The loving kindness exercise was interesting. I don’t know if I found it beneficial, I do think that if everyone in the world did the exercise there would be peace, harmony and joy throughout the world. If found it disturbing at first when they said to think of a love one in turmoil and to bring that dark cloud in; it took a bit for them to continue and when they said to release it and send health to them I felt better. I have a sister-in-law fighting cancer right now and I wish that making her well was as easy as the exercise. Although I do want to continue with the exercise I am not sure at this time if I would recommend this to others, I would tell them that it is worth a try an to see if they like it, but I would not rave about it at this time.
The concept of a mental workout is not just a concept but it has been proven that the mind can do marvelous things with the body, it can heal, it can relieve pain and a person who implements mental workouts has more control over their bodies, they have less stress and a clearer mind. Exercises like “Loving Kindness”, meditation, mental imagery and exercises that have a person get in touch with their body are good exercises for a mental workout. I prefer meditation and relaxation techniques that allow my mind to touch my body and relax the tense muscles and make me more aware of what it going on with my body.
Tamara,
ReplyDeleteI too did not feel I received much benefit from this exercise. However, I did find it relaxing. Like the others who have commented on my blog, I would also add that doing this exercise more might bring about new thoughts on it. I do not really see myself recommending this to many people that I know, however, I do know a couple of my friends who would actually enjoy it. I think I just need to be a little more open-minded about these exercises in order to maybe feel the full effect.
Jessica Jones
Tamara,
ReplyDeleteI was also not a big fan of the exercise. I know what you mean about being leary of bringing in someone else's pain or suffering. The initial thought is pretty overwhelming, especially since most people are suffering enough on their own. Well, at the very least, we have all shared an educational experience with this exercise, right?
Do you think it may be more beneficial, instead of meditating on loving kindness, to actually do something loving for someone? I have done this before and it is amazing how performing a loving action can make the spirit swell!
Erin
Tamara,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and the other posts you have received. I was a little wigged out by the idea of bringing in the suffering of another. As Erin stated, we all kinda have enough of our own. that's not to say that we are not willing to help another that is suffering but to bring their pain in to ourselves seems like a little too much.
Tamara
ReplyDeleteOddly enough this is the first exercise that I was able to do. I definitely see why it was difficult. I thought of my son when it was time to think of someone else's suffering. Although I have been very aware of his sadness, I really gained some perspective when I had to bring the whole thought of it in. It was emotional. Thoughts of loving and kindness to you and your sister-in-law. Thank you for being so candid.
Tamara, I found myself praying for the people I know of in time of suffering which is many. I found the exercise as a great experience because it can be used for a peaceful relaxing way to pray for others.
ReplyDeleteI think that our school systems should start a class for children that teaches them meditation and other techniques to deal with their stress. Children have so much put on them these days, they grow up too fast and learn and see things they shouldn't. Maybe if we taught them how to deal with these issues then they would have a better chance at becoming successful and we wouldn't see so much bullying and depression in such small children.
ReplyDeleteI think just the sounds alone were peaceful and did not pay much attention to her. That was a little weird to bring in the darkness- so I did not. To me loving kindness in CD format is just the sounds of nature without the narrator or any disruptive commentary.
ReplyDeleteTamara, I agree ith you. This exercise was different. I liked the thought of wishing well for everyoe else, whether you are friends or not. I would like to continue it periodically to see if it gets better. I hope that asking for better things for everyone on our mental lists helps, particularly people who are struggling with serious health issues like your sister-in-law. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that it was a little disturbing to imagine a loved one in turmoil. I think that in this exercise the time in between the breaks and the speaking part were too long. I do enjoying relaxation techniques to relieve my tense muscles and to guide me though tough situations that I have had during the day.
ReplyDelete