Loving Kindness:
I am really struggling with the Loving Kindness exercise. I have two daughters that I love dearly and would do anything for, but I cannot elicit the feelings that the exercise suggests I should have when thinking of one or the other of them. I have the same problem when trying to think of either my mother or father. I cannot feel the depth of emotions that it seems I should have to complete the exercise. I know that I tend to hide my feelings quite deep inside, so I will continue to try this exercise and report later if I have any success with it.
Mental Workout:
The concept of a “Mental Workout” is to use contemplative practices to open our hearts and minds, and then to further develop the mind. Without using our mind and exercising it, we are not attaining our potential to discover and evolve our psychospiritual self. The two types on contemplative practices are loving kindness and the subtle mind. Loving kindness is to focus our concern and compassion on others and their needs before our own. The subtle mind is the taming of our busy minds to a stillness where we can develop a witnessing consciousness, or a trained mind that can set aside distractions and become clear and focused towards peacefulness.
You articulated exactly what I felt as well. I used my Mom as my 'love' example. She was my best friend and as I am not married, she was also my significant other in a way. I can't begin to express what I felt when she died. But for some reason I didn't feel that I captured the depth of love I should have. I just didn't feel like it was good enough. I hope we both get better with practice.
ReplyDeleteJackie
Thank you, Jackie!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad it is not just me that had that problem. I know I really need to learn to relax and clear my mind, so I will keep trying.
Sally I have a little practice that serves me, maybe it can you too. Close your eyes and think of one instance that stands out as being memorable? Once you have just one, think about the circumstances, what everyone was wearing, where were you, what lead up to it. Were you standing, sitting or lying down? Stay with it for a while and just breathe. Is there any place in particular that you feel bodily sensations? Can you breathe into those areas? How about smell and scents associated with this experience? Just relax for a few minutes, stop any further inquiry and notice what comes up.
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