Subtle Mind Exercise
Loving kindness gives us a
feeling of giving, and concentrates on giving and dissolving a loved one’s
problems as well as the entire world as a whole. You reach a real comfortable
place and cannot move any limb of your body. After loving-kindness you know how
to relax the mind, and get to a consciousness where you have let go. After the
session you feel rejuvenated and reset even as you progress through each new
time. The subtle mind exercise has moments where you cannot move as well, you
are actually in the same consciousness but the new directions allow you to
focus on a different thing, a focal point such as your breathing. Incredibly
your mind cannot just focus on the breathing it brings up random memories and
ideas that you have to wield off. Letting go of each thought is difficult
because some thoughts linger for more time. With that said, you have to reach back
to your focal point of breathing. Balancing your breathing, your focus on
letting your thoughts go is a matter of practice. I know that I was weak at
this exercise because I was jumping all over the place, yet I was able to
visualize my thoughts falling into nothingness and directing my focus towards
my breathing time and time again. This was the witnessing of the mind, I found
that this could be fun as well as relaxing. I didn’t get much analysis of my
mind, I did get a first start and found it different and the same as the Loving-Kindness.
Nothing frustrating at this time, and life is good!
Good resource: http://wellness.ucr.edu/spiritual_wellness.html
Spiritual wellness is a balance of our
beliefs and values. With that in check, you are now free to use contemplative
workouts. I am a strong believer that making right choices in our life brings us balance and happiness. The inner tools we use to develop positive strategies can bring us
this wellness. It’s really a snowball effect, one leads to the other and it
drives in that direction. I feel best when my behavior is at its best. I don’t
just mean doing the right thing and going towards positivity. I mean
accomplishing more, becoming more and living more. I take steps to reach these
inner goals and this brings me a mental wellness that is a vibrant source to
others. With a positive mind, body and spirit you can’t go wrong. I hit the
courts and track to really bring a positive vibe and to get in a balanced to
get those endorphins. This inner connectedness is something everyone should be
aware of and should practice to help one another.
Hello Kevin,
ReplyDeleteYes I have to agree I had some what of a similar experience with the relaxation exercises. Before starting the subtle mind one I thought it would be pretty easy to focus and relax since we had already practiced last weeks Loving Kindness. However, for some reason it almost seemed like it was more difficult to focus. I had to focus on breathing much more than I thought I would but I think with some practice it can be a soothing and relaxing meditation. Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us. Have a wonderful week.
Hello Kevin,
ReplyDeleteAlthough it can be tough to focus at first, once I got the hang of both exercises they left me feeling pretty good. I actually had an easier time with the subtle mind exercise as calming the mind seems to come natural to me. My wife often wonders how I am able to so easily calm and clear my mind, I have not figured that out but I am not complaining either.