Subtle Mind Exercise

As I completed this subtle mind exercise as described on pg 75 of our text book Dacher (2009). I was able to focus on the breath for probably 3-5 mins before interruptions started coming in. After that is was a struggle to keep my mind from wondering to different aspects of my life, things to do and all the other mindless chatter. I can see where more practice will help me to become more focused in my life and help me with patience as well. What I noticed to be the difference between the two exercises is one is focusing our energy on quieting the mind while the other one focused more on opening our heart to more giving and compassion of others. I enjoyed both exercises, I would have to say the loving kindness exercise was easier to do then quieting the mind. I am not sure how to describe the spiritual wellness and mental/physical wellness as Dacher did in his book. But for me to personalize it I would say that my spiritual wellness is what makes me who I am. My spirit, breaths, recognizes and interprets what I need in my life and my mind therefore thinks it and my body react to what my spirit as witnessed to my mind. I do not always act accordingly, to demonstrate a controlled human being who is trying to ascend to a higher state of awareness, but I know that through constant acknowledgement of where I am emotionally and mentally, I am on the right path to achieving my higher goal. To be at peace with my self and the world around me.

Loving Kindness Exercise

I thought this practice was very interesting. As I envisioned the people I hold dear and breathing in the love I have for them, a smile came upon on my face at a relaxed state. When it was time to think about a loved one being ill and breathing in those feelings and exhaling love , peace and joy. I felt it truly working. I saw myself breathing in this dark cloud that hung over their presence and as I exhaled the love I envisioned them in, it became much more clear. I know this exercise really helped me especially when it came to the people in my life who are not so kind and loving. ( enemies ) As I breathed in their distress and unloving actions and allowed it to dissolve in my heart, I automatically felt at ease and was able to exhale the peace and love into their life. This exercise helped me with forgiving those who have wronged me and helped me to be more aware of the love I show those that I care deeply about. I would recommend this exercise to others because I think it will help remove blockages in our mind-body-spirit, that stops us from progressing to a much higher level of consciousness.

I believe the mental work out concept means to practice everyday to control our thoughts whether it be through meditation or some other means to quiet the mind. Our mind/brain is a muscle that can be developed even further by being consciously aware of our thoughts and actions. I am dedicating myself to a mental work out everyday and through that I know I will cultivate the desire to work out more physically. Because our mind-body-spirit is connected to react to each of its own sensations.