Hey all~
I went through the exercise and I was a little more relaxed that it was a females voice, and that she wasn't always narrating the exercise. I listened to her talk for a few minutes, but then realized I had been staring the wall and spacing out, with no recollection of what I had just heard. I couldn't remember if she had actually said anything, or if I was just not paying attention, which sort of bothered me, lol. With this personal experience, I really can't say whether or not I would recommend this to anyone, as I myself cannot remember any of it. Is this supposed to happen, like a subconscious thing? Almost like a trance.
Training the mind is like training your body; you have to build up to where you want to be, as far as your level of strength. The first type of contemplative practice, loving-
kindness, opens our heart to others; this gradually diminishes self-centeredness, priming our mind for further development. The second contemplative practice addresses the three levels of the subtle mind—witnessing, calm-abiding, and unity consciousness.
Using practices like these help prepare the mind for further development and awareness of self and environment; this helps cope with outside stresses and emotional weight.
Hey Crystal I agree it is hard to stay focused when somebody isn't directing you with what to focus on specifically. I also tended to go off into space and then found myself thinking about the stuff that I had to do for the day. I think that for me, with some practice maybe I will learn to enjoy listening to calming music. If not there are so many more mp3s that I do enjoy. It really is about just finding what works for you personally.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your blog:)
Rachel
Hey Crystal,
ReplyDeleteI had some trouble with this exercise too. It wasn't so much that I was spaced out because as soon as I would she would start talking again and it would scare the crap out of me lol. I really couldn't calm my mind down enough to actually do all the things she wanted me to do. I think once I learn to control my thoughts more I would benefit from an exercise like this...until then I think I like the first exercise we were given better :)
Jerrica
Hi Crystal,
ReplyDeleteI had a very difficult time with this exercise.I found myself truly not focus at all. I was just spacing out during the entire time. Just didn't enjoy it. I agree with you about training mind it is just like training your body.Once you can train your mind you can complete anything you want to do.
Craig
Hi Crystal~
ReplyDeleteI wanted to take this time to tell you how much I admire you. You are a mom with special needs children and a Behavioral Psych Major. Wow! That is remarkable.
Going back to the exercise.....I had mixed feelings on this one. I truly enjoyed the ocean waves and the focusing on a loved one. For me, the positiveness of the exercise was therapeutic but when it came to "embracing all living things, including those whom you consider enemies" made me sad. I know that we should pray for our enemies and forgiveness is the key.....Hey, I just had an "Aha" moment. Perhaps this exercise did not have the intention of dwelling on the negative. Perhaps it had the intention to strengthen us through loving-kindness to release forgiveness to set us free. Hmmm....I am going to reevaluate this exercise. Take care!
I like your comment, reminding us that training your nmind is similar to training your body. II listened to this weeks recording a couple of times. Mostly because I did exactly what you did the first time. Spaced out and then relaized I probably missed it if she said anything. :) I think, for me, since this is all new, that the more I work on it the better I will benefit from these times of relaxing and just listening. I did listen to it a second time and was really glad I took that time. When I really focused on the whole exercise it was incredible the recharged feeling I had at the end and how positive the rest of my day went! :)
ReplyDeleteHi all, thank you for the kind words :) I am glad I am not alone in the difficulty of understanding, or following, these exercises. Sometimes I think I just can't stand to sit for that long lol.
ReplyDelete