The woman’s voice most definitely was better than the guy’s voice from the first two exercises we listened to. Then you add the waves and the faint panflute music playing in the background was enough alone to relax me and to fall into a sleep. Overall, this was a good exercise. I would recommend this. The only problem I found myself having was when we were to spread our loving-kindness to our enemies. While we were to do this, we were also spreading our loving-kindness out to strangers. I had no problem at this but my mind would automatically place my enemies in a bubble away from the strangers, stopping my loving-kindness to spread to them. I am just not at the place yet where I can let those enemies in or feel they deserve my loving-kindness. Maybe someday I will be able to pop that bubble but honestly not today.
The concept of Mental Workout is to gain more patience and an inner calmness within as well as gaining a more peaceful mind. The research prove that when doing a mental workout everyday and sticking with it for years to come can help someone’s overall well-being, tranquility, and a feeling of completeness. This practice will help in the journey of love-kindness and the subtle mind. Mental workout can be implemented into anyone’s lives. This can be done by setting aside a time every day, preferably the same time each time in a nice quiet comfortable siren location where one can concentrate on their mental workout/exercise. Just as one would plan a workout for the body each day, one should do the same for their mind and can be worked in the same time. I plan to try this at least once a day first and continue till I can work up to two times a day. I have talked to my best friend about this class & the exercises and we are planning a “mediation session” if you will together and try to balance out our mind, body, & spirit.
4 comments:
Pam,
I too found the sounds soothing, but I have a problem with totally relaxing. I am not very good with the imagery either, so I did not do well with this exercise. I also have problems with showing love to my enemies, though I feel I do a good job with strangers. I also agree with your comments ragarding Mental Workout and know if I do it daily, I will have better health. I just have a problem with doing anything for myself. I believe this class is going to benefit me. Great post.
Thank you! If you are a mom I think it is safe to say for all of us mothers, that it is hard for us to do things for ourselves. I admit, I do get wrapped up in motherhood and tend to forget about doing this for myself. Well I tend to do that most of the time. I feel guilty if I go out and find myself having fun or even sitting time aside. I feel guilty, I feel I should be doing something wonderful & positive for someone else. I don't want to be selfish, that is not in my nature. That I have to get beyond and realize that is only healthy to do for ourselves.
Hi Pam! Being able to love your enemies is definitely not an easy thing to do. At one point in my life, I had a clear-cut enemy. I wanted to destroy that person. I have been angry at people before, but this was different. I spent alot of time having it eat me up inside and then one day someone told me to forgive her. They said that forgiving her was for me, not for her. I struggled with that for months. Then one day, I popped that "bubble" at the release of anger, anguish, torment and hate was almost immediate. I had let it go and I was the one who felt better. I felt so incredible, that I can now understand the idea of loving your enemies, not for what they do, but the inner spirit that resides there. No one is perfect. Letting myself forgive was the best gift I could ever give myself. One of my most favorite sayings is, "The best revenge is living a good life." So very true it is.
Pam I found this exercise to be helpful and hurting for a few moments. I can relate to the concerns with the enemies. I had problems with the suffering. It overwhelmed me with so much sorrow that it took a few minutes to get rid of it. By that time I was no longer relaxed. I can agree with you, the woman's voice was much nicer