For myself I found the loving-kindness practice to be difficult. I first began by reading "Getting Started" so I could understand the exercise. Then I listened to the audio and followed the instructions. It was difficult for me not to keep shifting my focus from one area to the next. At moments of the practice I did feel a sense of peace, mostly at the beginning when I thought of my children, I felt a loving-kindness with a sensation of pleasant thoughts. When it came to shifting my thoughts, feelings and images in an out of awareness this became difficult. I wanted to just quit but I kept going but I could never truly gain focus of the exercise. I don't know if I would recommend this to others since I could not get the full affects but for some it may be beneficial.
The concept of "Mental workout" means that we can practice and train our mind through exercise. Everyday that we can do this brings us closer to better health, happiness and wholeness within our life. I can implement mental workouts by setting aside 20 minutes a day of quite time. I could practice letting my mind release the negative thoughts and stresses of my day and replace them with positive thoughts and energy allowing to foster psychological health.
I can relate to the challenge of controlling the mind to not race around especially during meditation. I have heard the mind is like chattering monkeys jumping from here to there, and it was suggested to me to learn to just sit with them neither attaching myself to the direction of any given thought nor resisting it. Just observing my thoughts as separate from me, the observer. Sometimes (when I remember) this works. It is a gentle practice in non-attachment to the thoughts of the mind.
ReplyDeleteI also like the idea of setting aside some time each day for quiet. Just to do nothing. For me, if I could just sit still with no distractions for 5 minutes at least 3 times a day - I will be proud of myself for taking a step in the right direction. It is not easy but this is a great class and opportunity to start!
Hope that may help you.
This was a difficult one. I liked the background noise. Sometimes it helps if you just focus on that to clear your mind then re-try focusing on what is said next.
ReplyDelete