1. Compare and contrast the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle mind exercise. Explain your experience including the benefits, frustrations etc.
This week’s experience has been frustration in more ways than one. First, I was enjoying the CD Track #3 then suddenly a very loud static came on and it wouldn’t go away. I tried it on my Mac computer, PC, my radio, nothing worked. So I resorted to reading the Dacher book and try to remember what I was supposed to be doing during the practice.
I have to admit, I like this practice much better than the Loving Kindness exercise that we did last week. It was easier for me to have something to focus on and if my mind starts to run away, well then I just reel it back by turning my attention more on my breathing. This was really helpful. I can see myself doing this before I go to bed each night. I like using the breath as my focal point. I am not saying that this is easy. I know I have a lot more practicing to do but I feel this is something I can manage.
2. Discuss the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. Explain how the connection is manifested in your personal life.
From what I understand from my own personal experience and the Dacher book, when we exercise we are not only making ourselves feel better physically but we can also incorporate mental training into the routine as well. Many of us are probably doing this without realizing it. My husband often talked about his experience with long distant running. He gets into the zone, rhythmic breathing and the sound of his feet hitting the pavement, it is hypnotizing. After the run he feels invigorated and admits that he is able to think much clearer. So I think, for him, while he is running he is training his mind as well. Of course, being outside is another way to connect with nature and yourself.
Maggie
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Maggie,
ReplyDeleteFocusing on the breathing was much easier for me too. I think our minds are so filled with chatter that until we can master the art of fousing on an object we won't be able to visualize on our own. I am hoping that once I get the technique to focus that I can move on from there. There is so much to learn and I am looking forward to training my mind.
Hi Maggie,
ReplyDeleteI totally understand your husband zoning out while running because I tend to do that myself while running. I really liked this week's exercise better because I really want to learn how to focus and not let my mind all over the place at times. I think sometimes I use more energy worrying about certain things than just doing them. I have tendency to be very anxious with time constraints which is stressful so learning how to calm my mind will definitely help a lot. There is a lot to learn in this class but its all been very interesting to say the least.
Hi Maggie,
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you, learning to breath is very important, relaxing, soothing. Even one very big deep breath sometimes can bring us to a calmer, clearer place. Like when I am stressed and don't know what to do...I will just take deep breathes...it changes everything. ;-)
Breathing when working out also changes everything!
Hi Maggie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, I also enjoyed learning about this week's lessons better than learning about the loving-kindness. Incorporating mental training with physical training is like killing two birds with one stone (I really do not like the expression, but felt it got my point across). I think yoga is a perfect example; holding yoga poses while still focussing on your breath is showing a direct correlation between the two.