The two practices I am most fond of
are the subtle mind exercise in unit 5 and the Journey On guided relaxation
exercise from unit 2. Up until this
term, I did not consider the health implications of having a mind busied with
mental chatter.
The concept of possessing a subtle
mind had not occurred to me and the possibility of silencing my mind was
unimaginable. Most of my past attempts
to meditate (outside prayer) have been futile. In doing the exercise, I was able to catch a tiny
glimpse of what it would be like to observe thoughts, images, feelings, without
grasping on to them. I realize that
commitment and diligence would be required in order to cultivate a witnessing
and subtle mind, but the availability of such means to train the mind provides
me with hope. This would be especially
ideal during stressful times, as it would provide a break from the anxiety I so
often experience when dealing with issues.
As a matter of fact, I may resort to practicing this exercise tonight,
as an issue with my rental property has surfaced and I am trying to stave off
anxiety :( I can only stand to benefit from
learning to detach myself from anything negative associated with this
particular issue.
As a fan of guided relaxation
meditations, I immediately took a liking to the unit 2 Journey On
exercise. This exercise is centered on
the power of suggestion – a concept that shouldn’t be easily dismissed. I am not promoting immediate gratification,
but if you allow yourself to be open to this meditation, chances are, you will
feel the effects of it without much delay.
Relaxation ensued within minutes of doing the exercise.
I see the value in all of the
exercises we’ve completed throughout the units, even those that I had
difficulty with, such as the Loving Kindness meditation and Meeting Aesclepius. I intend on repeating them. I do realize the importance of including them
in one’s routine, if it is integral health and human flourishing that one seeks
in life.
I love reading your comments because you are so open and you always include God! I think that is so important because I have realized that these practices apart from God can only get us so far. I felt a peace with these that I do not usually feel but I have recently been working on my relationship with God and giving Him my problems even though I am afraid to. I am a fixer and if I don't have control I panic, but I am learning that God will make everything go to my good and the good of my family if I just trust in Him. Doing this has given me so much peace the last couple of days since I have really dedicated everything into His hands! It is a continuous peace that I only felt a bit of during the exercises. I believe these exercises are wonderful tools to help us be happier, healthier, and more whole, but for them to work in the long run, God has to be holding your hand. Good luck and I hope that everything goes well with your rental situation. I will be praying for that for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your response! I am very touched by your openness to God and also by your offer of prayer - thank you! It does provide me with a sense of peace when I actually offer up my troubles to Him. I realize that we also need to do our part, but when we allow Him to guide us and are able to discern His will, things somehow fall into place, regardless of how difficult a situation is. I've been witness to this on numerous occasions! I believe that things will work out in regards to my rental situation, but I will continue to pray and do what I can on my part to take care of the situation. I really appreciate your feedback..it is always inspiring when people can relate in faith :) Blessings to you!
DeleteHello Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI have to recognize that for me was hard to do the subtle mind exercise as well. We are used to be thinking about something all the time, and when it comes to quiet our mind is somewhat difficult. Fortunately, as much as we practice this exercises, we will get better and better in quieting our mind and watching our feelings and thoughts. I agree with you that definitely, we need to be committed to cultivate a subtle mind, and the practice will take us to higher levels.
Great post,
~Yesica Gonzalez.