Hello fellow bloggers!
This week we had to choose two past exercises and/or practice sessions that we found to be the most beneficial to ourselves. This was a little difficult because there were some great ones; however, there were some that I seemed to relate to more than I did to others. The one that seemed the most beneficial to me because it helped me relax so well was the "Journey On" exercise we completed in Unit 2. I remember (in fact I think I am going to listen to it now!) how relaxed it made me. I could definitely experience everything the narrator instructed and I remember just feeling so great when I finally opened my eyes to begin the day. Practicing this several days a week can help me foster a better "mental fitness" because I would be practicing on training and stilling my mind. I also feel it would help me become more relaxed and less stressed at the small things in life.
The second exercise I found beneficial, even though it was a little difficult for me, was the loving-kindness practice. I remember having this warm feeling in my heart as I imagined my daughter; however, I also remember how hard it was for me to concentrate as the exercise continued on. I feel this practice could help me become more patient and loving-kind to not only my loved ones, strangers, and even enemies whenever they should come about (hopefully I will never have any!), but also to myself.
I know practice does not always make perfect, but it can definitely help me become more relaxed and aware of how I am treating not only myself, but those around me as well. I am trying to come up with a "fool-proof" plan on how to practice these since I can't do it while my daughter is awake. I currently get up at 4:30am to do my homework; maybe I could wake up a little earlier so I can do the practices before I begin my day? However, I might end up falling asleep and then I won't be able to do any homework at all. If anyone has any ideas, I am definitely open to hearing them!
Y'all have a great and relaxing week!
-Natasja
Natasja it seems that you have your time measured out for your day, it almost sounds like you are not really being as free with your mental workouts as you could be. If I could suggest listening to the exercises while you are doing reading for your homework, and taking a few minutes during the process to find your stillness, and while in the stillness of your mind become familiar with your coursework? I have been trying this particular activity for the last two weeks, with some success. I know that it could be seen as multi-tasking, but I recall the information better when I am focused on it and not on all of the random thoughts in my head.
ReplyDeleteDina
I think we are both the same in the sense that we found some exercises to be beneficial and others that we just did not relate to. Some good and some bad for sure. I don’t think that these exercises were meant for every single person to find successful but the fact there are so many to pick from it gives us all a possibility that one will. It is interesting that you liked the “journey on” exercise because I just couldn’t get that one to work for me. I wish it did but clearly I just wasn’t feeling it. Hopefully you can benefit from the many exercises we have learned from.
ReplyDeleteHi Natasja!
ReplyDeleteI sympathize with your struggle to find 'me time' while your daughter is keeping you busy. I agree with Dina's suggestion that you 'alter' the exercise a little to make it work for you. You could record your own exercise with the words and thoughts that calm you the most. Even a five minute exercise will be good for you and in time, you may find that you can meditate at will. Years ago, when my son was little (he's almost 22 now), I would just sit on a chair while he was eating or otherwise occupied. I could meditate for a couple of minutes and feel refreshed. It did take some time to get to the point where I felt comfortable enough to 'let myself slip away' for a couple of minutes while my son was active, but it was worth it & made me a better mom! As long as you don't fall asleep sitting up, you're golden. ;-)) Remember, we don't have to meditate for long periods of time to reap the benefits. :-)
Hi Natasja,
ReplyDeleteAnother week, another great post! Like you, I have a hard time fitting my meditation practice into my schedule. I know that I always feel better, more relaxed and more at peace once I meditate but often times it easier to simply give into the stress and not make the time for the practice. I too need to get better at it and hope that once I have a more stable work schedule (I have been traveling a lot) and I can develop a routine that really works for me!
Great job,
Jeremy