It was really difficult for me to concentrate on the Loving Kindness meditation since I needed to keep my eyes open to read the phrases. I much prefer closing my eyes and listening to someone narrate the meditation. The Integral Assessment showed me that I am really well developed in the biological area. I am fairly strong in the interpersonal and worldly but I have a lot of work to do on the psychospiritual realm. I am far from arriving at the understanding of the ultimate reality of self and world (Dacher, 2006). I really need to work on being less reactive. I also rely too heavily on logic. I am a Capricorn and have a tendency to need to see things to believe them. I like facts. There is so much in this world that can not be explained. I need to open my being to the essential truths.
I can improve my psychospiritual self by participating in contemplative practices such as meditation and prayer. I have downloaded the Loving Kindness exercise and the Subtle Mind exercise onto my Ipod and have been listening to those on occasion. I also downloaded several more meditations and plan to try and meditate daily.
Reference:
Dacher, Elliot. (2006). Integral health: The path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health.
Hi Merrell,
ReplyDeleteIt really is important to take a few moments each day to focus on our inner self, but unfortunately many of us just cannot or do not make the time. Meditation has been shown to be beneficial in preventing or minimizing health issues and that is due largely in part to the reduction of stress. I also had difficulty with the Loving Kindness exercise. Someone suggested to me to try it first thing in the morning upon waking when the mind is becoming alert but is still receptive to a meditative state.
Also, there is a game on the Wii Fit in which you sit cross-legged on the balance board and stare at a "flame". The purpose is to sit as still as you possibly can without flinching when they make sudden noises on the game. When you do move the flame begins to flicker and will eventually burn out. I am actually pretty good at it, and I am enjoying testing my concentration even more now since beginning this class! Great post!
Merrell,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your post. I actually loved the Loving-Kindness practice and found it to be very helpful towards my spiritual well-being. However, if was revealed that I need to work on being more of a listener. The funny thing is that I realized sometime ago that I needed work in this area. This course and the different techniques are just confirmation that I'm moving in the right direction. Like yourself, I'm also listening to the Loving-Kindness and Subtle Mind tapes as I think they're effective in our spiritual growth. Good luck.
Anita
Merrell,
ReplyDeleteThat was a good idea to have someone read it to you while being able to close your eyes, relax and listening to the exercise. I did enjoy this exercise as well and find the more of these we do, the more I learn about myself as well. I have always felt that I have been open-minded so this is a plus. Being receptive is important in order to grow.
Great blog,
Sandi
Merrell,
ReplyDeleteI would of also perfered to do both exercises with my eyes closed and more relaxed. I found them both to be very easy to follow, but it will take more practice to get the understanding of these practices. I need peace and quiet inorder to get the full aspect of any mind exercise, because it take me some time to get my mind focused and more receptive. Great blog!!
Cristine
Merrel,
ReplyDeleteI agree the loving-kindness exercise is a bit more difficult in having to read the phrases rather that being able to really relax and close your eyes. It sounds like you did a really great job identifying areas within your life that you would like to improve upon. Sometimes the hardest part is making those identifications.
Merrel,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that it is so important to find the right way to do any sort of meditative practices. I also do better when listening so that I can focus on what needs to be focused on, my experience! I tried to take the loving phrases one by one, taking each of them in and repeating one over and over before moving on to the next. It really helped me take it in and experience it with my whole being. My psychospiritual aspect of my being is a focus for me as well. Prayer and meditation are so important for this and I hope to continue to incorporate them in my life every day...even if it's just for 5 minutes at a time.
Victoria