Hello all,
I completed the Loving Kindness exercise. This was an interesting experience. Venturing into the unknown for the first time can be challenging. It was different from any type of exercise practiced or tried before. It was relaxing but also thought provoking because of the instructions to focus on specific ideas. This made the practice beneficial because I had to tune out all other activity and channel into the area directed. I would recommend this process to others but not sure if they would be able t follow if not familiar with contemplative practice or psychospiritual development.
The concept of mental workout is more than rest, relaxation and meditation. It consists of exercising our mind with stimulating activities similar to physical exercise for the body strength and fitness. It requires a moderate but sustained effort of clearing the mind of cares and worries practiced daily and with perserverance.
To begin implementing this process in my psychological health I would learn more about the technique, practice daily as instructed in this text reading, and search out available resources in order to become more familiar and acquire the needed tools or learn process to apply the process. If anyone has suggestions, please feel free to share. Thanks and happy blogging.
Dru
Dru,
ReplyDeleteI agree this week was a bit challenging, facing a metal exercise that was to help us relax and meditate. I kept losing my focus and letting my mind wander and then realizing I wasn’t even listening to the audio. I guess I really need to work on my mental fitness so that I can relax and meditate while still stimulating and engaging the mind.
The second thing was the loving kindness exercise I kept falling asleep when the voice would cut out and play just the ocean sound. However, even though I struggled through these exercises I find now that I can focus better on my school work and that I am more relaxed.
Corban
Hi Corban,
DeleteSorry for the late reply. Have been extremely busy with school and other things. Yes the meditation was a different type of relaxation for me. Mental fitness will be a challenge for me too with so many different things to stay on top of. But, when applied this process should help to slow things down and clear the head for the needed lifestyle change. I am willing. Will keep you posted.
Hi Dru,
ReplyDeleteI agree too that this weeks blog was a bit challenging, however, after I listened to it twice, I loved it. I was relaxed, it made me think of my husband and I got rid of my headache. Once I listened to it the second time, I started to fall asleep too, but in the back of my mind I was still listening as odd as that may seem. I wish there was a way that I could play things like that all of the time when I am doing my homework, because I could focus and get my homework done way faster. Take care Dru!! Thank you!
Sonia Naber
Hi Sonia,
DeleteA challenge but it was relaxing too. It was not all bad and I agree if I could have some music like this all the time and when completin homework it would be good. Let's check it out and see if it is available?
Dru
Hi Dru,
ReplyDeleteI think you're off to a great start! I think this week's exercise was very informative and focusing on loved ones actually allowed me to quiet my mind this time. I really enjoyed it and will continue to use this method...hoping I can improve as I practice is more. How did you fare with the focusing on others? I had a tough time in that aspect of the exercise.
And I agree with you, that mental workout is more than just meditating and relaxation...you need to stimulate the mind to get the juices flowing, so to speak :)
Manisha,
DeleteThanks for your response. Focusing on others was not a hard task for me because I am always thinking about other people and their issues and forgetting about my own. This exercise was a challenge but I am sure it will get better.
Dru
Dru,
ReplyDeleteI found the exercise very challenging. Not only was it difficult to incorporate the practice into my schedule for a whole week but when asked to think of a loved one that had passed, that was when it really became difficult. I just recently lost my grandmother (3wks ago) and back in October of 2011 I lost my grandfather, so it brought up some emotions for me. I did find it beneficial...somewhat. I did think that the pauses in between each instruction was a little too lengthy. But overall I could see the "mental workout" it gave. Good post. ;-)
Hope you are having a great week.
~Ali
Ali,
DeleteThe challenge is what will keep us going and trying to develop the technique. It is like other things in life if it is not a challenge or a struggle we do not give it much attention but to have this as an assignment and to attempt to change a lifestyle will keep it interesting and worth the effort. What do you think?
Dru