I
found the Loving-Kindness and visualization exercises to be the most beneficial
to me because I was the most successful at them. I found the subtle mind
exercise to be the most difficult, and therefore the most frustrating. As I may
have said many times before, I find it to be easier to focus my thoughts on
loving and healing others. I also find it to be relatively easy to visualize
outcomes, people, places, and better versions of myself. Focusing on my
breathing to the exclusion of all else, or clearing my mind and not grasping at
thoughts are skills I still need to develop.
I
can implement these practices in my life by taking the time to practice what I
have learned. I think the hardest part of any exercise routine is making it a
habit. Days go by without a thought in my mind for mediation. I make a to-do
list every night for the following day. I always put exercise as the first
thing on my list. I think mindful exercise will have to be the next item on my
daily lists.
I agree, the hardest part of any exercise routine is making a habit of it. But if you were able to make physical activity a part of your daily routine, then making meditation exercises part of your daily routine shouldn't be as difficult - that's how I look at it. If I'm able to participate in aerobic activity for 45 minutes daily, then I should be able to participate in mind exercises daily as well.
ReplyDeleteI also prefer the visualization approach Vernita. I think that until a daily routine and practice is instilled in us it is not an activity that most would typically think about engaging in. I have actually started to introduce this to my daughters in hopes that they can eventually learn these techniques and utilize them to learn how to relax and take time to self reflect and make clear sound decisions.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that making the mediations a routine in everyday living is quite difficult. I especially could not work with the specific exercises that the class shared, so mindful mediation was the most beneficial to me.
ReplyDeleteI am one during the day with no "me time" because I am around people consistently working. With that said, I have found one super funny way to avoid everyone for a minute of nothing but quietness. I hop the elevator from the ground floor and ride up to the 3rd floor---All by myself! I close my eyes and think about nothing, when the door opens I feel refreshed and free. I know my idea is quite off the wild side, but it works for me!
Have a fabulous week!
Donna
I was the opposite of you in terms of exercises. It's interesting how much easier focusing on others can be instead f ourselves. I think you should really try to focus on yourself with the other exercises, as you are just as important!!
ReplyDelete