Hello!
Last week’s exercise of Loving-Kindness focused on a loved
one. At the time I had a family member in the hospital and found the exercise very
beneficial. After doing the Subtle mind exercise I had to bring my mind back to
my breath often but I experienced the image and how my mind let the image
go. I had an epiphany about how this
works in our day to day life; experience the situation and let it go. Practicing
these exercises it will become natural for my mind to let things go; a lot of
our stress comes from what we hold on to. I have yet to discipline myself enough to
incorporate these exercises into my daily life. However, this week’s reading
and discussion of using my physical fitness regimen to foster a mental or spiritual
workout made me realize I am already a disciplined runner so I could begin by
placing my attention on my breath while I run.
Michelle
I agree that this week's exercise was a lot harder than last week's. I feel that it easier than this week's. It is easier to concentrate on loving, than to calm our mind's in order to be able to witness our thought instead of listening to the chatter which we are accustomed to doing. I like the aspect of using a physical fitness regiment to foster our mental workout also. Not by just focusing on the breath, but what our body is doing.
ReplyDeleteI think my life is just too full of stress right now to fully get into these exercises. I am really hoping that over the next few months I can do these regularly. It looks like you had some success with this though. Do you think that it will get better with each time you do it? I know that is what I am hoping for myself. I find myself falling asleep a lot this time I woke up with an almost scary image of me like I was looking in the mirror it was so real. I have never experienced anything like that. Let us know how the focus breathing works out for you in your runs.
ReplyDeleteHi, Michelle. You seem to have had more success with this week's exercise
ReplyDeletethan I did. Congrats on that. lol I agree that a lot of, well probably MOST
of our stress, comes from what we "hold on to". That is a great idea to focus
your attention on your breath as you run. I am sure that you will have great
success with that. :)
Im glad these exercises worked for you. By implementing this practice it will help your mind, body and spirit, and train the mind for stillness and silence. I really enjoyed the exercise this time and it helped me to think more clearly. Running helps all kinds of ailment and clears your mind. I applaud you for your determination. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, I too found the previous practice beneficial for I have a daughter who is in a lot of physical pain regularly (from a car accident). I used this practice to bring her suffering into myself as well as giving her back the kindness, wellness and overall health she so richously deserves. I have used this subtle mind practice so that I can find a peace and stillness in my mind so that my thoughts are more clearer. And this exercise has helped me disangage from the business of my mind. Good Post! Have a great week! ~Kat~
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteI had to go back to focusing on my breath a lot! It made me realize how much unimportant noise I have going on through my mind. I found this very relaxing, and the fact that I let each thought happen and then let it pass, put my mind at ease. I will be using this exercise as often as I can. I would love to be able to calm the mind. Did you find the subtle mind or loving kindness more beneficial?
I have also found it difficult to incorporate all of these exercises into my daily life. There is just so much going on right now that in the moment I never just stop to think about what I need to do mental and physical for myself. I am usually too wrapped up in what is going on.
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that this week's exercise took a little more focus. I think it is a good idea on your part to take the breathing exercises that we learn and incorporate them into your physical exercises. After trying last week's exercise and this week's, which did you find more useful for yourself? I personally found the loving kindness exercise more useful as it encouraged me to address my worries head on rather than to redirect my focus.