My very first reaction to the loving-kindness exercise for this week, was "please Please PLEASE, tell him Dacher does not narrate the practice himself." And he didn't so that was nice! In all honesty, I found the end visualization of this weeks relaxation exercise to be the most helpful. I listened to the recording after having my good day at work ruined by one customer at the very tail end of my shift. During the last bit of the relaxation time, where we were to expand our circle of loving-kindness to everyone, I included that man, and it really helped me to get over the anger I felt at being treated badly. Taking in all the negativity, stress, and bad vibes from the world, dissolving them within the self, and then exhaling out loving-kindness and peace was a very power technique and visualization. I would recommend this to anyone who works in a stressful environment, or to anyone who has to deal with others they do not necessarily like, agree, or get along with.
This week, Dacher also continued to discuss mental workouts, and mental fitness. He states that by practicing either loving-kindness, or the subtle mind exercises for just one hour a day, we will begin to see a vast improvement in our psychospiritual health and wellness. I think I might start with half an hour a day, then work up to an hour. Right now, between working full time, and full time college classes it is hard for me to find a whole hour a day to relax, but I think I could manage 20 to 30 minutes!
On a side note, meditation has been a big help to me this week. My brother's dog ran away and was hit and killed by a car. She was just like a second niece; part of the family. She was my study buddy when I dog sat, and a constant companion for about two months last year when my brother had to move, so she came and stayed with me until her was settled in. I hope she knows how much she is missed and loved.
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| Queenie | |
Sorry about the dog Catherine, she looks like my parents old dog Sam, who also is gone now. I'm glad you found the exercise helpful in getting over the bad customer. I think it helped me. These exercises almost always help me relax if nothing else. Fight the good fight.
ReplyDeleteMeditation definitely helps me when I have had a rough day. Like today for instance was a long day, and I could not wait to get home. When I meditate it takes my mind else where even if it's for a minute. On another note, I am sorry to hear about the the dog! That's really sad to hear, My dog passed a few years ago to I definitely know that feeling.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing that the exercise had such a profound effect on you that it even helped you to dispel the anger that you had towards a customer - I know how that goes, especially when you do your best just to get through the day and then when it feels like it's finally over you have that one person who is just ready to spread out negative vibes because of their own resentments toward life. Think of it this way ; these practices will keep us from being That person, lol.. Or at least I like to think so... :p I'm sorry about what happened to your brother's dog, but at least judging by the picture she looks like she lived a happy life.. God bless you and yours
ReplyDeleteCatherine, I am so sorry about your sweet dog. I need to say that I was cracking up when I first started reading your blog. I have the same reaction to Dachers voice! I find it very distracting and not relaxing. I never listen to guided meditation and am very comfortable with the quite. I hope you have a good week in spite of your situation :). Many Blessings to you! Nancy
ReplyDeleteIt can seem very difficult to make an hour in your day, I'm like you...work, school, house work, kids....it's tough to find time! I personally like to start things with a much smaller time commitment, that way I'm less likely to fail. I'm sorry to hear about your brother's dog! I completely understand how hard it can be!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!