I was much more comfortable with the Subtle mind exercise than the Loving Kindness exercise. I could not capture the feelings of love that Loving Kindness required. It is not that I do not love the people in my life, but that overwhelming feeling was just not there. For the Subtle mind exercise, I found it simple enough, but I have not been able to find a place where I can truly relax. I lose my concentration quickly and am not able to focus, so I give up after a while. I get frustrated with my busy mind and would like to be able to calm it down. This just proves to me how much I undoubtedly need to learn this. I wonder if there is an exercise out there called “Relaxing for Dummies”!
Comparing spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness is not easy for me, either. I originally rated myself a zero in spirituality, but I upped it to a two after enjoying a beautiful morning walk. I am not a big nature girl, but I enjoy the simple and natural beauty of frost in the morning, the sun shining, clouds blowing across the sky, a glowing sunset, waves crashing onto a beach, etc. These things make feel connected to this earth in a way nothing else can. I guess seeing the beauty in everything around you can be spiritual. If you can do that, be it in nature, or people, or everyday items, you have a healthy spirit. This can be a foundation for a healthy mental outlook, which improves your physical wellness in turn. I have a good appreciation for nature and people, and my mental well-being is not bad, but needs improvement, just as my physical health does.
Sally
It sounds like your difficultly is the same in both practices. To not capture the feelings and not find a place are about doing something to get what you think the practice ought to provide. I think the awareness of “feeling not overwhelmed,” of “not concentrating,” of giving up and feeling frustrated are what the mind is doing. They are the focus and center stage distracting from the deeper aspects of the subtle mind. You don’t need a book for Dummies; you need to be commended for taking on the task of discovering the unexplored aspects of yourself that keep you from experiencing your optimal health and well-being. As you continue to be with what is in your life it changes; it has a purpose and once served dissipates. To me as the smaller stuff is resolved we get to the greater things and are prepared having learned to pay attention.
ReplyDeleteYour experience is similar to mine; I don’t think anything is really happening and want to give up. I also don’t feel spiritual or any of that but I have this feeling that something is happening. I realize we are on the same path and are making progress. I think we should keep it up.
Thank you, Chaz.
ReplyDeleteI am very discliplined when it comes to my responsiblilities to others, but very lax when it comes to responsibilities for myself. I am taking this seriously, but have just not found the focus I need yet. But I will keep trying!
Sally, I like your honesty. It is a job to make yourself commit time and energy to doing these exercises. I would not call myself religious, although with living in the Bible belt there is literally a church on every corner! I do think myself as spiritual and aware of the other worldliness of existence. You are trying and that does count. Many people want to give up without even giving it an attempt!
ReplyDeleteDeb
Sally,
ReplyDeleteI agree that Subtle Mind was easier. But I spent most of the time acknowledging and moving on from thoughts.
I once tried a meditation I read in some book. It did help a little with the concentrating. Not sure why this particular one did. What you do is get calm and quiet. Then concentrate on a word like PRAY or LOVE. Actually mentally see each letter. Slowly go from letter to letter, spending time imaging the space between the letters too. Imaging the space between is used to help reach calm-abiding or unity consciousness...I think.
Good luck, Jackie
Hi Sally good blog and I love your honesty about your self. I agree with you 100% that this exercise was much more easier to do and relate to than our last one. I like the fact that you are willing to try as best as you can before just giving it up. I think with that attitude and mind set you can go far and get to where you want to be. It was also good to go back and re-rate yourself after discovering new results once you did your walk. To me I think you may have found that place of comfort and peace of mind. Good post overall.
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