Thinking about the exercises that we have done thus far, I think the two that stuck out to me the most are the Subtle Mind and Meeting Aesclepius exercises. To me, they were the most effective and held the most potential for creating inner change in myself. In order to actually affect change, I have to inject these practices into my routine. If I can make it habit to do these exercises, I will be able to continually develop my mental fitness without struggling to remember to do them. Just like physical exercise must become a part of my daily routine, so do these practices. An example of my mental fitness routine could be:
*Wake up at a set time in the morning (preferably before my children are up)
*Take 30 minutes to meditate, focusing on the Subtle Mind exercise
*Go on with the rest of the day, remembering to keep my mental activity under control and therefore controlling my actions using principles of Loving-Kindness.
*45 minutes before bedtime, take 30 minutes to meditate on my chosen mentor.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI admire your initiative to include such practices in your daily life. It can often times be difficult to find time for yourself with the hectic schedule of life. I don't even have kids and I find it challenging! The exercises that we have learned through this course definitely have the potential to create an increased level of self-awareness and inner peace. Good luck to you in your practices.
Sarah
I agree getting up before the kids do can be a great time to meditate and prepare for the day ahead. I have been getting up 40 minutes earlier than my kids, so that I can enjoy coffee and reading my materials for class. I find this to be a relaxing quiet time, and my whole day goes better. The thing I need to work on is actually meditating, because I am distracted by housework and schoolwork...if I can just really relax my mind once in a while life will be so much better!
ReplyDeleteSelena
I love how you take time in your day to meditate. I have never thought about doing this in my everyday life until I read your post. I think I am going to take your lead and do this for myself. I think it will help me focus on not only myself but on others.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed on how you have scheduled your plan of action to accomplish you meditation. You are on track to achieving your goals by writing that out. I always find life interesting in how all of us differ in so many ways, the two that benefited you the best were my to weakest ones. I am too visual and have trouble focusing if I don't have something to focus on.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you have found meditation options that will help you achieve a balanced mind body and spirit connection.
Heather
Hello -
ReplyDeleteEverybody's talking about animals and how they inspire and bring a sense of "blessing" into the lives of people. What about babies, little children? They have a wonderful effect on our lives. They enter the world with such innocence and honesty. In later years, they learn how to pretend, scheme and become a part of the stress and confusion scattered about in our environment. Next thing you know, they need to practice contemplative exercise to maintain their sanity too.
Spirit one