The loving-kindness practice was interesting in that you are instructed to choose someone you love and put all of your focus on them then turn that love inward to yourself. I found this to be a very difficult task because I was raised with the belief that loving one's self is bad; it's egotistical. However, as the activity continued I was able to better understand the reason for being directed to turn that love inward. Regardless of our teachings and upbringing, each person must learn to love and respect his self first and foremost in order to be able to truly love and respect others. I found this exercise to be very peaceful and meaningful. The part that really touched my heart was when we were to think of someone who is suffering and turn our loving-kindness on them. My best friend has breast cancer and I immediately thought of her. She is a good person and I want her to beat this. I gave her all of the positive energy and loving-kindness I could muster. I thought I might have a difficult time at the end with turning my loving-kindness toward my enemies, but I don't know of any true enemies that I have. There are people that I know that I don't see eye-to-eye with but I don't give them much thought. I have learned over the years that it takes too much time and energy to hate or to stay mad at someone. I guess that is why I am just "indifferent" with some people. I have no feelings toward them one way or the other. This is definitely an exercise I will repeat often and that I would recommend to others.
A "mental workout" is when you push your mind to the limit over and over such as you would your body in a physical workout. Research indicates that a mental workout can lead one to a feeling of happiness and wholeness that they may have never thought possible. There have been many who have studied the Eastern religions and philosophies and many of these undertakings include hours and hours of sitting still and listening or reflecting on one's inner being. To sit for hours, without moving, to listen to one's heartbeat or breathing rhythm may seem ridiculous at first but when a person is on a journey of peace and tranquility this simple activity makes a lot of sense. Furthermore, it is a serious mental workout. A person can not only change their mental state by way of a mental workout, a person can change their physical state as well.
Interesting post, it is very beneficial that we are able to push our minds to its limits when it is all about positive changes. The way we establish our states of mind can have great effects on our health. This is why proper care of our mind and body is important because they both go hand in hand.
ReplyDeleteJennifer F.
That is weird how you were told that loving oneself is not right. Well, we have to love ourselves first before sharing with others. Just like saying how could you help others when you can't help yourself. You can love yourself as long as you do not get too selfish doing it. Like those who are way into themselves that everything is all about them and not others. This is what ego is. Once you can build confidence in yourself it is okay to share love and kindness.
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