Welcome fellow enthusiasts,
I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the two exercises that were done over the last two weeks, Loving-Kindness vs. Subtle Mind. Loving-Kindness exercise I found as an exercise that helped you focus on each area and broke up the time. My focus kept moving and developing as the exercise went on. The Subtle Mind I found more challenging. There was a lot of time and not a lot of different focus areas. I have to say that to keep my focus on my breathing I had to focus on my chest/abs movements. I got to the point that the only thought that was going through my mind was breath in-breath out. I had to bring myself back a couple of times, I felt that the exercise went on forever. It was a long time for me to focus on breathing, I saw this exercise as a challenge, the competitor in me came out and I was determined to focus on me breathing. I would not let myself give up, and I have to say that it would of been easier then fighting through it.
Now it is time to talk about the connection of the spiritual to mental and physical wellness. "This developmental movement from body to mind to spirit is a shift in experience and identity from the realm of the physical with its emphasis on survival, instinct and self to the more subtle and intangible realm of mental with its focus on ideas, intention, and interconnectedness to the most subtle spiritual realm of awareness, wisdom and oneness" (Dacher, 2006, p.80). This quote sums up the connection between the three areas of wellness. In my life I find that this process is a work in progress. The physical-I try to exercise and eat right, take care of myself (Self). The mental-I constantly come up with ideas and try to weigh them out and then put them into action. The Spiritual- I pray everyday for the Lord to give me wisdom, knowledge and understanding in what ever situation I face (especially College work). How do you all balance the three areas in your life and connect them together? I would love to hear what you all have to say, let me know.
Thanks, Emily
Reference:
Dacher, E. 2006.
Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing.
Basic Health.
Hi Emily,
ReplyDeleteIt is not easy but that's what these exercises are all about. To teach us wholeness and how to interconnect mind-body and spirit. Each person has something they will need to do extra work on and the areas will be different. In response to your question my spiritual side has kicked in to tell you don't get discouraged or feel defeated. With a little practice and time it will get better.
I enjoyed this exercise better than the loving kindness because there was not dirceted focus areas but rather we chose our own and if we got distracted it was okay to go out and then return.
I did not want the time to end because the ocean waves and the flute sound were so relaxing. This exercise is a "keeper" for me.
Dru
I found that both exercises were very good, however I enjoyed the subtle mind one much more. The subtle mind focused on myself more than the Loving-Kindness one did, and as a result I was able to be more focused and comprehensive of my surroundings. I'm a strong believer that one must first "fix themselves before fixing others", and with the subtle mind you are doing just so; loving kindness also is supposed to indirectly affect others along with yourself, so the singluar focus isn't there. Do you feel that the statement I made was true to you as well?
ReplyDeleteI think you bring up a good point about life's balancing acts. In today's society, we are such scatterbrained beings sometimes with so many things on our plate that we forget to take the much needed inner time to focus on ourselves. Meditation and inner calmness will not only help those cluttered thoughts, but will also help your overall sense of well-being.. great post! :)
ReplyDeleteJen Prince
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI know I have said this before but your ease of writing style has become one of my favorite blogs to fallow I wish I had found your site earilier in the class. In answer to your question, how do I pull the three aspects of my life together, I have to actually schedule a tiem for each, each day. I don't move on until the three boxes that you mentioned are checked off. Great post,
Rob