When I reflect on the loving-kindness exercise and compare it with the subtle-mind one, I find some definite differences. The loving-kindness practice actually stimulated my energy. I felt more alive and rejuvenated...in a noticeable way. I did feel calm and relaxed but not as much as I was after the subtle-mind exercise. I think that this is good because both of these practices can fit in my life in different times. An interesting thing to note is that both of them involve deep breathing...this should tell us something! I know that both of these exercises are for my personal benefit but the loving-kindness practice will help me with the people in my little corner of the world. The subtle-mind practice will help me to ground myself and find what I am truly capable of...always a good thing.
I found it easier to do the subtle-mind exercise but I'm not sure why. Is it because I am becoming more focused and trained? Is it because I was at a point in my personal life that I really noticed the calmness? Is it because my mind was craving the peace I was looking for? I had a particularly tough few days and I was worried about even trying the exercise. After a couple of false starts...everything worked out well I did not feel energized but I was definitely calmer than I was at the beginning. I had trouble 'exploring' my mind but I think at the moment...I didn't really want to see what was deep in there. I had enough to deal with at the time. :-)) I think that if we take the time to really listen to our body...we will have more success with any self-searching exercises because our mind-body-spirit connection knows what we need at any given moment.
When I think about what it means for our spiritual wellness and the mental/physical connection...I realize that they are all connected and we need to strengthen all three for optimal health. All three are vital to our overall wellness so we should give all three equal attention. For wholeness and integral health we should exercise our mind as evenly as we do our body and our body the same as our spirit. When we finally connect it that physical illness comes from an unhealthy mind or spirit and vice versa...we can start to improve our health. I know that for myself, when I put on a little weight, my mind becomes filled with 'unhealthy thoughts' before I even know its happening. :-( I have to work on that!
Thanks for your post. I had quite the opposite experience as you did. I was in a stressed mood about various differing things in my life and have fallen behind on my schoolwork. I knew that I had much to accomplish today and it was very overwhelming. While I greatly enjoyed the subtle mind exercise as I needed a break to just be still, I was so anxious and thought filled that I struggled to still my mind. I did however almost fall asleep at one point and felt rather calm.
ReplyDeletePutting on weight does the same thing for me. I just feel bad, I lose confidence and self-esteem, and my mind becomes filled with negative thoughts. I find it much easier to just not deal with it at all. It is my motivation to be in shape! The connectedness of these three aspects of life are required for the body to thrive. I can really notice the connection in regard to the burdent that is on my mind when I am not regularly attending church. I feel that this is an essential component to my health and wellbeing as a human, and I can really feel the need to go when that aspect of my life is falling below par.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you worded your experience. I can completely relate to not wanting to explore my mind at certain times in life. It actually made me laugh and realize I am in the same situation. It makes life easier to handle some times when you realize you aren’t alone.
ReplyDeleteI have found that if any one of my mind, body or spirit is not quite “feeling the love,” I come down sick and struggle to get better. I find once I put them back in alignment, I get healthier faster. It seems weird sometimes, but it has been proven over and over again. (At least for me personally.) I really enjoyed reading your post and relating to what you had to say. Thank you.