This week's exercise was all about contrasting the Loving-Kindness meditation and the Subtle Mind meditation. I listened to both recordings in succession and then with time separating the two recordings to see if there was a difference in the overall effect.
The Loving-Kindness meditation was still uncomfortable for me to listen to. There was some internal resistance to being told how to feel. I am able to open myself to forgiveness but since I don't hold grudges I wasn't able to feel a person to focus on.
The Subtle Mind was much easier to follow and relax into. The Subtle Mind actually reminded me of the different meditations we used when I was taking my hypnotherapy classes. The ability to focus on the breath is very important both as a practitioner and as someone wanting to make changes in their life. I start sessions with my clients by asking them to take a few deep breaths and allow their body to relax into the chair they are sitting in. Then I make the suggestion that the only thing they hear is the background music and my voice. I tell them that any other background noises or other sounds only serve to relax them deeper.
Reaching down, deep down into the subconscious mind is where life changes take place. This is where the connection between the body, mind and spirit takes place. The practice of conscious thought has been part of my life for several years now. I have learned first hand how a person's thoughts, feelings and spiritual beliefs can affect their life for both the positive and the negative and I believe whole-heartedly in these studies. The more people who can share this information the sooner we can affect a vibrational change here on Earth.
Hey Mary,
ReplyDeleteI am loving the Subtle Mind practice. That focus on just breathing is very beneficial for me.
I agree with you about how sharing with others will affect the rest of the planet. I'm becoming more aware of how negative people are and my heart breaks when I see how devoted they are to their misery and negativity. They devote so much of their energy to it. I am working on more ways to pass positive energy on, even in the most casual contact. I want to be a part of this change. It will happen.
Be well.
Hello Mary,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. The loving-kindness exercise was telling you what to feel and it was kind of uncomfortable. I really liked the subtle mind practice though. The mind body connection is so important to understand and practice, i'm glad to hear that you have incorporated it into your life. Take care.
Jamie
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing the level of relaxation that you can achieve through these practices! It makes me wonder why people don't know about these. I guess life for most people moves so fast. It's all about getting as much done in your day as possible, leaving little room for anything else. I think that if people stopped midday to perform either of these practices, our world would be much different. Siesta anyone?!
Hi Mary. I agree with you, perhaps one day all of humanity can share in each others bliss through transcendence. I was a skeptic once about the mind-body-spirit connection, but through learning and applying mental training I put credence on the power and potential of the human spirit. I'm fond of both exercises. In the Loving-kindness exercise I could not relate to any one person who was the epitome of 'loving-kindness' so I choose Christ to envision and it helped me through the exercise. But I must admit...it is the breathing, which induces my mind to a calm, serene state. Talk with you later...take care, Howell.
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