I really think the first two blog assignments of Loving Kindness, and the Subtle mind had the most beneficial effects on me so far. These two exercises as well as the visualization one have each added a positive influence to my mental fitness. As I have stated before I have always believed in and try to live my life with the belief that you get back what you put into it, be it good or bad. As I have been practicing all three of these exercises I have noticed a residual positive echo remaining with me most of the time, I am able to remain much calmed during times of stress, but most valuably I have a greater tolerance for the things and people that once annoyed me. It gives me a very gratifying feeling of kindness and success for my ability to overcome some adversities and accept others I can do nothing about more easily. Although I have made great progresses I understand this is a work in progress and I am excited and encouraged for the future progress I could make by refining these techniques. By continuing to incorporate these practices into my daily life I foresee increasing the wonderful effects I have already experienced and possibly exploring some new ones. In some strange ways I am almost looking forward to adverse conditions in my life (nothing tragic of course, just challenging) so that I can practice my new found abilities of coping with them in a healthy and helpful way.
Good to hear Jay, that you are going to continue practicing meditation after this class. I felt that the loving kindness and subtle mind were the easiest and most helpful meditations also. Accepting others the way that they are can be such a challenge, yet so important for us to grasp. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the subtle mind exercise also, it is helping me learn so much about myself. Your statement "you get back what you put into it, be it good or bad." This is sooooo true it is not even funny. I have seen this first hand with one of my cousins. He is a negative person always complaining, that is how he lives in a complaining world. He is never happy and that is why his life is that way.
ReplyDeleteJay,
ReplyDeleteIt is good that the exercises are helping to calm you for a better mental fitness. We are using the new found abilities of coping with the new healthy and helpful peace of mind. Life has a way of throwing new obstacles in our way but we have tapped into a new calming that helps in every way.
Hi Jay, this is so exciting to see how you have grown. These practices as well as other will help you to continue on your new path. I remember when I first started to meditate and experiencing the "Ahha" moments. I would get so excited.
ReplyDeleteNow with learning loving-kindness and the subtle mind practices I too have learned to not be reactionary but to take a step back and re-frame my perceptions.
just remember to breath....it is the one thing we can do to instantly calm ourselves when we are not in a place to do a regular meditation. I use this one most of the time at work and driving.
Keep up the great work!
Deb