In this weeks exercise of the subtle mind I found it more relaxing than the loving kindness exercise. I found it to be more focused on my thoughts and myself. My mind was let go to explore the thoughts that raced then quieted with the ebb and flow of the ocean waves. I did at some point feel like I was grasping at my thoughts just to have something to hold onto, like letting go of the side of a boat in the deep end of the ocean. It felt safer to hang onto them. In the loving kindness exercise I was forcing thought of someone in my mind and breathed in their troubles then breathed out peace to them. This exercise was a focus on myself with a free fall of thoughts.
It was frustrating at times because I wasn't sure how to let go of the chatter in my mind because I was trying to listen to the instructor. When I found myself in free space her voice startled me as we moved onto the next step.
I began this exercise with a migraine that I had been struggling with since yesterday. While in this exercise I felt like it was nonexistent. It also gave me a feeling of being high, like my head was floating. To me this was a sense of complete relaxation without being asleep. This exercise is an example of inner peace, spiritual wellness, and with the example of the sedation of my migraine is an example of physical well being. The sensation that my head was floating and free of my body is an example of mental wellness. My whole being was in a state of complete consciousness but unaware of outside factors. I believe that by practicing this exercise at least three times a week will give the student a more clear vision of themselves and the world around them as well as where they want to be spiritually, mentally and physically.
It seems I was more relaxed in this exercise than the last one because I started to doze off, however, it's a toss up which one I liked better. i agree with you this unit's exercise was more about us instead of another person. WOW! That's amazing it got rid of your headache. You were very relaxed and that's good. It's good to know that this exercise worked for you. :)
ReplyDeleteJen,
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to try this for a headache. I tend to get them all the time, and always was given medication to postpone the pain. That never really worked so I have started to just deal with them. Now that you mention this since this class and trying to practice these exercises I do tend to have less of them. It took someone else mentioning it to me for me to see that this could work. I also liked this one much more due to the individuality of it. It seemed easier for me to float around in my mental raft relaxed than breath in something and out something else. Just focusing on the breathing its self was enough for me. This was the first relaxation exercise that I actually enjoyed. Next time Im going to try and sit in a different position because I was so comfortable I fell asleep. I don't want to do that all the time so I need to find a middle ground that I can focus on without getting ultimately relaxed. Thanks for sharing your experience, and that was a very interesting take on the well-being aspect of all of this. I enjoyed how you tied it all together in your meditative state. :)
Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear the subtle mind exercise was successful for you. My experience was good, but I don't think I became as relaxed as you did. Maybe it is going to take more practice for me or it may be the time of day I decide to do the exercise. I agree I thought the subtle mind exercise was easier then the loving kindness exercise. We must be able to keep the spirit, mind, and body healthy to really be closer to integral health.
Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteThe subtle mind exercise was better experience for me than the loving kindness one. Just focusing on the breathing and hearing the waves is sort of relaxing for me. the loving kindness was hard to grasp just as you mentioned. trying to feel the pain of a loved one and releasing the peace to them was kind of hard because the one person that I was thinking about has been battling cancer for the last five years and the last two years has been a constant struggle. Because this person is related to me I feel her pain and suffering as if it was my own and it is really hard to bring that inner peace when you know what that person is going through.
Hi Jen:
ReplyDeleteAnother great post! Where do you find the words? I, too, was startled at times by her voice. I thought it could have been a lot softer (not volume-wise). It did, however, allow me to feel like a cloud, as if having an out of body experience. It made it easier for me to let go of mind clutter and concentrate on nothing. Don't get me wrong, I still have a long journey to go to reach the best level possible for me, but I am well on my way, and enjoying the journey. I am glad that we are all going on the journey together.
Blessings!
Jen,
ReplyDeleteLike many other this exercise was also easier for me this week. I think you made a great point about how it was easier for you because it was focused on you. As many others, I will also try this for my next migraine or headache in general. Great post and great idea!
Brandy