1. Compare and contrast the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle mind exercise. Explain your experience including the benefits, frustrations etc.
The subtle mind exercise was a bit more difficult for me than the Loving Kindness exercise. I found it to be very hard to concentrate and not give in the constant thoughts and images that kept running through my mind. I’m not sure if it is because I went into this exercise thinking of the distress I am going through with a relationship. There were times during this exercise in which I would free my mind and it seemed that my breaths would deepen and then I would get a thought my relationship trouble and my breaths shortened and I was almost anxious. In the last few days I have not done the loving kindness exercise or any meditation. I think this is partially due to the problems I am currently facing. I think that not taking the time to do them has in a way hindered my ability to concentrate.
2. Discuss the connection of the spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. Explain how the connection is manifested in your personal life.
Spiritual, mental and physical wellness is all connected and we cannot have one without the other. I believe that my physical wellness is better than my mental and my mental is better than my spiritual. While I had a hard time with the subtle mind exercise, I feel that when I do the loving kindness exercise I feel more at peace. I am able to be calm and relaxed and just at peace. I do need to continue to work on the spiritual aspect of my life and it is the most underdeveloped. By continuing the loving kindness and the subtle mind exercise I think that I will be better equipped in all areas of my life.
Hi Karli :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how when we need to do relaxation exercises to relieve stress we are under too much stress to do them properly? I seem to always have trouble with these types of exercises. I think my thoughts are moving too fast and don't want to slow down. I sure wish my body was that way. lol Maybe these types of exercises just don't work for you; I find listening to music or nature type noises helps me relax a lot more than these 'talking' exercises. Even sitting down to read a good book will help me relax and relieve stress.
Congrats on your upcoming wedding! I am a stepmom now to Cameron, who is 12. Unfortunately he lives in another state with his mom so we only get to see him a few times a year. He's a great kid though. It's tricky being a step parent, especially during the first few years of marriage, but don't get discouraged; things will work themselves out. Good luck to you!
Beth :)