After. I listening to the mp3 on Loving Kindness I felt a bit of calmness and a sense of confusion. I felt the confusion because when I was asked to focus on a circle of strangers I was unable to have not much emotion as I was breathing in and exhaling out. I think it had to do with I was unable to mentally connect. I did find this exercise beneficial when talking about a loved one and one that is close to me but ill. I would probably recommend this exercise to others that are going through some inner turmoil because I found it to be very calming and relaxing. The ocean wave and the background music had a way of putting me at peace.
To me the concept of mental workout is to train or retrain you mind. Research states that some of the benefits to mental workout are how we can actually reduce disturbing emotions that cause us pain and anger, as well as doubt, worry and confusion. This mental training can also enhance resistance to stress, disease and help us to become more open to happiness, loving-kindness and acceptance.
I sometimes think about how nice it would be if I had the time to listen to these types of exercises on a more regular basis because I know they would help me and train me how to become less stressed and more relaxed.
Narda,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I would love to find more time to apply everything we are learning in this class.
Tania
Hi Narda,
ReplyDeleteFinding time to utilize these exercises more often would definitely be beneficial. Unfortunately, with work, school and my three kids I don't see it happening any time soon. Maybe after graduation I will have more free time to enjoy it and relax.
Shartyse
I will admit at one point during the exercise I was confused as well, with the strangers part. My mind couldn't just make up a face so I remembered what some of the people at kaplan look like that I've never talked to, they're strangers. I enjoyed the ocean waves as well, they really put my body at ease. I will recommend this to my grandfather as well as my husband. I believe we should all make time for these exercises on a regular basis. It's funny how we are so quick to handle situations but not as quick to handle our relaxation.
ReplyDeleteNarda,
ReplyDeleteFocusing on the strangers was easy for me, I just thought about people that I hear about on the news as well as people in a brain injury awareness support group that I am involved in.
The waves in the background were nice, but I prefer calming music and light sounds. In all, I found his exercise very relaxing and interesting. I enjoyed making the focus more on others rather than myself so much. I've always thought that I projected loving kindness on others but this strengthened that projection and focused it more.