I did the universal loving kindness meditation exercise, and I have to say that it was hard to really focus lol. I kept forgetting what I was supposed to be meditating on, so I would stop and read again. I'm not surprised since I have 4 kids and they all had the last few days off from school, makes it hard for anything. I do find this similar to what I ask in my daily prayers, though, so that made it easier to understand.
I read the integral assessment steps, but I have already known for a long time that I need growth and development psychologically to help take control of my depression and extreme emotional vulnerability. The most significant sources of distress in my life have always been money, but especially now; this causes personal physical and emotional frustrations and hopelessness, plus relationship tension and effects my family as a whole. Also, I live in a small town and someone is spreading rumors about me (which is soooo juvenile) and I don't even know what's going on, lol. I have kids on meds for mental issues, I'm on meds I want to get off of, and my other half needs meds he can't get right now (he has anger issues). Too many things to focus on in one exercise, but it would go smoother if my children were not screaming lol. Right now the only things that I seem to be able to do for exercise of any kind is my treadmill and stretching/yoga; I want to incorporate some Ayurveda into it as well.
I think affirmation in all positive forms are beneficial, just like this exercise, and since it is similar to your prayers it sounds like it wasn’t that hard for you to relate to the activity. You just needed time to focus without kids in the back ground. How did you try to eliminate the distractions? Did you go into a quite room or did you have to place yourself somewhere further away while doing this practice?
ReplyDeleteFinancial issues, I think, are among the worse causes of stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. It can do devastating things, only if you allow it. I know it can be hard to not think about it and sometimes it seems to engulf your whole day. I hope that at least once a day you be released from these thoughts so you can see that you can make it through and that everything will turn out okay, and that the situation you are in is not permanent. I think when you allow yourself that one time to think beyond the current moment it will open up a chance to slowly break down the barrier that money has built around your thoughts. I personally dislike money and the restraint it can have on your well-being. I have to focus on my health, my studies, and other positive things in my life to not let it take over my thoughts. How have you been trying to manage this distress in your life?
Hey Crystal,
ReplyDeleteI think you are off to a great start with the yoga and running on the treadmill. Especially yoga because it allows you to just relax and breeeeath. Girl you do NOT look like you have four kids lol...I was shocked when I read that because you look so young! I can imagine things get a little hectic there at times and a good yoga session would do you good for sure :) I know what you mean about the money issues. I wouldn't say I have money issues right now but I still worry about it for no reason at all. What I have found helps is just knowing and reminding myself that God is in control and he will provide. I may not have the best things in life but somehow I always end up with food on the table and a roof over my head and having that heavy worrying burden off my shoulders makes a huge difference in my mood and outlook. I hope everything works out for you and you are able to find some peace in your day :)
Jerrica