My experience on practicing loving-kindness was very
relaxing, peaceful, and made me feel better about myself and people around me.
I found it very beneficial to practice loving-kindness daily within my body,
mind, and spirit. At first, it was difficult to let go of some things but when
I did it made the practice and experience that much more successful to me. I
would recommend this practice to others because it may help someone in distress
or someone holding bad feelings in their heart to release them so you can fully
love yourself and forgive others.
“Mental workout” is utilizing contemplative practices which
help to tame the mind’s ongoing mental activities and train the mind along with
opening one’s heart, broadening consciousness, and moving towards psychospiritual
flourishing. The main purpose is to progress in the development of an expanded
consciousness and to heal within the mind, body, and spirit. Loving-kindness
and subtle mind are the two contemplative practices.
By practicing loving-kindness a person can open their hearts
to others and reduce their selfishness therefore growing toward the development
of psychospiritual flourishing. Subtle mind addresses 3 levels to open the mind
and to reveal insightful wisdom of truth of life and existence. Proven benefits
are awareness and experiences of the mind with its many levels in healing and
developing the qualities of human flourishing which are health, happiness, and
wholeness.
In order to foster my psychological health with mental
workouts, I can devote at least a half hour to an hour a day of my time to
incorporate the practices of either loving-kindness or subtle mind. This can
bring me peace and calmness and I can benefit with good happiness, health, and
wholeness from within.
"I would recommend this practice to others because it may help someone in distress or someone holding bad feelings in their heart to release them so you can fully love yourself..."
ReplyDeleteHmm, I had not even considered this exercise as an outlet or avenue for self forgiveness. That is a great point you made. I know I certainly hold onto and am hardest on myself. I can easily forgive others, no matter how hurtful their words or actions may be, but I tend to hold myself to a higher standard that actually isn't all that reasonable. I am not really at a higher level of consciousness if I don't say or do something potentially hurtful as compared to others, it is almost the opposite, by expecting a difference and not letting go of things I am acting in a way contrary to higher development. Part of transformation is developing an ability to be and let go.
Christine M. Dixon
Hey Christine, thanks! I understand I can be very hard of myself too. I think this exercise does help with that.
DeleteI am glad that you had a positive experience with this exercise. It did not work well for me, however; I would recommend this exercise to someone who is into meditation. I will stick with my daily prayers that works well for me and I am able to forgive people through prayer as well.
ReplyDeleteI understand and prayers are the best!
DeleteScott,
ReplyDeleteDo you think that an hour of practicing mental workouts could be a bit intimidating to some people? For me, I am happy with 15 minutes of peace and quiet.
I agree on the importance of mental workouts. They can help relax the mind and the body. It helps everything feel better and it gives people a chance to think about things in a different light.
For now, I will have to stick to my 15 minutes, but enjoy your hour for me. :-)
Christine Faust
Christine,
DeleteLol, no I was not doing an hour that is a bit much to start. I just did it a few times during the week. I may try to get up to that one day. :)
to me a combination of both prayer and meditation work. From a Christian point of view, Jesus Christ meditated for 40 days and 40 nights prior to his crucifition. To me prayer is like talking to our creator and meditation is trying to connect with the universe.
ReplyDeleteCaroline, I totally understand that and I do not see why you cannot do both. It would actually be better to do both.
Delete