Hello everyone! I hope you all are having a wonderful week! I love the lazy days of summer (even when they're not so lazy).
I believe the difference between the loving kindness exercise and the subtle mind exercise is in the focus. Loving kindness focuses on your thoughts and feelings and the feelings and circumstances of those around you. Subtle mind focuses on your breathing and the stillness around you (if you're lucky enough to have stillness around you---which I do not). The subtle mind exercise was ok. I really dislike the man's voice at the beginning. It irritates me, his voice and the way he speaks. The woman's voice was much better for the exercise. I'm not really into meditation. I pray alot and have quiet time and focus on God, but I don't meditate. I have to say, though, I found focusing on my breathing to be much easier than the loving kindness exercise. The long pauses with nature sounds were relaxing. My mind does wander, though, and I had to keep getting back on track to focus on my breathing. I really disliked the parts that asked questions. I found that to be very distracting and irritating. Overall, I thought the exercise was alright.
I think spiritual wellness is equally important as physical and mental wellness. Of course physical wellness is important. You cannot be truly well if you are not healthy. Mental wellness is important because your mind controls your body. If you mind isn't well, your body will not respond, or will respond negatively. Spiritual wellness is important because we are spiritual beings in physical bodies. If our spirits are not well and whole, then we cannot be well and whole. For me, being spiritual means that I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. My faith is the cornerstone of my life. Without it, I could not function. I absolutely respect everyone else's spiritual beliefs. However, many of these exercises are hard for me because they do not line up with my belief system (the meditative part, I mean). That being said, I know that they are very beneficial for those that do believe in them. I absolutely believe in healing, and in the power of the mind over the body, and in the power of prayer.
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteI found the subtle mind exercise to be easier than love kindness as well. I also agree with Elliott Dacher's voice being a little annoying. It sounds a little like he speaks out his nose but I do think the man is highly intelligent. Your post brings to light what I enjoy most about this class: it creates an environment where we can share our spiritual beliefs, whatever they may be, without being judged. From what I have read amongst the blogs, everyone respects the varying beliefs. I hope this is a trend that will continue throughout the class and other times in my life. Thank you all for being so accepting.
Thank you for sharing,
Janelle
Beth,
ReplyDeleteI found both exercises to be interesting in their own right. With the Loving-kindness, I was able to feel a stronger, closer connection with myself and my intentions. With the Subtle Mind, I found that I was able to reconnect with a different side of myself. I think it is the side that allows for me to reconnect with compassion and sympathy/empathy.
Anyway, I really enjoyed reading about your experience. I must admit the voices can be distracting at times.
However, there is one thing I do want to say to you. I admire your faith. To me, praying to God is another form of meditation because it is during this time that you are able to spiritually connect and enhance your personal relationship with God. To me, this is the best form of true spiritual connection. After praying, I always feel connected, free of unwanted burdens because I laid them at the foot of the cross and I feel alive. In my opinion, my mind-body-spirit are reconnected and dance in the grace I received.
Anyway, great job!
Later,
Naomi