Hi all!
Compared to loving kindness exercise, the subtle mind exercise was easier for me. Because in loving kindness exercise you focused on a loved one, it was easier to keep my focus. However, I was unable to really focus on enemies or strangers, that part of the exercise was very difficult for me. The subtle mind exercise was definitely a little more difficult because my focus kept straying, but what I loved about this exercise was that it was okay that my focus strayed...I acknowledged the thoughts and allowed them to run their course and subside; and regained my focus. I found this to be very beneficial because instead of feeling frustrated with losing my focus, I quietly observed my thoughts and came back to my focus on my breathe. With the exercises we've done so far, I would get upset about not being able to keep my focus and in turn the relaxation exercise became a chore or disappointment for me. The subtle mind exercise allows you to work with the thoughts, feelings and images that come to mind...recognize them and then release them. I found this exercise to be the most relaxing and after I completed the exercise I realized that I have control over my mental activity...meaning if I recognize the thoughts, feelings and images that come to mind and gently return my attention to my breathe...I am making the intentional possible and my mind can be tamed from the busy mental chatter. Essentially this exercise gave me a sense of empowerment. Did anyone have the same experience?
Spiritual wellness cannot be achieved without having mental and physical wellness...these are all interconnected. The mind, body and spirit comprises a wholeness and if one is adversely affected then all three are affected. Spiritual wellness can be seen a journey to understand one's purpose in life and to connect with the source of our being. But in order to even start this journey, mental and physical wellness are integral parts of this journey...without them there is no sense of wholeness that can be attained. On a personal level, I would say this connection is crucial. As I deal with physical ailments, I not only treat my physical symptoms, but also look to heal my mental well-being during this difficult time and concentrate to cultivate my spiritual wellness with focus on the positive outlook.
Hi Manisha, Great post. I agree I found the subtle mind exercise easier. I too found it frustrating and much more distracting to think of enemies with loving, forgiving thoughts. Maybe over time that will get better. I found it much easier when my mind was just wandering with random thoughts it was much easier to focus. I agree spiritual wellness is interconnected with mental and physical wellness. I also have been trying to be more aware of training my mind to overcome physical symptoms.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
DeleteTrying to overcome physical symptoms is not easy, and when you're not feeling well physically I find it's difficult to attain mental wellness. But like you said, if we keep trying we can overcome it. I have my good days and definitely have bad ones...and during the bad ones is when I make sure I take that extra time for myself to help me get through that day. We're a work in progress ;)
Manisha
Hey Manisha! I found the exercise to be quite difficult for me compared to the loving kindness exercise. I was unable to complete the exercise because I could only focus on my daughter who is very sick at the moment. I am sure that once I take time to clear my mind and do the exercise I will find it helpful.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that the mind, body and spirit are interconnected and provide complete wellness. I have found that yoga has created a mind body connection that I did not know about. I was a skeptic for quite a while but not anymore. Thanks for the great post!
Hi Jennifer,
DeleteI can understand why you found the exercise difficult...I wouldn't be able to concentrate on the exercise either if either of my children were sick. That is too difficult to push out of our minds. But definitely try the exercise once your daughter is feeling better...I feel the subtle mind exercise was the most beneficial for me. Hope your daughter is doing better!!
Manisha
Manisha,
ReplyDeleteGreat post with detailed reaction. I found this exercise easier than loving kindness. In fact, I enjoyed this far more than the other and it gave me a sense of empowerment too. I did not know what the feeling was until I read your post. Thank you. This exercise has convinced me a lifestyle change to include total intercnnectedness with spiritiual wellness to mental and physical wellness. In fact, I have begun my phsyical well ness change and can now begin to add mental wellness.
Dru
Hi Dru,
DeleteYou know after I finished the exercise, I felt something click and was not sure what it was...it took me a little while to think of a word that would best describe it and empowerment came to mind. I just realized that after the exercise that my thoughts and mental chatter did not rule me...I ruled them...and that's when empowerment came to mind. I'm glad to hear you had the same experience...it was very eye opening for me!
Manisha
I think you had a great experience with teh exercise and it is definitely ok to let the mind wander. It gives us a chance to see where our thoughts turn so that in the future we can be more aware of how our mind actually works. Continue on your path to wholenes and mindful welllness and it will not only ease the mind but open it to inner calmness :)
ReplyDeleteJen Prince
Manisha, great reflection. I LOVE the title of your blog. organized chaos is so fitting for what we are learning to do. Isn't it great that we now see how our mind/body/spirit is as one and we can change the way our own health and happiness is manifested! I felt the same way about these two exercises, i am glad to hear the subtle mind worked for you. I fit it in a part of my regular schedule and have found that the chaos strays a bit more each time and i love it! Stick with it as it is one of the few you have liked and you'll continue to see the great things it can do for your life. (:
ReplyDelete