Hello Everyone!
For this weeks exercise we have to choose two practices that we think are the most beneficial to us. Although I think I have learned a tremendous amount over the course of the weeks and they will all help me, I think the two that I find I am actually using the most are the ones from Week 5, Subtle Mind and now from Week 7, Meeting Aesclepius. The subtle mind has me focusing on my breathing, evenly, deeply, and pushing aside random thoughts. I think this is really important to clear the mind and allow yourself time to relax and truly get in tune with the mind, body and spirit. I think I liked the Meeting Aesclepius a lot because it asked us to focus on our personal "wise one". For me, thinking about my Grandmother and bringing her mind, body, and spirit really helps me to associate and visualize through her wisdom, strength and loving kindess entering me.
Overall I believe that practicing the various exercises and becoming adept at them will enhance the overall wellness of ones mind, spirit, and body. I can feel the tenseness ease and move out of my body when I practice the medidation practices and this in turn allows me to be more open and welcoming. I continue to practice the loving kindness exercises, but I still struggle with them, but have not given up hope!
I too chose the unit 5 and 7 exercises as they both had an impact on my stress and energy levels. Deep breathing meditation is such a stress relief and makes me feel whole again. I think this works for many people. The other exercise was more emotional for me, kinda like a time to let out built up emotions to then feel relaxed and a feeling of bliss. My medium mentor was the focus and it was a strong experience.
ReplyDeleteThese are both great stress relief exercises and I am happy that you are not giving up hope on the loving-kindness exercises as good karma always has a way of coming back to you :)
I chose the Loving Kindness exercise and the visualization exercise which helps me to relax more compare to the other exercises. I know with conjunction with exercise, I can tell a big difference. I agree with you that when you think of a love one , their memories triggers a strong emotional connection and you have that sense of connection and understanding and inner calm. Its a great feeling.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the Subtle Mind exercise and found it to be very relaxing. However, I had difficulty practicing the Meeting Aesclepius. I feel terrible admitting that I could not find that one person to choose and I had a difficult time “making one up”. Your grandmother must be a wonderful person and I am sure she is proud that you think of her this way. The second exercise I chose was the Visualization. This was a favorite as it brings me to a happier, peaceful place.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on what has worked for you and what you may need extra practice on. I agree that we can use these exercises gleaned from this class in our personal lives but at the same time enhance our professional lives whatever that may be. Consistently practicing them help to relieve stress, be open to others, and to become "other worldly" so that our thoughts and actions contribute to another person's happiness and pain-free experiences too.
ReplyDeleteI am really going to continue trying to develop my ability within the subtle mind experience. Subtle Mind was by far my worst experience not because the exercise itself, but because I could not stop my mental chatter. I really commend you for being able to have the sound mind to bring out the wonderful feelings that you have described. The Meeting Aesclpius exercise was the most beneficial exercise because it brought together my respect and love for my grandfather with the mind/body experience. I will implement this exercise immediately within my life because of its ability to ease my stress during times of dismay.
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