I definitely enjoyed the subtle mind exercise over the loving-kindness exercise. I find it easier to concentrate on my breathing because it is actually something I am doing over trying to visualize a concept that I am not in my head (such as in the loving-kindness exercise). While focusing on the up and down motions of my breathing, I can truly feel my body begin to relax. The only frustration I found during this exercise was that my CD messed up mid way through the exercise, which broke my concentration. But for the little bit of a mental work out that I did get, it was beneficial.
Having a good spiritual connection seems to make a person be able to better simplify his or her own life. Having a spiritual purpose in this life can help a person relax about the extra nonsense that fills our heads. By maintaining a simple purpose in this life (which usually is something that correlates along the lines of the loving-kindness act), a person is able to stay more centered and calm, enhancing his or her mental health. Since a calm mental state reduces stress, this will thus also enhance physical health as well. This proves that each aspect of a mental, physical, and spiritual state of being are important when it comes to a complete sense of health.
Aimee Fairbanks
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Hello Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that you are gaining some positive results from the exercises. I on the other hand was not as fortunate with this one, the experience was completely different. I felt a bit more anxious, which may have hindered my thought process. I am happy to know that things are improving for you. We just have to find a way to stay focus and be positive about the outcome. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI try to get all my course work for the week finished up on Sundays and not very many of us have posted to our blog by then so I end up commenting to the same classmates each week. I hope you don't think I'm picking on you! I appreciate that you get your stuff done earlier!
I like this exercise much better too! I felt far more natural and pleasant. My CD was messed up too but I went back and re-read the instruction in the book and was able to do the remainder of the exercise - at least right up to the point well I fell asleep in my chair all three times! I've got the relaxation part down! I was just really tired and stressed this week. Still, even for dozing off, I think I made some real progress with this exercise.
Kelly
Hi Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about this exercise, although the CD breaking did break my concentration. I found it to be more relaxing and helpful. I like your explanation of the connection between spiritual, mental, and physical wellness. It brings a balance to life, especially during hard times. It helps keeps me centered and brings me back to my comfort zone when life gets frustrating.
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ReplyDeleteHey Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that this was a good experience for you. I liked it as well. I found this exercise to be easier for me to handle. I was able to focus on my breathing and I noticed that I was more relaxed this time around. I liked your stand point on the spiritual connection. I think it is important to be in tune with your body, mind and spirit.
Thanks,
Aaron
Hi Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you were able to get so much out of it, especially with the CD breaking. I too find it easier to focus on something external, such as the up and down motion of my breathing as opposed to somthing just in my mind.
Sarah
Aimee,
ReplyDeleteI felt the same frustrations as you did concerning the cd, I am still wondering what I was supposed to hear. Hopefully it will be addressed in seminar. I have had a stressful week and I was hoping to get more out of the exercise. I read that other classmates used the book to finish the exercise. I did not think about doing it the first place, plus I just do not see how reading would be as effective as listening. I hope you have a great week.
Jennifer