This week I decided to try something different when listening to the Loving-Kindness Meditation. I began by doing the deep breathing only this time I repeated the words "no judgment" over and over in my mind. I was aware that this particular exercise did not come easily to me and I wanted to go into it with a positive attitude. The first time though, I found myself reaching a level of relaxation I hadn't found before but I still wasn't able to reach that "warm" feeling. I listened to the mediation two more times and though I didn't get to where I wanted to me, I have hope that with practice, it will happen.
The Integral Assessment was much easier. It is very similar to a tool that is used in my Life Coaching practice. The Wheel of Life is divided into eight parts and each "slice" is labeled with a part of the individuals life that is of importance to them. The individual is then asked to rate, on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most desirable level, where they felt they were in honoring their potential for each area. I haven't done this assessment in a long time and was actually pleasantly surprised that I was closer to reaching my potential in several areas. The area(s) I've chosen to focus on is Social Activism and Work or the Worldly area of the assessment.
I chose this area because I am coordinating an effort to create a Food Cooperative here in Anchorage. Those of us that live in Alaska find ourselves in a unique situation when it comes to food availability. If there was to be some type of natural disaster or the oil fields would suddenly run dry, the ability to feed the people that live in this state would come to a screeching halt. We have a number of family farms in the Matanuska Valley, which is about 40 miles north of Anchorage. These farmer's come to Anchorage during the summer and participate in several Farmer's Markets but when winter hits, there are very few opportunities to eat local (300 mile radius). We are very fortunate that the climate in Alaska favors the plants and the number of pests are very limited. Therefore, the use of pesticides is almost non-existent. There also seems to be an aversion to the use of antibiotics in the meats and minimal pasteurization in our milks. I feel very strongly about our efforts and will have to make sure I don't ignore my personal needs while my focus is elsewhere.
I feel I can maintain a balance between my interpersonal needs and my worldly desires by continuing a meditative practice. I enjoy listening to relaxing music and find I am able to "center" myself and take an objective view of what's happening in my life during my listening time.
Anyone out there ever worked for a food market or cooperative? I would love to talk to you and "pick your brain."
Mary
Hello Mary,
ReplyDeleteI just want to say that you have provide some really good information by comparing eight slices of food that I did not think about doing the assessment exercise. I knows that meditation may not for everybody if one can not overcome that imagery or quiet moment with oneself. When I mediate than I tend to think about peaceful with nature so, that the inner with each one can overcome that barriers in life. The only suggestion would be to relax as one breathing through the nostril as one exhale through the mouth for couple of seconds. In this way, it can relief the anxiety and negative energy that one might experience.
From,
Vibol
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post as always! I really like that you modified the loving kindness practice. I think that each practice is not going to work the same for everyone and I really like that you took the initiative to add something to see what works for you. Keep at it!