1. I found the loving kindness exercise very difficult for myself to follow the instructions and honestly wasn't able to keep my mind on the speaker nor follow the instructions. The subtle mind exercise I was able to find the focus with my breathing and felt that, for the first time, I was able to complete the first mental exercise of the course. Maintaining my breathing and using that as a tool to monitor and witness my mind appears to work for me as I found the exercise easy and dare I say enjoyable. I think due to my small mental capacity up to this point I'll continue this exercise for a bit and go from here.
2. As I get a bit older and actually experience life I am feeling in my own life that I must have physical health, mental health, and spiritual health and I can't ignore any of them if I want to live a modestly happy and healthy life. I'm seeing how a lack of even one can manifest itself in not so great ways in our lives. I love that we can practice multiple things in life that we can work on all three at the same time as well. Being in the gym, the beach, the golf course, and the ocean I am taking care of myself physically, mentally, and spiritually all at the same time. I wasn't sure what I thought this class was going to be all about but the overall view of taking care of myself physically, mentally, and spiritually resonates with me and if I can help others view just how important they are in our lives we can all be better for it.
Mike Scales
Mike, Great post! found the loving kindness exercise much easier then the subtle exercise. I totally understand how you felt lost and couldn't stay focused. I think it is very hard to really focus on one voice especially when it is for school and you will have to do an assignment after. I personally do not have time to sit down and listen to a man speaking for 20 minutes where I should be relaxed. I have a thousand other things going through my head.
ReplyDeleteChristina
Mike,
ReplyDeleteI struggle with our relaxation exercises as well and have a difficult time focusing my mind, especially when the techniques do not involve a focus on breathing. I also agree it is important to find that personal balance between the mind, body and spiritual health. This class has really helped me realize I am not that different in struggling with certain aspects of the three areas and that I can reach better balance through less conventional ways. I can use exercise, adventure and the hobbies I enjoy (mostly outdoor activities) to relieve stress and relax my mind, while working on my body and I often have a spiritual connection to the ocean, river, mountain, etc.
Hi Mike,
ReplyDeleteThese mental exercises can be difficult in the beginning, but the more we practice them the more you will become accustomed to it and it will be easier, so they say:) As a Health and Wellness professional it is so important to realize that there is a large correlation between mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. Neither can be neglected because they work in synchrony. When one is off balance the others suffer also, and how can we be of service to our clients if our lives are not balanced. For me, I know that I am a work in progress and my goal is to cultivate my mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health because my clients and family both benefit, and most importantly I am better for it.
Natalie
Hello Mike,
ReplyDeleteI agree that focusing on the blog exercises can be hard at times. Physical, Mental, and Spiritual health are all important for a longer and healthier life. Good Post.
Hi Mike,
ReplyDeleteI have to say I love your frankness!! I helps me to know others also struggle. The thing I am finding most surprising is I am actually feeling a change. Overall I am a pretty positive person, however my son says I stress to much. Since beginning these exercises I don't have the knee jerk OH NO feelings. Don't get me wrong, I am still stressing some things but even those I am not off the chart !!
Again, love the post!!
Mike,
ReplyDeleteI also struggled some with the Loving Kindness exercise, and much less so with the Subtle mind. I think for me one of the big differences was that it was a woman leading the exercise in the Subtle Mind. Maybe it goes back to a mother/child attachment, but I found I could relax and get into the meditation faster with a female voice. Or maybe I am just sexist.
Carolee
I have to admit, I'm having a hard time with these meditations. I'm an analyst for a living, so I'm constantly at thought about something. Even when I'm taking with friends, I'm constantly thinking and evaluating. To sit in one corner and drain my mind is like asking me to bleed myself. It's a workout in itself. However, that in itself is proving that I'm not allocating time towards the things that I love most. I need to spend more time on what I value and less time on my extras.
ReplyDelete