Your mental fitness practice this week incorporates the concept of the subtle mind (Dacher p.75). This week, replace the Loving Kindness exercise of unit four with Practice 2: The subtle mind exercise and listen to track #3 on the Dacher CD.
1.Compare and contrast the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle mind exercise. Explain your experience including the benefits, frustrations etc.
Although I enjoyed listening to the Subtle Mind practice and did my best to quiet my mind and focus I do not think that am quite ready for it. I still have a lot of trouble "taming" my mind and have to repeatedly bring it back to the meditation and feel like I am forcefully holding it there. As a result, even though I like the meditation itself I think it would be more beneficial for me to continue with the Loving-Kindness practice for a bit longer until I have really mastered that. This was frustrating for me because usually I pick things up very quickly and require little practice or study. However, I have never tried to do this kind of mental training before so that is probably why my brain has more difficulty figuring out what it is supposed to be doing. I tend to be very analytical and I think that this is getting in the way.
2. Discuss the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. Explain how the connection is manifested in your personal life.
Spiritual wellness is a huge part of wellness in every other way. I know the times when I have felt most connected to God have been the times when I have been the most at peace with the things that are going on in my life. This does not mean that these have been the easiest times, in fact the have more likely been the more difficult ones. I was ok with that because I just knew that I was being taken care of. Lately I have been going through I harder time when I don't feel that connection and so life has seemed harder even though the reality of things has stayed about the same. I am less happy with my body and I even seem to have more aches and pains (which might just be my imagination but I don't think so). I am working to get back to that place of close connection but it is hard especially since I don't have a church to attend. Religion has always been an important part of my spirituality and without it I am having trouble finding my way back, which is negatively affecting the rest of my life.
Thanks for reading!
HEIDI,
ReplyDeleteHi! I feel exactly the same as you on your experience with Unit 5 exercises. I felt like it was too long and then I would re-direct and get some of it and then wanted it to be done. I was pretty tired when I did it so I will try again. I liked the loving kindness exercise better also. It kept my attention and fit right what I needed. Thank you for sharing your experience.
On second topic, if I could offer something that works for me? I hope so. If no church at this time, get out into nature and be quiet and just feel the Spirit around you in the beauty, the colors, the smells, the animals, the birds, etc.
It always works for me! In fact, I say my church is the great outdoors!
BTW I did answer this exercise on my site but it shows up under comments. I can't figure out how to get it at the top (like yours). Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Therese
http://therese-marathoningthrulife.blogspot.com/
Hello Heidi,
ReplyDeleteHi I thought I was the only one having some problems with the redirection of my mind to what I will be doing and it seems to be a failure. I know I should not say it is a failure but things do not seem to be in place yet. I hope and believe we are not going to be frustreted and giving up because we have to keep on trying and hoping that one day we will be masters. At the second thought I blame it all on being too tired personal. At times my kids worry because they see me not being able to sleep and then have constant headaches but I no have choice because I have to do what I have to do.
2. About the Spirit accept, To me it is something that you can try things like listening to other church TV channels where you can see someone preaching, praying and others in that church and just follow , radio stations do the same, there are some preachers listen to what ever is going on. The main thing is to humble yourself before the Lord truly. Remember its yourself and because you can not be in a churc physically. Do not be judgemental about the preacher leave that to the Lord, and even some gospel music. In addition ... I second what Therese said. Hopefully your will find something to up life your spirit.
Good Morning Heidi,
ReplyDeleteThose exercises are really quite the challenge but I found that the key to accomplishing them is to wait until you're about ready for bed. At that point the mind is pretty much spent and susceptible to pretty much what's going on in the present.
It's nice to hear you're very connected to your spiritual side and although times may be tough, be sure to keep the faith and trust in God because he knows where we're headed and will not lead us astray.
G-Man
ReplyDelete<~@~>
http://iyaayas-ammo-dawg-4-life.blogspot.com/
Heidi, I know I had trouble and still have trouble whenever I try the subtle mind exercise. My mind still tries to wander while I am completing the exercise. I know that if I am not at peace with myself or with the things going on in my life it has an affect on my physical well-being. The subtle mind exercise seems like it would be beneficial with that and I hope you begin to master the exercise.
ReplyDeleteHi Heidi;
ReplyDeleteI think the loving kindness practice, was much simpler for me. I was not able to do the subtle mind because either my tape is messed up or it was supposed to be like that, however my third track on the tape did run without problems. I think i will stick with the loving kindness and learn to master my breathing first before starting any thing else.
IOn the second part question; i agree that religion is an important part of ones' spiritualitly; it has a higher purpose and meaning for each individual however they express it. I for one have tried a few churches, and although i like the community and people at some I have gone to, I feel more in tpouch with myself and GOD when I am in His element and not in four walls. i feel that when I am in HIS environment, things become clearer less "busy" able to focus on my physical, mind and spirituality all at the same time simply by breathing in/out walking and looking at things in a more peaceful light..any thoughts? kathy
http://blue-eyesserenity.blogspot.com/
Thanks everyone! The comments were great . . . I can't wait for next week!
ReplyDeleteHeidi, First off, I am so glad to hear that you aren't giving up. Meditation is not an easy practice master! I have been practicing this technique for only a year and I'm still learning new things about it. It is good that you are taking your time. You need to keep your mind, heart, and body open to receptiveness and love. You can!!
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted on your practices and any improvements, remember it's all about PROGRESS...not perfection!
~Namaste~