Unit
Four
1.
I cannot stress enough the
importance of finding a quiet, comfortable place to practice. I was able to
focus during the beginning of this exercise, but after my daughter interrupted me
about five times, I was not able to get it back. I found that I was able to
visualize that positive someone the exercise calls for, and I could feel myself
feeling up with love. I feel that I was also able to focus when the direction
called for breathing in the pain of a loved one and breathing out good health
and love. However, I always find it difficult to clear my mind and merely accept thoughts
and feelings without exploring them.
I certainly will recommend meditation to others.
I think that meditation requires discipline and stamina that I have yet to
develop. I also think it is a matter of finding the right technique for the
right person. I will have to try this exercise again when I am sure to have the
house to myself.
2.
A mental workout is essentially
contemplative practice. According to Dacher, contemplative practice helps us to
quiet and tame the mind, and allows us “to gain access to the more subtle
levels of the mind” (2006, p. 62). Research indicates that training the mind my
even cause structural changes to the brain (Dacher, 2006). Also, mental training reinforces
the mind-body connection, and by focusing on positive and/or healing thoughts
the mind and body can experience healing (Dacher, 2006).
Dacher, E., M.D. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA:
Basic Health Publications.
Vernita, I know exactly how you feel. Every time I think I'm focused, my 4 year old stepdaughter pipes in with "Mommy, can you turn on my shows?" and proceeds to hand me the remote!......lol. When I was able to shoo her out of the room for a few minutes, I pretty much got it back. The only part that I had a hard time with was the taking in of the suffering of the loved one--that took a bit of doing, and I'm not sure I was all the way there.
ReplyDeleteVernita,
ReplyDeleteI love your colorful background and also the feeding fish that I have on my blog as well. I know all to well the theme of children, although I only have one, I also work in a school setting with hundreds of them. I look back everyday now that my daughter is almost 18 and say, I kinda liked all the disruptions when she was little because that's what kids do. Find a way to turn such disruptions as a learning positive experience, because everything happens for a reason and you will be happier. I did not get the gist of the exercise because I found it was too long and I really do not have an imagination. I thought it was also interesting to take in suffering and change it with love, peace and happiness. I'll keep on trying....
Nice post!
Donna
Donna,
DeleteYou are so right, someday I'll look back and think that all of the disruptions were precious. I am trying to be more mindful of that--it's just so hard sometimes! Thanks for the reminder.
I also liked the concept and imagery associated with taking in another's pain and changing it into health and love.
I'm the same way when it comes to focusing. I find that one of my kids always interrupt me, even if I go in my room and lock the door they always seem to find a way to "need" something. I really did like the part about the exercise where you breath in someones pain.
ReplyDeleteI also think that the mind-body connection is so important, which is why i've been trying to learn meditation. It's so hard for me to do! I always end up giggling or my mind wanders.