The loving-kindness exercise was pretty interesting, the soothing sounds, the lights projecting out of different parts of our bodies to symbolize different feelings. I had a easy time projecting love on those who are in my life that I am close to and taking in their suffering was no challenge as I tend to empathize with others easily. I really enjoyed this exercise I think because I implement it in my daily life already. The subtle mind was different, but I think as hard as it was for me to stop and try to shut down my random thoughts, it was nice to know I could if needed. I learned a lot about how mental chatter can really affect us on a daily basis and how important it is to learn how to control it. I understand the brain can be trained now, which I wasn't really aware of before. Visualization was a little bit harder for me, especially trying to visualize a wise man in my life, there haven't been any other than my now husband. The only man I consider wise enough to turn to for advice is Jesus so it makes it hard but easy at the same time, as far as the visualization goes, it's easy to see Him but hard to picture anyone else. As for meditation, I had a very difficult time accomplishing this, I don't mind sitting here for hours typing information or dialogue, but to sit and do nothing but listen to instructions, is very hard and almost painful for me. My mind wanders so easily, and again, I know this is where the witnessing mind exercise should come in, but I just feel like time is so precious and rare that I want to take full advantage of every second. Sitting still for even twenty minutes straight seems like a waste of time to me, when so much more could be getting done. Guess it goes back to my type A personality kicking in, but in some regards, it keeps me from being lazy!
The two most beneficial practices I feel were the loving-kindness and the visualization. The ways I can implement them into my life is by practicing them on a daily basis, or continuing to, and teaching others that are interested to do the same. Visualization has helped me conquer many fears and reach many goals in my life, it is like a mental to-do list for me, like I mentioned before, I visualize what I need to get done before I go into work every Sunday and by seeing myself doing it in the order it needs to be done, I get it done. I love doing that, mentally preparing myself sets me up for success.
Hi Jada,
ReplyDeleteIt is no wonder I am sitting here reading your post. I love following your blogs because they are truly inspiring to me and honest. My favorite exercise was also the loving kindness practice which I now have learned to schedule into my daily activities. I love the way it makes me feel inside and how it makes me react to others as well. Considering you have such a difficult time sitting still have you had to create time to practice these exercises or have you found a way to just use them (like visualization) throughout the day in your mind? I wish you all the best on your journey and I have no doubt you will inspire many people in your lifetime.
Mary
Wow thank you for that, I never think I inspire anyone lol. I can be so honest because at this point in my life I truly feel I have nothing to lose by telling the truth no matter the consequences. I'm not out to hurt anyone or offend anyone but I do feel the age old saying, honesty is the best policy! Thank you for your words of encouragement, it means a lot to me personally. Good luck to you also on your journey, sounds like you are on your way!
DeleteHi Jada, very well put post! First, I'd like to thank you for taking care of your blog posts early in the week! I know I can count you to get my blog responses out of the way. :)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with your statement about preparation and success. I also believe that luck favors the non prepared. But, opportunity and success favors those who are prepared. I always try to start my day thinking about positive things. And right before I officiate a basketball game, I visualize myself working hard, getting good looks, and managing the game well. It helps set a positive tone in my mind and helps smooth things along.
Hi Jada,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same as you- it was a bit hard to picture a wise person, and meditation was not easy for me either, as my mind wanders as well. Luckily I took this course as an elective, and not as part of my major. :) I don't know if I could continue doing the exercises in this class for the rest of my life.
Visualization is a useful tool. I have been utilizing it for years but never knew that it was a considered a healing practice. I have found that visualizing things can help make them happen. There have been several times that I visualize myself doing something, and then later on, I end up doing it. It's amazing what the mind is capable of!
Donna
Jada-
ReplyDeleteLike you, I also liked the Subtle Mind exercise, but found it a little difficult to just acknowledge all of the random thoughts without grasping on to any of them. It really is amazing how much can go through our minds in only 20 minutes. Great post and like the others have mentioned, I also really enjoy reading what you have been posting. Keep up the great work!
-Rachel Harris
Hello Jada,
ReplyDeleteI am kind of right on the same wave length as you, I found that the loving kindness was somewhat easy and I also found the subtle mind exercise difficult because, it is very hard to let go of those random thoughts and trying to get them under control. I really feel the same way you do about meditation, I too find it very hard and "painful" to concentrate on nothing and to clear your mind of all randoms thoughts. I really do enjoy reading your posts and you are one of my favorite classmates that I go to every week to read and respond to your posts! Great posts once again!
Thanks for your post! I also had a hard time concentrating on 'nothing'. I can do the guided visualization, and relax easier. I will try to do it daily as you recommend to conquer my fears. It is difficult to deal with them all, but if I visualize dealing with a small one every day it should be easy to get a handle on it.
ReplyDeleteHello Jada,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your final project and I completely agree with you, when you said "wounded people wound others" I think that is so true! When you are unhappy with and about yourself, how are you supposed to show happiness and compassion to others, you can't and won't do it. You feel as if you want to bring people down to your level, to make you feel the same way as you, and I think it is sad that it is our human nature to do this to others, instead of being happy for others in our trying times. Great project!