I found the subtle mind exercise to be the most difficult of all the blog assignments so far. I was not able to achieve any kind of deep relaxation using this technique and I think it was because I was suffering from a minor cold. The biggest problem was that I was extremely congested and regulating deep repetitive breathing was difficult and frustrating. I did like the example and explanation of breathing creating a relationship between the mind and body. In the exercise the narrator made the association “still the breath, still the mind” perhaps this was the source of my problem. I was unable to control my breathing in any controlled way to still my breath so I was unable to still my mind, I really think that I failed the instant I became frustrated with the situation. The part of the exercise that talked about the mind being involuntarily pulled towards random thoughts is defiantly something I need to work on but I will continue my efforts to improve my results. I suspect that mastering these types of exercises could take years in some cases, and I may be one of those cases but my success with the other exercises has shown me the benefit they can provide for health and stress removal thus extending life. I will continue to practice stabilizing my mind as suggested by the narrator.
Hello I agree with you this week exercise was more difficult for me because it is being increasing the with each week and I think is because every week we are learning and obtaining tools to use for every week exercise. But I really enjoyed this week exercise because my body and mind were connected in one purpose; finding healing and wellness. Thank you and have a great week.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem like the assignments are getting more and more difficult but the more difficult the challenge the greater the reward. I’m going to keep trying until I get it right. Thanks for the reply this week.
DeleteJay
Hello Jay
ReplyDeleteWhen I started the exercise I had the same problem added to that my one year old daughter was pulling on my clothes and whining and my nine year old was trying to get her attention so I could concentrate. It was so cool though I was thinking I have to accomplish this. I would listen to the kids then work on quieting my mind. I did that about seven times and eventually my mind was calm, I could still hear them in the background but my mind was calm. After I acknowledged the thoughts and sounds all of them would just disappear.
Stacia
I can’t wait until I get this exercise right. I can honestly say I’m a little jealous right now, but I’ll get there. I’m glad your experience was a good one, and thanks for the reply this week.
DeleteJay
Jay
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to meditate when one is sick. I have tried it before, and I got no relaxation from it. You should try it again when your not sick, because when you are sick all you think is about being sick and relaxation is not going to help because you want to get better. I don't think it takes years of practice, just dedication to the art form. Yes, it might take years for some, but if you are dedicated than it shouldn't take awhile. It seems to me that you want to be able to do these exercises, and that is dedication. Once you feel better just go back and redo the exercises, and I am sure you will be able to do what you want to accomplish.
~Nancy Lasprugato
Jay, Meditation is difficult enough to accomplish, let alone with a head cold! If you cannot breathe properly then I could see how that would make you frustrated enough to give up. Maybe try it again next week when you are feeling a little better!
ReplyDeleteAshley
Hi Jay,
ReplyDeleteI also found this to be the most difficult relaxation exercise yet, and I didn't have a head cold! I hope that you are starting to feel better. Maybe we will both have a more rewarding experience if we try it again in a couple of days. I just found that for me, it was hard to concentrate for the whole time between instructions. With the exercises prior to this one, I thought that the silence between instructions was just the right amount of time, however on this one it seemed to last forever. I guess that is where I really need some work, but I will keep trying it!
Heather Reynolds
Hello Jay
ReplyDeleteI must say the subtle mind exercise made me realize just how much control our mind have over us. There is a passage in the Holy Bible that says " a man who is not in controll of his own spirit is like a city without walls." My interprentation of this is that having an undisciplined or untrained mind can be hazardous to the mind,body and spirit. Continue to practice this exercise until you have mastered it and become free from the power of the untamed mind.
Lorie (LiveNLoveNEnjoyNLife)