Hi All!
Well, I have to say this week's exercise and assessment process has been difficult. In regards to the universal loving kindness exercise, I was not able to focus and really did not achieve any sense of connection or anything for that matter. I kept forgetting what the words were and kept opening my eyes...which further broke my concentration. I tried this many, many times...and finally after the 10th attempt, gave up. Would love to know how everyone else did? And if you fared better, please provide some insight on what I should do ;)
The integral assessment process was interesting and difficult at the same time. I found it to be very useful, in the sense that it help guide me to the different areas of my life that are in need for improvement, particularly biological and psychospiritual. Though interpersonal and worldly need improvement also, I felt my priority at this time lies in the prior two I just mentioned. As I've mentioned in prior posts, I enjoy working out and have hired a personal trainer to help me with the physical fitness aspect of my life. I also find physical exercise relaxing because when I'm exercising, I'm not thinking of anything else but just being in the moment...focusing on my breath. My trainer actually works with me in this regard (not one of those trainers that yells at you while you're working out). Also, the subtle mind exercise is one that I know will help me to focus on growth and development of the psychospiritual aspect. It brings about stillness of the mind and I find that exercise brings me peace and ease of mind and body. I've made it a point to practice this exercise on a daily basis and it has brought clarity of thought, where I am able to make decisions without attachment to emotions. I'm not saying I don't have my moments, we all do; but I feel this exercise has been the most beneficial for me to foster greater wellness.
I had the exact same problem, although I read someone else did one line at a time, that was a good idea. I don't know that I would have had that much time though. I think most of the exercises in the book are beneficial, though some seem really time constricting for college students, no matter the age. I hope when I am done with my Masters degree I can pull this book out and try harder to focus on the exercises and learn to have a more peaceful mind!
ReplyDeleteI found this exercise to be a bit more interesting than the others, maybe because instead of listening I had to read. but here was a suggestion I thought of when i practiced this exercise later on I replaced the words with another phrase that I enjoyed saying, maybe try that and see if it helps.
ReplyDeleteHello -
ReplyDeleteI found the exercise to be difficult also. It was hard for me to visualize strangers.
That is great that you have found Subtle mind to help you seperate emotions from decisions. That is something that I struggle with and would like to seperate the two. Thank you for your help and inspiration.
Brandie
Hey! I agree with you that this exercise was a bit difficult. I found myself unable to relax and when I started to let my mind go my brother who is going through a custody battle was the only thing on my mind and I could not get it out!
ReplyDeleteAs for the integral assessment I find myself going back to horrible moments in my life with personal relationships and situations at work. If only i could find the balance of a subtle mind.......I will keep trying. Thanks for your inspiration!
Hi Manisha,
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say I finally got the exercise to work but it took a few times to memorize the words. It did help to relax me but I felt 10 minutes of repeating the phrase were to long.Do you think it wold have worked for you if it were shorter duration and wording?
I feel the assessment was an eye opener for me and after reading some blogs it was for others also. I know I have to work on interpersonal for sure. I decided after the exercise I am going to have loving kindness for the person but cannot fix them only wish them peace in their life. In the long run this will make me happier and less stressed.Along with a lot of relaxation exercises.