The process of the Universal Loving-Kindness exercise is to be able to feel one with another. In order to do this we are taken through a series of events that start off with us closing our eyes and resting into your mind and body, once the chatter has gone. By repeating several phrases for approximately ten minutes will help you to turn anger and hatred into a universal loving-kindness by expanding our consciousness into a capacity for empathy, seeing and caring for others.
The process of the assessment is to determine how each aspect of our life will impact a specific problem. By closing our eyes and releasing all mental activity, focus on one area and ask yourself if the source of the problem is difficult and or causing suffering. Focus on healing then on promoting integral development.
In doing these exercises I learned a lot about my patience level and lack of. This will be the focus of my development. Applying different breathing exercises and mental awareness exercises have been helping me in this area.
Narda,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post! I agree with you that one of the things I need to work on as well when it comes to performing the exercises in the text is my patience and ability to focus. That is good that you recognize that you need to work on your patience. I find my ADD and the constant running list of things I need to do in my day inhibits me from performing the exercises as they are probably meant to be performed. I have such a hard time focusing but being able to recite lines for some of the exercises helps me focus more than sitting in silence and clearing my mind.
-Megan Krapf
Narda,
ReplyDeleteThe ability to recognize the need to work on patience is the basic issue I think we all feel. We are always running around, making lists, and trying to get things done puts a lot of unnecessary stress on us. Everytime I read the DB and blog posts I take what everyone says and try to incorporate them into my life and sometimes I tailor them to me. Thank you:)
Erika
Narda,
ReplyDeleteI can see where these exercises can test your patience. At times it is easy and at other times it can be down right frustrating. I do think that the purpose of these exercises is beneficial, and with continued practice it will become easier. Patience is not a quality seen in our society much anymore as we are more of a rush rush, instant gratification society. Taking time to slow down and address the things that are important poses to be a challenge, but it is a challenge worth taking.
Shartyse
I too have some work to do. I have a hard time remembering the sentences we should be focusing on and seem to let my mind wander. I think I am just an active person that may need to change things up a little. Maybe if I try yoga or a different form of mind-body medicine that involves focusing on movement and breathing I may have more success.
ReplyDeleteNarda,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that you are having trouble with patience. For some of us, that is a very hard virtue to conquer. Mostly my lack of patience comes from a need to control situations and have things as I want them, in the moment that I want them. Try to release the need to "hurry up" or "get on with it" and try to let yourself just "be" in the moment and except the moment for what it is.