Hello all,
This week we had to experiment with the Loving-Kindness exercise and our results from it. I can see that this exercise would take some time to develop. While I can calm myself down to a calm, thoughtful state, I found that the level of oneness needs to be taken up a notch. I can't foresee myself doing this overnight. One needs to be consistent with the exercise in order to gain benefit from it. I think that it is wonderful way to explore the next level of consciousness from within us but it will definitely take time to do. I could not stay focused enough as I had to many thoughts from the day. I can see trying this before I get out of bed in the morning or perhaps in time that I am laying in bed waiting to fall asleep.
I believe that the concept of a mental workout is to use these exercises on a daily basis to help expand the consciousness. The practice is not really for relaxation per se, but as a tool for expanded healing within our minds and physical health.
Hello Shards of Moonlight. I can really agree with you that this exercise was not relaxing. It does take more concentration than a relaxing exercise should take. i myself do not even know if I could concentrate enough in the morning to do this. It was almost boring for me and that was why I had concentration issues. However, last weeks and this weeks exercises I had trouble doing because I was so tired by the time I got to actually doing them late in the evening.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
I also didn't find the exerise relaxing. I find the idea of breathing in the suffering of others and exhaling positive thoughts to them to be strange. I pray for others all the time, and I kept wanting to pray instead of focus my breathing. I don't think these types of exercises are for me. My mind tends to wander too when doing these exercises. It seems like many of us have the same issues.
ReplyDeleteHello SOM,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that these practices are going to take some time. I too find it difficult to stop my mind from sensless chatter. I like to listen a couple times first--get the steps down and then do it on my own. I find it difficult to relax and concentrate on loving-kindness when someone is talking in my ear.
I found it helpful to practice in the evening combined with a hot bubble bath and deep breathing. As I breath in relaxation and picture tension, stress, and anxiety going out with every out-breath, I can then project this for others as well.
Stay well!! :-}