far between. Feeling sorry for yourself doesn't accomplish anything. A positive attitude is so important to overall well being. Sorry, sounds like I'm on a soap box, but I know where from I speak. I am aware that depression is a real physical disorder, because of chemical imbalances, but I also know that some people have the ability to help themselves more than they do.
Okay, my rant is done....have a great week #6 all. :o)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Loving Kindness
I hope everyone had a great week #4. This loving kindness experience was interesting. At first, it was difficult to concentrate all the way through....I refer to it as seeing a butterfly! My thoughts flutter off somewhere else. As I worked on it, it got easier...practice, practice, practice. Most interesting to me is the concept of wishing well for everyone....although, I honestly can't think of anyone that I consider an enemy. I like this concept because so many of these types of exercises are directed only at self-reflection. I find that this one ties in with the intercessory prayer study. I just find when I pray, I pray more for other people than for myself, so this exercise falls in to place for me. i would certainly recommend it for that reason....we have to learn to be less selfish...less me me me!
The concept of a "mental workout" refers to what we did with the loving kindness practice. We have to work on making our brain do the things we want it to. Working on concentration and tuning out the outer (or even inner) chatter makes our minds stronger in a sense. Research shows that by practicing these things, we are capable of retraining our minds to control negative emotions that ultimately harm us, specifically "anger, hate, fear, worry and confusion" (Dacher). This training also helps us to bring out more positive emotions such as "happiness, patience, and loving-kindness". Learning all of these things benefits us emotionally, spiritually and physically. Mental workouts include, as mentioned, contemplative practices such as the loving kindness exercise. Doing these exercises several times every week, and continuing them once the semester is over, will continue to strengthen our minds.
The concept of a "mental workout" refers to what we did with the loving kindness practice. We have to work on making our brain do the things we want it to. Working on concentration and tuning out the outer (or even inner) chatter makes our minds stronger in a sense. Research shows that by practicing these things, we are capable of retraining our minds to control negative emotions that ultimately harm us, specifically "anger, hate, fear, worry and confusion" (Dacher). This training also helps us to bring out more positive emotions such as "happiness, patience, and loving-kindness". Learning all of these things benefits us emotionally, spiritually and physically. Mental workouts include, as mentioned, contemplative practices such as the loving kindness exercise. Doing these exercises several times every week, and continuing them once the semester is over, will continue to strengthen our minds.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Mind-Body Connection
Well, better late than never, I suppose. I've been thinking about this blog assignment for several days, but just haven't put it down in print. I also had to listen to the "Crime of the Century" exercise a couple of times before I managed to make it all the way through without going to sleep! That man has the most relaxing voice, I know he says you should feel energized and not sleepy, but it just isn't happening yet.
1. A. On a scale of one to ten on the physical aspect, I am definitely middle of the scale...five. I have Type II diabetes, which is fairly well controlled, but I find it hard to get in an exercise routine.
B. Where the spiritual aspect is involved, I think I rank at about an eight. I still need to work on the mental stillness, but otherwise I'm not in terrible shape.
C. Finally, the psychological aspect....I think I am about an eight on that spot too. I seem to find myself surrounded by stress and chaos. Most days, I deal with it fine, but other times...not so much.
2. My goals for each area would be:
A. Get myself into a routine of exercising...if only starting out a few minutes at a time.
B. I need to spend more time in meditation and prayer and work on silencing my mind.
C. Psychologically, I would like not to stress so much about my children, who are all grown ups now.
3. Activities and exercises which would help me toward these goals would be:
A. Putting an appointment on my phone for time to exercise....maybe if it is staring me in the face I won't ignore it.
B. I would like to find some good meditation music and put it on my i-Pad and listen to it before I go to sleep. Head phones would not bother my hubby!
C. I am talking to a therapist to work with that psychological goal of stress reduction.
4. The Crime of the Century, firstly, I find is a VERY strange title for that exercise! I have the easiest time with the relaxation breathing and thinking/saying the phrases. I have a more difficult time visualizing the colored lights. The only frustration for me is that I have a difficult time staying awake the first time through these exercises. I must admit that the second time through, however, I feel very relaxed when it is over with.
1. A. On a scale of one to ten on the physical aspect, I am definitely middle of the scale...five. I have Type II diabetes, which is fairly well controlled, but I find it hard to get in an exercise routine.
B. Where the spiritual aspect is involved, I think I rank at about an eight. I still need to work on the mental stillness, but otherwise I'm not in terrible shape.
C. Finally, the psychological aspect....I think I am about an eight on that spot too. I seem to find myself surrounded by stress and chaos. Most days, I deal with it fine, but other times...not so much.
2. My goals for each area would be:
A. Get myself into a routine of exercising...if only starting out a few minutes at a time.
B. I need to spend more time in meditation and prayer and work on silencing my mind.
C. Psychologically, I would like not to stress so much about my children, who are all grown ups now.
3. Activities and exercises which would help me toward these goals would be:
A. Putting an appointment on my phone for time to exercise....maybe if it is staring me in the face I won't ignore it.
B. I would like to find some good meditation music and put it on my i-Pad and listen to it before I go to sleep. Head phones would not bother my hubby!
C. I am talking to a therapist to work with that psychological goal of stress reduction.
4. The Crime of the Century, firstly, I find is a VERY strange title for that exercise! I have the easiest time with the relaxation breathing and thinking/saying the phrases. I have a more difficult time visualizing the colored lights. The only frustration for me is that I have a difficult time staying awake the first time through these exercises. I must admit that the second time through, however, I feel very relaxed when it is over with.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Journey On Relaxation Exercise
I have to admit, I had to do this exercise twice. I took a little power nap the first time! So, I decided I had to do it again. That voice is so mellow and relaxing....he was a perfect choice for relaxation exercises. I experienced just what he said while listening to him...the extreme heaviness in my hands and arms to the point of not wanting to move them. I am looking forward to more exercises like this. I also found myself thinking of other people I know who could benefit from these exercises.
New to blogging
Like many of us in this class, this is my first blog experience. However, I suppose it is somewhat like Facebook, which seems to be a part of my daily life. I think this will be a great learning experiment. Have a great day everyone. :o)
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