I was definitely in the mood to meditate today, so I enjoyed the subtle mind exercise. They played that same background loop of the crashing waves as they did during the loving kindness exercise, but now that I am used to it, it didn't bother me as much. Other similarities include the speaker's voice and pauses during the exercises. It is obvious that the two exercises are related, and that they were created by the same people.
They differ in their directions and pacing. Loving kindness aimed to alleviate emotional pain and spread love and peace. The subtle mind then took that peace and focused the mind inward. This reveals our deeper mind, and allows us to be one with time and fight the urge to cling to moments of thought and emotion (Dacher, 2006). Loving kindness is good to practice first as is introduces the audience to the the exercise technique. This makes the subtle mind a more comfortable exercise. This time it felt okay to be alone.
Spiritual wellness connects to mental and physical wellness in regards to health. It brings confidence and a feeling of security or truth to those who can turn inside themselves. To be calm and at peace will bring mental clarity and thus promote benefits to our physiology. We can try to remove the spiritual aspect and simply demand "calm" from our mental mind, but that will not bring peace. The mental chatter would have no way of dissolving. This would cause great stress on our self. Spiritual wellness is necessary for human flourishing and whole health (Dacher, 2006).
Spiritual wellness is manifested in my life by the practice of guided meditation, and the exercise of skillful action (Dacher, 2006). I aim to show loving kindness everyday. My husband is my best friend, my pets are my children, and my coworkers and clients enrich my life. I have purpose behind my decisions and act accordingly. It is necessary to think as clearly as possible in order to keep balance and comfort in the things around me. If unfortunate events happen one day; it is definitely wise to try to recenter as soon as possible.
Reference:
Dacher, E. (2006). Integral Health: The Pathway to Human Flourishing. Basic Health Publications Inc: Laguna Beach, CA.
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I agree with you Jamie. This exercise was so much better than the loving-kindness. I think I am better at putting emotions into action rather than expressing them or truly showing them.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog I agree you have to be in the mood to mediate. it does put you at ease and it seems like you really have a great handle on your life! Good job!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog!!! I really enjoy reading your thoughts and experiences. You are very inspiring as well! I have to say that meditation is something I am growing to love more and more.
ReplyDeleteGood review of the subtle mind!
ReplyDeleteMy husband is my best friend as well, and I love to think those loving-kindness thots about him. And yes, I agree, re-centering is important if we are upset and the subtle mind is a good way to re-focus. Meditation on thankfullness is a great way to get back to the positive as well. I too enjoyed your post and the way you put your thots down into words.
A good week to you!
Hi Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your comments on subtle mind. I never thought that I had the time for meditation, but now that I practice it, I don't know how I managed without it. Meditation has allowed me to literally take a moment to take a breath and re-focuss.
Great blog!
Carol