Loving Kindness

       This week’s exercise was not very appealing to me as Mr. Dacher has a considerably irritating voice. The woman in the “Love-kindness” audio does not have a voice that lacks any passion nor it soothing. I felt it was just blank. However, I enjoyed the sounds of the waves, as I love the sea. I was almost able to feel the smell of seaweed and salty water.

       My little kitten, Mitzu, was also part of the experiment. As I listened to the audio file several times in the evening, he always curled up next to me and purred to his heart’s content. He was calm at the sound of the waves but jump each time, the woman would start talking. I jumped too. I found it hard to focus on relaxation as she startled me each time. However, after the audio was over, I used a recording of waves and seagulls and I relaxed while thinking of what she said to do. It worked like magic. 

       Mental workout is important to be done daily to improve our mental strength. Just like an athlete, training every day, we must develop consciousness and expand healing abilities. As this contemplative practice does not aim to relax, I found this exercise somewhat compelling me to think of people and myself with love and compassion.