The “loving kindness” exercise was
challenging and it needs repeating daily to learn the practice of being kind
and loving unconditionally. As it is easy to love a person you already love, it
is much harder to love “your enemy”. This is the culmination of loving
kindness.
The “subtle mind” is a very
pleasurable exercise. Learning breathing techniques to ease the mind is very pleasurable
and I have been doing it for many years now. I have found this exercise very
familiar and easy to follow. I usually feel refreshed after this exercise or
any exercise that involves clearing the mind and doing breathing exercises.
Practicing these exercises for this
week was very beneficial to me and I was able to face the very troubled times I
am going through. With these exercises in combination with meditation and
prayer, I am able to keep my head held high and my mind clear and focused. As I
have mentioned, I am traversing a personal difficult time and I have noticed
that physical changes started to happen, such a more frequent headache, feeling
sluggish and maybe coming down with a cold, sometimes feverish, etc. With these
techniques, I am able to keep my mind focused and my physical health in check
as well. It is all in the power of the mind and spirit. I have also going through a water fast that will last 7 days. The water fast helps me detox my body but it also gives me tremendous mind clarity.
A well thought out response, Sorry to hear of personal challenges but I applude your efforts to maintain focus and keep moving forward.
ReplyDeleteI found the subtle mind exercise easier but I like the thought of loving they enemy or meeting your inner healer and gaining wisdom. I feel I need more practice with each.
Excellent thought on water fasting keep and eye on your energy levels but you should feel awesome after the fast. I have done a lemon water fast or detox and well do another before heading over to Thailand at the start of next year.
Thanks for posting soon enough that I could respond. It is tough having a large assignment, work, and perhaps other classes. It all takes it toll on time and energy. Keep up the good work and best of luck on your fasting.
Jeff
Jeff,
Deletethanks for your reply. I often do water fast, about every 3-4 months for a week at the time. It keeps me focused, my mind is clear and my energy levels are usually very high. The 2nd 3rd day are a bit tough but I can get over it quickly as I keep busy. I find that meditating and opening my heart during this time is much easier. Thanks goodness I do not have to write an assignment on what I eat because I will be doomed that way. It actually happened during one of my classes and I had to "wing it" using foods that I ate before. I didn't want to interrupt my water fast for this assignment. I also do juice fast. I never did lemon fast only but on any normal day, I would start my day with a quart of lemon water.
Thank you for your positive vibes and stay in touch.
Hello Shirley,
ReplyDeleteFirst, can I say sorry to hear about you going through something right now and I hope things will look up. I do agree with you that the mind can serve as a great tool to promote healing mentally and physically. I'm a little curious about this "water fasting" and the benefits it has on the mind, body, and spirit? I think that it is great that you are able to clear your mind and allow yourself to relax. I have a terrible time trying to relax. One great point that you brought up was about how you started to feel physical changes when you are feeling low or distressed. It is so true and stress can kill you. I hold a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders. I have frequent headaches too. I would love to be able to just relax and decompress. Maybe after this course I will be able to. Great post!
Hello Shirley,
ReplyDeleteYour blogs are quite interesting. I feel lucky that I am in this class right now. I am using these tools that we are learning to help myself and my family.
As to whatever you are going through, I wish nothing but positive outcomes for you. I had a horrible May and had a lot of stuff happen to me from a negative medical test to getting $3500 stolen. However, it all worked out positively for me. I wish you the same.